The Prince of Wales pub in Moseley Birmingham has revealed it’s closing down

The Prince of Wales pub in Moseley is shutting down after 15 years on 4 September.

It’s the end of an era for the pub at 118 Alcester Road which won the Licensee of the Year Award in 2015 and has been a beloved spot for locals since 1860.

The pub is steeped in history. The Marsden family took over in 2007 and transformed the outside area - creating a giant covered beer garden with a heated marquee complete with a tiki bar, cigar bar and wine bar.

It won awards, including the Bll (British Institute of Innkeepers) award. But in recent times the pub has experienced difficulties.

Pub owner, Keith Marsden, told BirminghamWorld: “The Prince had a very successful strategy: it was the favourite pub of thousands of people and won multiple awards. It wasn’t to everyone’s taste, but nothing ever is.

“With residential developments on both sides, this strategy no longer works. This is compounded by Moseley’s decline as a night time destination, higher costs and changes in drinking habits post Covid.”

He added: “Every suburban pub faces a very tough time over the next two years. The future for hospitality is bleak. I am sure the Prince will be reborn. Just not sure when and what it will offer. One thing is sure, it will never be the same.”

The Prince of Wales is going out with a bang though. On Sunday 28 August, the pub is set to host a “classic Prince Sunday afternoon” that will include live music, DJs and some great drinks.

Tickets for their last big hurrah are £10 and include 2 cocktails and a special Prince Dirty Burger. The event starts at 2pm and ends late. The pub closes on 4 September.

What have locals said about the Prince of Wales closing?

One local resident, Michelle Slater, said on the pub’s Facebook page: “This makes my blood boil, it really does. If you’re not prepared to tolerate the noise from a pub, then don’t buy an apartment next to a pub.

“It’s simple really. But no, selfish people have to spoil it for others, and this is why we can’t have nice things. I have twice lived opposite a pub without any problems, and now my garden backs on to a school. It’s all part of living in a city.”

Another commented: “In total shock, why is it closing? One of the best pubs in Brum! Had plenty of fab days/nights there! Gutted!”

However, Marsden added on his Facebook page that Greene King will seek to reopen it at some point.

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.