Inside the derelict Dogpool pub in Stirchley, Birmingham, left to rot after losing its licence

A former pub in a prime city location has been left to rot after plans to transform the iconic building fell through. The once-bustling Dogpool Hotel, based on the corner of Pershore Road in Stirchley, Birmingham, has been closed for nearly a decade.

The derelict watering hole changed hands numerous times over a 20-year period before losing its licence over persistent trouble. Planning documents from 2019 show Midlandwide Investments Limited had planned to turn the large building into a café and a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

But the firm dissolved in 2020 shortly after withdrawing another application to turn land adjacent into student flats. The company admitted before closing that the site had become a ‘financial burden’.

The premises recently became available to lease ‘long term’ via commercial property consultancy Siddall Jones. The firm chose not to reveal the current owners of the site when approached.

Selly Park resident Andrew Burns told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he recently snapped images of the building’s interior from pavement outside. He said it was “very sad” to see the state of the former pub.

“Although it did look tidier than the last time I looked; less rubbish and debris on the floor,” he added. Siddall Jones’ listing on Rightmove reads: “Property comprises of the ground floor element within the former Dogpool Hotel site.

“The property benefits from a prominent corner position on Pershore Road and St Stephens Road opposite its junction with Dogpool Lane. The premises currently provide predominantly open plan space with some cellular ancillary/WC areas. Vehicular access is provided from Pershore Road and provides car parking for approximately 30 vehicles.

“Stirchley is an up-and-coming area which has recently been listed in Time Out Magazine as one of the twelve coolest neighbourhoods in the UK. The site is close to Stirchley centre with easy access to shops, cafes, and restaurants.”