NEWS: Pub plan for derelict Solihull nightspot

Plans have been unveiled for a historic nightspot sat derelict for years to become a pub once again.

For decades Missoula Bar and Luna upstairs on Solihull High Street drew crowds of clubbers every weekend.

And dating from the 17th century the site was the area’s oldest night time venue.

But eight years ago this month Missoula Bar closed, following Luna, bringing an end of an era for clubbers.

Now London pub brand Heartwood Inns has revealed plans to transform the listed building site into a ‘pub with rooms’.

Heartwood has announced the site will be renamed The Muddy Fox with a multi-million-pound investment for a refurbishment.

The proposal is to create 25 bedrooms alongside a landscaped terrace and garden.

The owners are promising “seasonally changing menus” and “carefully curated drinks list” for guests to enjoy.

And “boutique-style” bedrooms would feature Roberts radios, Bramley toiletries, Chromecast televisions and rainfall showers, with select rooms also offering free-standing baths.

Heartwood has entered into an agreement with Solihull Council ahead of a detailed planning application being submitted to the authority’s planners in the coming months.

And should planning approval be gained, Heartwood wants work to begin on the site later this year.

Councillor Ian Courts, the authority’s deputy leader and cabinet member for managed growth, said: “The Muddy Fox will be a wonderful addition to Solihull.

“The development represents a significant boost for our town centre, helping to strengthen the local economy, creating jobs and increasing footfall on our high street.

“As well as enhancing this prominent building, it also supports our wider ambition to create a welcoming, high‑quality evening and leisure offer.”

Richard Ferrier, Heartwood chief executive officer, added: “We are delighted to be working with Solihull Council on the transformation of this characterful old coaching inn.

“We intend to invest significantly with the aim of creating a beautiful pub and once again be a valued part of Solihull’s town centre.”

Originally called The Malt Shovel, the pub had several name changes over the years including the Snooty Fox, 1978 to 1993, with Scandals night club above, Rosie O’Brien’s, Rosie’s Pump House and The Pump House from 1993 to 2004, and Loaf between 2004 and 2006.

It then reopened as Popworld and briefly as B91 around 2009, before a stint as House Missoula Bar from 2016.

Missoula and Luna both closed in 2018 following a compulsory purchase order, as part of the Touchwood II expansion that never materialised.