As part of a new monthly series for What’s Brewing, CAMRA’s Pub Heritage Group shares news and updates about pubs with historically significant interiors across the country. For further news see the Pub Heritage website here.

National Inventory

Vines, Merseyside, Liverpool

Built in 1907 in a flamboyant baroque style, the Vines (pictured above) is recognised as one of the most magnificent pubs in the country. It was the work of architect Walter Thomas, who also designed the Philharmonic. The Vines is to be run by the 1936 Pub Company, which runs a number of sites in Liverpool. It is currently closed for a refurbishment but will be reopening in March or April. The pub is Grade II* listed and the new operators are fully committed to conserving the historic interior, so seems to be good news. And to whet your appetite – real ale, which was not served previously, will be available!

Olde Dolphin Inne, Derby, Derbys

The Olde Dolphin (above) is reputed to be the oldest pub in Derby. The multi-room interior, however, is mostly due to an inter-war restoration with the spectacular snug of particular note with its full-height panelling. The pub is Grade II listed and the panelling is mentioned in the listing description. We reported on a planning application in June, which was mainly restricted to exterior works. However, we now learn the panelling in the snug has been painted in white and green, which was not included as part of the application. Pub Heritage Group chair Paul Ainsworth, has lodged a complaint with Derby City Council. Views of council enforcement teams on the necessity for listed building consent for inappropriate painting of woodwork can vary. Let’s hope the council takes action.

Victoria, Great Harwood, Lancs

We're pleased to report the Victoria (above) has reopened. We reported in December that the pub had closed, and the owners were looking for new tenants. The owners, the Entwistle family, have now decided to run it themselves, with Brian Entwistle at the helm. Renowned for its Edwardian tiled interior, the Victoria was included in the listing enhancement announced by Historic England in June last year.

Pheasant Inn, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria

We covered the change in ownership and refurbishment of the Pheasant (above) in August 2021. Sadly, the public bar, which is the main attraction, is now rarely manned and drinks have to be carried through from the restaurant bar. For an unflattering review of the current situation see: West Cumbria CAMRA.

 

Regional Inventory 

Green Dragon, Wymondham, Norfolk

The Green Dragon (above), which occupies an attractive 15th-century, timber-framed building, closed on the 15 February. Admiral Taverns is seeking a new tenant. Previous licensee Tickle’s Taverns had only taken on the pub in June and blames the closure on the current economic crisis.

Peacock Hotel, Nottingham, Notts

Closed since February 2020, the Peacock (above) has reopened following a £247,000 refurbishment. The Peacock is one of the few remaining pubs to still operate a bell-push system for ordering drinks and this service continues in the lounge, apart from during busy times.

Golden Cup Inn, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs

We reported on the refurbished Golden Cup (above), which had been closed for five years, in our August bulletin. We thought it was worth sharing this glowing review of the refurbishment by local historian Mervyn Edwards here.

Holly Bush, Little Leigh, Cheshire

The fight by the community to reopen the Holly Bush (above), shut since November 2020, continues. We reported in July last year that the owner was appealing the ACV status. Circumstances have become even more complicated with the owner selling the site in a number of lots. The sale of the pub building itself seems to have fallen through as it was allegedly marketed as residential. But it seems that any future opening will now also depend on purchasing the car park and garden separately. The Holly Bush committee is committed to continuing, but it looks like a long struggle ahead.

Cross Keys, Burbage, Leics

A refurbishment of the Cross Keys (above) by Marstons has resulted in the loss of historic fittings. Consequently, it has been removed from the inventory. The Hinckley & Bosworth CAMRA branch had tried to get the pub listed, but sadly the application was turned down.

Following recently reported refurbishments at the Swan at Worlingworth, Norfolk and the Audley, Mayfair, London, both have also been removed from the inventory.

 

Other news

Fagan’s, Sheffield, S Yorks

Currently classified as of Some Regional Interest, Fagan’s (named after previous long term landlord Joe Fagan and pictured above), a Sheffield institution and music pub which has remained largely unchanged since an early 1950s refit, is changing hands with long-term licensees Tom and Barbara Boulding retiring after 37 years behind the bar. We understand the new licensees will be reopening in early March. Pub Heritage Group member Dave Pickersgill presented licensees Tom and Barbara Boulding with a Special Award in recognition of their contribution to the city’s beer scene. A fascinating and valuable audio history of the pub is available here. Watch a video interview with Tom Boulding here.

Sheffield Pub Heritage walk

A Sheffield Pub Heritage walk booklet has just been printed (32 pages, card cover, A5, full colour) and will be available the upcoming CAMRA Members’ Weekend, AGM & Conference. For details of copies by post, email: pubheritage@sheffield.camra.org.uk 

If you have any news for CAMRA’s Heritage Pubs team, send to: info@pubheritage.camra.org.uk . If you wish to receive the bulletins directly, sign up by sending an email to bulletin@pubheritage.camra.org.uk with the word “subscribe” as the subject or “unsubscribe” if you wish to stop receiving bulletins.

Photos by Michael Slaughter and Alan Cooke.