AN historic Amblecote pub - reputedly among one of the most haunted buildings in Britain - is set to re-open as a real ale pub after lockdown.

Black Country Ales has bought The Starving Rascal located on the corner of Collis Street and Brettell Lane and has begun a refurbishment programme.

Graham Manwaring, head of pub operations at Black Country Ales Ltd, said: "We have started a full refurbishment this week as the pub has not had a great deal spent on it over many years, it will re-open after the lockdown as a Black Country Ales, real ale pub, in our traditional style.

"We are very excited to be in Amblecote and we hope to give the local community a great traditional pub back with real fires, hand-pulled cask beers, fresh cobs, local pork pies and a warm welcome from the landlord."

Originally known as The Dudley Arms, the pub has long been said to be haunted by the ghost of a local beggar who was believed to have asked the landlord for food and water on a freezing cold night - only to be refused.

The man is said to have lay down in the pub doorway for the night only to be found dead in the same spot the next morning.

It wasn't until 1977 that the pub was given the name The Starving Rascal to reflect the building's history.

In more recent years the pub won a number of awards from the local branch of CAMRA.

Acquisition of The Starving Rascal takes the Black Country Ales pub portfolio to 40 and Graham added: "It is great to be part of a team that can resurrect some of the area's classic pubs."