The Dudley Arms was taken over by Don Hirst, then a young man of 41 on a 21 year lease agreement with Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries in January 2003, with Pearl Mills 'Age Unknown!' as General Manager. Between them they have over 30 years experience in the trade.

Don's first pub was the Holly Bush, Penn Road, followed by several other successful pubs, for example: The Hope 'n' Anchor in Ross on Wye, The Straits House in Lower Gornal (where they spoke proper), The Old Bush, Wombourne, which is where he met 'The Real boss' Pearl, his business partner who previously ran the Old Bush Kitchen and Bar for many years. Jointly they ran the pub and kitchen with great success.