Wolverhampton pub on the market

A city centre pub in Wolverhampton is on the market after ongoing problems prompted a sale of the venue.

The Varsity has been a popular live music venue, but its owners have confirmed that the pub is for sale after struggling to entice more customers.

According to reports from the Express and Star, a £150,000 refurbishment had to be postponed last year, despite the fact that The Varsity was successful in its bid to extend its opening hours to 2:30am.

Further problems arose earlier this year when the pub was forced to close its kitchen due to a rat infestation. A fine of £25,000 was issued for the health and safety issue.

John Nightingale, from the Wolverhampton branch of Campaign for Real Ale, told the paper that it would be a "great pity" to lose another city centre bar. A number of venues have been forced to close in Wolverhampton in recent years, including the nightclub Oceana.

Mr Nightingale added: "The Varsity has always been a young person's bar and there is a place for that in Wolverhampton."

The university is reportedly in talks to purchase the venue. There are rumours that the university would turn the pub into a grand entrance to its buildings, although nothing has been confirmed.