A POPULAR Stourbridge pub which had faced an uncertain future when it was put up for sale has found a buyer.

The Edward Rutland, which is based in High Street, has been sold by JD Wetherspoon to fellow pub company Amber Taverns.

Staff at the boozer told the News this morning (April 12) that they are set to meet with bosses on Thursday (April 14) to discuss what lays ahead for the pub's future.

But Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said all of the current staff - who are yet to be officially informed of the sale - will be transferred to Amber Taverns when it takes over in May.

Mr Gershon said: “We can confirm that the pub has been sold to pub company Amber Taverns and the pub’s final day as a Wetherspoon outlet will be May 6.

“All of the staff at the pub will be transferred to the new owners.

“We understand that our customers will be disappointed that Wetherspoon has decided to sell the pub, however the company, like many others, has to make commercial decisions which are right for the business.

“We would like to thank our customers for their loyalty over the years.”

The Edward Rutland was one of 34 pubs across the country put on the market by JD Wetherspoon in November last year, but the other Stourbridge High Street branch – The Chequers Inn – will remain part of the company’s portfolio.