Pub celebrates 40th anniversary with 1980s-themed party

Landlady Julie Yapp celebrates the 40th anniversary of the refurbished Mary Rose Public House in Cheslyn Hay

The Mary Rose Pub in Moon Lane, Cheslyn Hay opened in December 1982 with first landlord Bill Holman and his wife Val at the helm when traditional pubs were still very popular spots in most communities.

The first pint was served by resident Augusta Dams, who was invited to the official opening as she had previously lived in a cottage on the property on which the pub was built.

The shops were awarded Pelsall and Mid Staffordshire CAMRA Pub of the Year 1985–87 for being friendly locals “where the beer, hospitality and food are of the highest standard”.

In the renovated pub

Augusta Dams officially opened the pub in December 1982

It has seen many licensees come and go over the years, including Julie Johnson, who took over in 2008 after giving up her Rushall Catering business, and Suzanne Snape. It has been home to amateur football teams, a rest stop for hiking groups, and a popular lunch club for over-50s, with membership growing from 10 to 60 in four months.

After a stint as an Indian restaurant, Greene King’s premises are leased from Vik Jamwal and managed by landlady Julie Yapp, 63, who took over the reins in October 2021 with the help of her husband Bob.

In 2008, new licensee Julie Johnson raised a glass to the pub’s reopening

Ms Yapp says: “I have worked in the pub industry in the past and worked here for Bill and Val many years ago. Bill sadly passed away over a year ago and was the life and soul of the place during his time here. We renovated the place, decorated and installed new seating and furniture to give it a more traditional feel.

“We now only serve food on Sundays when we serve a proper roast buffet which is doing well and helping to rebuild our customer base. A lot of people don’t know that it’s not a curry house anymore.

In 2013, landlady Julie Daines took part in a 62-mile walk to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital

“Someone suggested we throw a party to celebrate the 40th anniversary and renovation where we danced to 1980s hits. We had a fantastic night with many ex-staff and regulars coming to reminisce and have a look.

“A lot of people said they didn’t know we were going back to a more traditional offering. Hopefully word gets around. I have endeavored to turn back time to recreate the rose as it was all those years ago. The pub is still frequented by former kitchen and bar staff.”

In 1998 Paul Husselbee, Bill Hollyman, Val Hollyman, Sheila Cox and Ruth Hutchinson waxed their legs for BBC Children in Need

Employees also hosted charity events, including sponsored walks and legwax capers.

In 2011, Val Rivers show singer Valaura Wilkes performed with Stan Lyons at the popular over-50s lunch club

In addition to serving real ales daily and dining on Sundays, the grounds are adjacent to a nature trail. To book meals, contact The Mary Rose via the Facebook page or by phone on 01922 414222.