TWO Bromsgrove historians are unhappy that a well-known town centre
pub has reached the end of the line.
But the owners of the former `Shoulder of Mutton' which reopens soon
as `The Wishing Well' says the change of name represents a new start.
Dr Alan Richards described the demise of the `Shoulder of Mutton' as a
sad day for the town.
"A little bit of Bromsgrove has been lost. There has been a `Shoulder
of Mutton' on the site for 500 years," he said.
Author Robin Shaw who lives in Kidderminster Road and is a member of
the Housman Society committee also laments the change of name.
"Edward. the poet A.E. Houseman's father who used to live at Perry Hall
and was fond of a drink used to hurl a stone that landed on the pub
roof and was a signal for the landlord to fetch him a jug of ale.
"We regret the name change because it is the loss of a part of
Bromsgrove's history."
But joint licensee Jeff Kay was unrepentant and looks forward to the
pub in St John's Street reopening on Saturday as `The Wishing Well.'
"Latterly `The Shoulder of Mutton' had a somewhat dubious reputation
and this represents a new beginning," he said.
"The pub has undergone a major refurbishment and extension including
the creation of a larger bar, new kitchen and garden area."
It will offer real ale and live music. Punch Taverns have undertaken
the renovation as a joint venture with Hop Pole Inn Limited.