Greene King has confirmed that trading has ended at The Billesley in Kings Heath, Birmingham, closing a beloved pub that had welcomed customers for more than 100 years. The brewery is now considering the site's future.
Community Devastated by Sudden Shutdown
The decision has come as a shock to many regulars who used the pub weekly for activities ranging from choir rehearsals to live music events. Among the affected groups is Crafting Voices Choir, which held regular sessions at the venue. Members believed the closure was temporary for essential maintenance, only to discover the pub would not reopen.
The choir described the news as "devastating," noting that singing together at The Billesley had become the "highlight of people's week" for many members. The group also said the unexpected closure created a "horrible atmosphere," leaving some people "very, very upset." Birmingham City Council has offered the choir a temporary space in Kings Heath Park while it searches for a permanent venue.
Rock Club Loses Home After Five Years
The closure has also left Billesley Rock Club without a base after more than five years of hosting gigs at the pub. The organisers said they were in a "massive state of shock" and described themselves as "devastated and heartbroken" by the news.
In a statement shared on Facebook, they said: "We have put our hearts and souls into the club over the past few years and have met some lovely people, and we would like to thank all the bands and customers for their love and support." They added that they now needed time to "reflect on our future" and promised further updates when able.
Refurbishment Costs Deemed Too High
The closure came after customers were initially told the pub would shut for around three weeks for essential maintenance. However, according to reports, Greene King later concluded that refurbishment costs were too high, making the pub unviable to continue operating.
A Greene King spokesperson said the company understood the closure was "disappointing news to the local community." They added: "We are working closely with our team at The Billesley to find alternative roles at our other pubs where possible."
The news has led to an outpouring of messages from customers on social media, many of whom said the pub was far more than just somewhere to have a drink. One person wrote on Facebook: "Absolutely devastated reading this. I'm genuinely in shock. The Billesley isn't just another venue, it's been a second home to so many of us in the rock scene." They added: "Some of my favourite memories, gigs and friendships have come from that stage and those nights."
