Ye Olde Foundry, a beloved rock pub and community hub in Dudley, has been forced to close its doors due to Stonegate Group’s aggressive and unsustainable business practices. For years, this small venue with a huge attitude has been a vital part of our local scene, hosting live music, fostering friendships, and serving as a lifeline for music lovers and regulars. But Stonegate’s decisions have made it impossible to keep going.

Jake, the pub’s dedicated manager, shared the heartbreaking story: After a temporary agreement, rent skyrocketed, and beer prices from Stonegate became extortionate—£64 for a bottle of Jack Daniel’s that costs just £19 at Tesco. When the pub turned to wholesalers to keep costs down and stay afloat amid rising bills, Stonegate hit them with “random” checks and a staggering £40,000 fine for buying outside stock. Despite back-and-forth with solicitors over price fixing, Stonegate revoked the premises license immediately, even denying a plea for one more weekend to sell off remaining stock. This is the fifth pub closure in Dudley in just 60 days, and it’s devastating our community.

Stonegate’s model—tying pubs to overpriced supplies, imposing massive fines, and prioritizing property sales over community venues—is killing independent pubs across the UK. Ye Olde Foundry isn’t just a bar; it’s a place where memories are made, bands play, and people connect. Jake poured his heart, time, and money into making it the best it could be, only to see it shut down without fair warning or support.

We demand that Stonegate Group:

•  Reinstate the premises license for Ye Olde Foundry immediately.

•  Allow pubs like this to buy stock from wholesalers without penalties, ensuring fair and competitive pricing.

•  Commit to protecting community venues from closure for profit-driven reasons.

•  Engage in transparent dialogue with tenants to prevent future injustices.

Sign this petition to stand with Jake, the Dudley community, and pub lovers everywhere. Let’s raise awareness, pressure Stonegate to reverse this decision, and bring back Ye Olde Foundry before it’s too late. Your signature can make a difference—share widely and help save our local rock pub!

#SaveTheFoundry #DudleyPubs #StopStonegateClosures

Decision-Maker: David McDowall, CEO of Stonegate Group