The former Highgate Brewery in Walsall could be opening its doors to the public if a recently filed licence application is granted.
A company called the Highgate Brewery Tap House Ltd from Bearwood, Birmingham has submitted the application to Walsall Council requesting a licence for entertainment, including live music, and the sale of alcohol.
Representations regarding the application can be made up until August 17, 2021.
The Highgate Brewery on Sandymount Road is a Grade II listed, five-storey building that was constructed in approximately 1898 with the aim of providing local leather workers with dark beers, including the flagship Highgate Dark Mild.
The brewery remained independent until 1939 before being bought out by Mitchells & Butlers. Though the plan was to close down their competitor, brewing continued at the site due to the company qualifying for extra wartime rationing supplies.
Mitchells & Butlers was subsequently taken over by Bass in 1961.
By the 1970’s Highgate Brewery employed over 60 people and was producing 2,500 barrels of mild ale per week, operating as Bass’ smallest brewery.
During the 80’s, the brewery began to struggle with sales due to changes in the industry and the evolution of the lager scene and lighter bitter ales. Consequently, staff numbers were significantly reduced.
By the mid 1990’s, Bass made the decision to close the plant. A buy-out by management saved the brewery for a number of years, but with spiraling debts it was sold to the Aston Manor Brewing company which made cider and keg beer.
The brewery never recovered from its debts and Aston Manor sold the historic site to pub operator, Global Star in 2007. Recession hit the company hard and the brewery closed in 2010. The site has been up for auction a number of times since but has failed to sell.
Could the application for an entertainment license herald the start of a new and exciting chapter for this historical site?