The new bar and bistro at Dudley Town Hall is now open for business, with bookings being taken for the opening weekend.

Councillor Sue Greenaway, the Mayor of Dudley, cut the ribbon at Brooke’s Bar and Bistro this morning before the new attraction welcomed its first guests. She was joined by Councillor Steve Clark, deputy leader of the council, and Colin Knipe, of the Brooke Robinson Trust. Councillor Sue Greenaway, the Mayor of Dudley, said:

"As first citizen of the borough I am honoured to be opening Brooke’s Bar and Bistro today. It’s wonderful to see a building with a rich past and history being brought back to life.

"Today, in what was an open courtroom years ago, I am excited to see a thriving bar and restaurant. It will be a great addition for town hall customers but also a great addition for the town centre, which I hope our residents will enjoy."

The eaterie has been named in honour of Brooke Robinson, a former MP and coroner for Dudley who was an avid collector of paintings and artefacts from around the world.  

On his death in 1911 he left a large sum of money to create the Brooke Robinson Museum to house his vast collection.

His widow and The Brooke Robinson Board of Trustees agreed the money should be used to build a new town hall and coroner’s court with the Brooke Robinson Museum included. Dudley Town Hall opened in 1928 and the Brooke Robinson Museum in 1931. Colin Knipe, from the Brooke Robinson Trust, said:

"I am delighted it has been named after the generous benefactor and Member of Parliament, Brooke Robinson. He was a Dudley man through and through who was passionately involved in the local community.

"These premises would not exist were it not for the remarkable generosity of Brooke Robinson. It’s wonderful the town has chosen to honour Brooke’s memory by naming this fabulous new venue after him."

The bistro will be open from 11:30am to 11:00pm between Tuesday and Saturday and from 11:30am to 9:00pm on Sunday. Last orders for food will be two hours before closing.

Brooke’s Bar and Bistro will be accessed off Priory Street using the Memorial Tower entrance. Customers are being offered 20 per cent off lunchtime food and drink between 11.30am and 5pm from Thursday to Sunday.

To view the menu or to book a table, you can visit brookes-bistro.co.uk