Stonegate profits from pubs
Stonegate profits from pubs, not communities
I’m writing as a long-standing customer of Ye Olde Foundry in Dudley, a pub I’ve used for over 35 years. Under the recent landlord, Jake, the venue was finally thriving again. He invested his own time and money into improving the premises, rebuilt its reputation, brought in quality live music (often free entry), and created a genuine sense of community — including a memorial wall honouring local regulars who had passed away.
Despite this clear turnaround, the pub has now closed following Stonegate’s handling of the tenancy. Based on what has been shared publicly, this included escalating financial pressures, lack of meaningful support, punitive fines, poor communication, and ultimately the sudden loss of the premises licence. The outcome: a committed landlord pushed out, a viable business destroyed, and a community hub lost.
This isn’t just about one pub. Across Dudley alone, multiple pubs have closed in a short space of time. Stonegate may own the buildings, but it is local people who suffer when community venues are treated as disposable assets rather than protected spaces.
Companies like this often talk about “community” in their branding. The reality on the ground feels very different.
Stonegate should reflect seriously on how it treats tenants who are clearly doing everything they can to make a success of their pubs — because once the community trust is gone, it’s very hard to rebuild.