A historic Solihull venue, dormant for years, is poised for a remarkable revival as a boutique-style pub with bedrooms. The location that once housed the beloved Missoula Bar and Luna club, known for drawing weekend crowds for decades, dates back to the 17th century and stands as Solihull’s oldest nighttime venue.
Missoula Bar closed eight years ago, marking the end of an era in Solihull’s nightlife. Now, London-based pub group Heartwood Inns plans to breathe new life into the listed building by transforming it into “The Muddy Fox,” a pub featuring 25 boutique-style bedrooms alongside a landscaped terrace and garden.
The ambitious redevelopment includes a multi-million-pound investment to refurbish the building while preserving its historic charm. Guests will enjoy seasonally changing menus paired with a carefully curated selection of drinks. The boutique bedrooms will offer premium touches such as Roberts radios, Bramley toiletries, Chromecast TVs, rainfall showers, and select rooms will feature freestanding baths.
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Heartwood Inns has already secured an agreement with Solihull Council and is preparing to submit a detailed planning application. If approved, construction could begin later this year, injecting new energy into Solihull’s town centre.
Councillor Ian Courts, deputy leader and cabinet member for managed growth, commented: “The Muddy Fox will be a fantastic addition to Solihull. It will boost the local economy, create jobs, and increase footfall in our high street. This development supports our goal of enhancing the town’s evening and leisure offerings, while preserving a landmark historic building.”
Heartwood CEO Richard Ferrier added: “We’re excited to work with Solihull Council on restoring this charming old coaching inn. Our investment aims to create a beautiful pub that once again becomes a valued part of the town centre.”
The building has a rich history and has operated under various names: originally The Malt Shovel, then The Snooty Fox (1978–1993, accompanied by the Scandals nightclub upstairs), Rosie O’Brien’s, Rosie’s Pump House, The Pump House (1993–2004), Loaf (2004–2006), Popworld, B91, and finally House Missoula Bar starting in 2016.
Both Missoula and Luna closed in 2018 following a compulsory purchase order tied to a planned Touchwood II expansion that never came to fruition. Now, with the announcement of The Muddy Fox, the venue is set to re-enter Solihull’s vibrant social scene with a fresh identity and renewed purpose.