The British pub chain JD Wetherspoon has been given the go ahead to create a national museum and hotel in the West Midlands.

The museum will be located at The Moon Underwater pub in the city of Wolverhampton. The 40,000 square foot space above the pub has been empty for more than three decades, after the Co-Op vacated the premises.

Wolverhampton City Council has also given permission for a 70-bedroom Wetherspoons hotel to be built in the city.

The museum will be focused on the history of the popular pub chain, enabling visitors to learn more about its fascinating past.

As JD Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon commented:

“We feel the museum will prove popular with people who want to know more of the history of the company and see artefacts from the past. The fact that Wetherspoon wishes to house it in Wolverhampton is positive for the city.”

The launch of the museum and hotel is expected to take place this year, which marks JD Wetherspoon’s 40th year of trading.

The construction of the museum and hotel is costing £7m and is expected to create 50 jobs in Wolverhampton.