Dudley Council's ill-fated restaurant venture goes on the property market - here's what you can rent

Brookes Bar and Bistro, in the former Dudley Crown Court, has been put on the market by Hexagon Commercial Property.

The restaurant, which forms part of the Dudley Town Hall complex, opened in September 2022 following a £1.5 million renovation as part of a scheme to revitalise the town's civic quarter.

It received positive reviews from diners, but racked up losses of £387,700 during its first 18 months of trading. 

The council spent £50,000 on a private consultant in an attempt to keep the venue open, but the decision was made to close the restaurant in August 2024 to stem losses.

The agent says the 3,730 sq ft building represents 'an exceptional opportunity to lease a prestigious Grade II* listed restaurant and bar, steeped in rich history and located in the vibrant heart of Dudley town centre.'

It adds: "This remarkable property was once home to the borough's Sessions Court, making it a true landmark with deep historical significance. "The space has been meticulously transformed into a turn-key restaurant and bar, fully equipped and ready for immediate operation. 

"It boasts a fully-fitted commercial kitchen and a stylish, well appointed bar area, offering the perfect setting for a new operator to make their mark and continue the property's legacy. Whether you're an established restaurateur or an ambitious entrepreneur, this unique venue presents an unmissable opportunity to create an extraordinary dining experience in a prominent and character-filled location."

The advertisement does not disclose the rental cost.

The building was opened by prime minister Stanley Baldwin in 1928, and was used as the town's crown court until 1990. 

In September 2017 senior councillors published draft plan for turning the venue into a bar and restaurant for visitor to the town hall.

In March 2019 a final business plan was circulated, and an all-party scrutiny committee recommended approval of the plan, and work began in 2021.

The restaurant was opened by mayor of Dudley, Councillor Sue Greenaway, in September, 2022. 

Cutting the ceremonial ribbon, she said: “It’s wonderful to see a building with a rich past being brought back to life.

“Today, in what was an open courtroom years ago, I am excited to see a thriving bar and restaurant.

“It will be a great addition for town hall customers but also a great addition for the town centre, which I hope our residents will enjoy.”

It was named after Brooke Robinson, an MP and coroner for Dudley who died in 1911. Mr Robinson was an avid collector of paintings and artefacts from around the world, and his collection formed the Brooke Robinson Museum which was also based in the town hall until 1979.

On the launch of a separate, unrelated entertainment quarter across the road in Stone Square, Dudley Council leader Councillor Patrick Harley told how Brookes Bar and Bistro had 'kick-started Dudley’s night-time resurgence'.

But during its first seven months, the venue made a loss of  £182,400. The losses continued through the 2023/24 financial year, losing the taxpayer another £205,500.

A consultant was brought in to assess the venue, along with the borough's other town hall bars, leisure centre cafes and Himley Hall.

The management of these sites was transferred in April 2024 to the council’s commercial department and the consultant took over operational management at Brookes Bar and Bistro after the departure of three managers.

The closure of the restaurant was announced on August 1 this year, and closed at the end of the month with total losses standing at £1,519,789.

Councillor Shaun Keasey, who owns a nightclub in Wolverhampton, said: “It is absolutely sickening, it is an obscene amount of money when the council is in its current financial position.

“It is entirely unacceptable to ask the people of Dudley to swallow this. There was a complete lack of forward thinking from management and a level of arrogance and incompetence, political leaders have allowed £1.5m of our money to be wasted.”

Councillor Harley pointed out he was in opposition when the project began under the previous administration. He said it would not have gone ahead under his leadership due the costs of renovating the building.

He added the external consultant reduced losses at the bar ‘substantially’ and there was a business plan in place which would have seen the bar in profit in 18 months time.

Councillor Harley said: “There are lessons for all local authorities to learn, they shouldn’t be dipping their toes into the water of commercial activity of this kind." He added that there had been interest from commercial operators in taking over Brookes Bar.