Sheffield and District branch has presented Fagan’s licensees Tom and Barbara Boulding with a Special Award in recognition of their contribution to the city’s beer scene.

Originally known as the Barrel, Fagan’s (pictured bottom) dates from circa 1790 and is one of the oldest pubs in central Sheffield. Past owners include Thomas Rawson & Co from 1946, Gilmour’s Windsor and from 1954, Joshua Tetley. It is currently managed by Star Pubs & Bars. This traditional three-roomed pub retains much of an early 1950s refit. This merits inclusion on the national CAMRA Pub Heritage listings as a pub with Special Historic Interest. In August, this Good Beer Guide pub was included on the South Yorkshire Local Heritage List.

In the past 100 years, there have been three longstanding licensees. Locally born and ex-Bomber Command, Michael Joseph (Joe) Fagan ran the pub from 6 July 1948 until 17 September 1985, becoming Tetley’s longest serving landlord. On his retirement, aged 64, the pub was renamed, and a new sign was erected. This was replaced, in 2008, with a sign which shows an image of Joe against an RAF bomber. Joe died only a few weeks after passing on the tenancy to ex-teacher Thomas Patrick (Tom) Boulding and his wife, Barbara.

For more than 37 years, Tom and Barbara have carefully managed Fagan’s. Décor-wise, every picture tells a story: visitors to the pub, local happenings and the story of Joe. Entertainment-wise, (probably) the most-stretching pub quiz in the city and (almost every evening) traditional live music. Atmospheric and welcoming, this is a traditional pub and proud of it. Good pub food and three well-kept cask beers (Landlord, Moonshine and Tetley’s). Outside, the pub was honoured when, in 2013, local artist Pete McKee painted his mural The Snog (pictured below) on the gable end.

In late November 2022, Tom and Barbara overtook the length of tenure enjoyed by Joe (37 years, two months and 11 days). Sheffield branch said the couple deserve the award for their influential and unstinting contribution over many years.

Pictured: From left: Licensee Tom Boulding and Dave Pickersgill 

Pictures: presentation: Andy Cullen; others Dave Pickersgill