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

Drewe Arms, Drewsteignton, Devon

The possible purchase by locals of this Devon pub (pictured above) is progressing well, with a community benefit society now set up. A public meeting was held in the village church on 24 March, and the organisers have reported a lot of support and interest in the venture. Find out more and keep up to date with the campaign here. 

Ye Olde White Harte, Hull, East Yorkshire (above)

Following pressure from the Pub Heritage Group and others, the owners had agreed to reinstate the illegally removed bar counter and bar-back. The necessary listed building consent application has now been approved, with the council satisfied the proposals would restore a traditional appearance to the bar. However, it has accepted a non-reinstatement of the bar shelf because, in its officer’s view, it’s a 1970s addition, despite the fact that the Pub Heritage Group has submitted photographic evidence that it was much older.

Polar Bear, Hull, East Yorkshire (above)

The group has previously highlighted the Polar Bear’s transformation into a live music venue. Unsympathetic and unauthorised internal alterations have put the pub’s National Inventory credentials in question. Its operators have made an application to develop the rear beer garden with a canopied extension and decking. The proposal would involve the removal of a wall and seating, effectively converting the still-surviving back bar into little more than a garden entrance foyer, inflicting yet more serious harm on the already-degraded listed interior. Hull CAMRA branch is taking the lead in objecting to this new proposal.

Station Buffet, Bridlington, East Yorkshire (above)

Brass Castle brewery’s refurbishment proposals are to be commended, but the Pub Heritage Group suggests a rethink is needed for the new over-sized wall openings. The Pub Heritage Group’s comments were formally submitted in December. A delayed report from East Riding council’s conservation officer has now finally appeared and, significantly, it expresses much the same concern as the group, about the more intrusive of the openings and suggests a width-reduction to mitigate the effect. The report is less forthright though, on whether actual doors should be hung, which has been the suggested preference (and expressed directly to the applicants) of the Pub Heritage Group. The onus is now on Brass Castle to either amend its proposals, or ask for the application to be determined as it stands. In all other respects, optimism runs high for the venue’s revitalisation going ahead later this year.

Vines, Liverpool, Merseyside (above)

The Vines reopened on 29 March following a refurbishment by the 1936 Pub Company. The launch photos look very impressive and are worth a look here.

Mawson, Chorlton-on-Medlock, Greater Manchester (above)

Rebuilt in 1936-7 and retaining a largely intact 1930s interior, this red-brick pub has been closed since 2012. An application was lodged in January 2020, which included the retention of the public house on the ground floor, with residential above. Pub Heritage Group chair Paul Ainsworth now reports that a revised heritage statement has been lodged with Manchester City Council. This statement indicates the applicant is going to apply for a change of use of the ground floor to Class E – mixed use of café, offices etc. No application has been submitted yet, but it is anticipated that this will be forthcoming.

Bell, Aldworth, Berkshire (above)

The Bell is West Bershire branch’s 2023 Pub of the Year 2023. This truly wonderful country pub has been in the hands of the same family since the 18th century and was CAMRA National Pub of the Year in 2019. The Aldworth Brewing Company has been set up in a building at the rear of the pub, and the nanobrewery’s Five Giants ale will be available in the Bell as supplies allow. For more information, read the West Berkshire CAMRA branch magazine, Ullage Spring 2023.

Turf Tavern, Bloxwich, West Midlands (above)

The Turf is a remarkably unchanged terrace pub which has been in the same family ownership since 1871. It closed in March 2020 and has not reopened since the pandemic. Unfortunately, a reopening of the pub is looking unlikely for the foreseeable future.

 

Regional Inventory

Old Justice, Bermondsey, Greater London South East (above)

The Old Justice, built in 1933 in the Brewer’s Tudor style, closed five years ago. It was Grade II-listed just as the owner began tearing out the splendidly intact interior, but Southwark council took enforcement action requiring reinstatement. The pub reopened in February 2023, and members of the Pub Heritage Group visited in early March to carry out an assessment. Consequently, the pub has been added to the Regional Inventory.

Bell, Pensax, Worcestershire (above)

The Bell, previously CAMRA’s West Midlands Pub of the Decade, closed in October 2022. The community quickly organised an ACV (Asset of Community Value) which was granted in December and it is now setting up a community benefit society to buy the pub. Currently the six-month moratorium, triggered by the ACV, is active. This allows a period where the community can put together a bid before the owner can entertain other offers. You can find out more about the campaign here.

Prince of Wales, Birmingham, West Midlands (above)

The pub is currently closed for a refurbishment with the new management stating that it values the traditional character and is “keeping as much of the original features as possible”. The pub is not listed, so any updates once reopened would be appreciated.

Douglas Arms Hotel, Banchory, Aberdeen & Grampian (above)

The Douglas Arms Hotel is closed and for sale. It is on the market for £395,000 through Graham and Sibbald.

Two London Regional Inventory pubs are currently closed for refurbishment. The Hare & Hounds, East Sheen is due to reopen on 6 April and the Rocket, Euston due on 13 April.

 

BEER

The spring edition of CAMRA’s quarterly BEER magazine includes an article by Paul Ainsworth about the recently published East of England Real Heritage Pubs guide. There is also an article by Will Hawkes about long-term closed pubs reopening. This includes the story of the National Inventory pub the Castle in Macclesfield which reopened in 2021. CAMRA members can view an online version here.

Cardiff CAMRA pub listing initiative

CAMRA’s Cardiff branch has met with the Cardiff Civic Society to identify and apply for the listing of pubs of historic and architectural interest in the city. The Pub Heritage Group is liaising with them on potential inclusions.

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 Michael Robertson.