04 September 2023 , 12:44
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In the heart of the Black Country, 500 year old pub Ye Olde Leathern Bottel is said to be home to many ghosts.
This historic establishment, which is twice as old as the United States, is said to have once been the hideout of the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin. With its charming black and white timber frames, the boozer seems to have leapt straight out of a children's storybook. Nestled in a quaint side street in Wednesbury, this pub dates back to 1510AD.
Originally a coach house, an antique photograph adorning its walls reveals that it has served as a local watering hole since at least 1887, with Victorian gentlemen seen outside. The pub holds a special place among the Black Country's most charismatic establishments. "It's a great pub, it's got a really good community following," current landlord, Karl Silvester, 34, who recently committed to another five years at the helm.
Karl says he's a skeptic but has heard spooky tales (Birmingham Live)Karl took over the pub in January 2019. Despite initial struggles, he now reports steady business. "We have a massive mix of customers, some are elderly, then we have middle-aged and younger ones," he told BirminghamLive. As expected from such an ancient building, Ye Olde Leathern Bottel is steeped in ghost stories. While Karl admits he's a "sceptic", he couldn't help but share some of the eerie tales associated with the establishment.
"I have heard things, especially in the cellar," he confessed. "I've heard a tapping and some of the barrels tick. Me personally, I haven't seen anything but we have a regular psychic night. Just before Covid, one of the mediums sent me a picture and said there was a little girl standing at the door. But I'm very sceptical and I try not to believe it because I have to come here on my own."
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The boozer is one of the oldest in the UK (BPM)Adding to the mystery, he mentioned unusual smells that permeate the pub. "Quite often you can smell toast and paint. I'm not sure why. The toast can be anytime in the day whereas the paint is when you come in the morning," he explained. He also recounted a chilling incident involving a workman. "We had a workman. I left him to carry on what he was doing and he said the chair in here had moved on its own. Actually, it was the chair you are sitting in."
The pub's interior is steeped in character. Old timber beams crisscross the ceiling, while the window of the front door is shaped like an old leather bottle, paying homage to the pub's name. An antique clock bearing the pub's name adorns the bar. A nostalgic collection of photographs taken by Derek Wilkins in 1966, showcasing old pubs in Wednesbury, is displayed around the back. These images have been printed onto beer mats and scattered around the pub for patrons to collect.
Karl revealed that parts of the pub date back to the original 16th-century building, including the bar area. One of the rooms, which now houses a fireplace, was formerly the stables. The rear of the building is a later addition. "I like the character, I think because it is traditional. Most pubs you go into are open-planned," Karl said.
He went on to say: "This is nice, we have got four nice little rooms and a beer garden. If people come and sit in here, generally the music is off and it's more of a quieter room. The bar can get quite loud with people singing. The back is where the sports are shown. Really you have a good mix."
Recently, the tragic loss of The Crooked House near Dudley, a beloved local landmark that was destroyed by fire and subsequently demolished earlier this month, has sparked police and council investigations. Reflecting on the incident, Karl expressed his devastation: "It was devastating. I think more should have been done to save it. The Crooked House, I have always known that for a destination site. The only problem is when you don't use them, especially with the cost of living."
Despite these challenges, business at Ye Olde Leathern Bottle continues to thrive. However, Karl admits that the recent "tripling" of energy prices has added pressure. "It is a busy pub but we still struggle with the cost of living," he said. "Electric and gas bills have still trebled, so that has a big impact. We obviously need a good amount of staff because of how busy the pub is."
Ye Olde Leathern Bottel keeps its patrons entertained with karaoke nights on Fridays, live singers on Saturdays, and quiz nights on Sundays. Additionally, it offers free jukebox sessions on Friday and serves up delicious pizza and crusty cob menus throughout the week.
* This article was crafted with the help of an AI tool, which speeds up The Mirror's editorial research. An editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to [email protected]