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.

Three Star Heritage Pubs

New Beehive, Bradford, West Yorkshire

Bradford City Council has granted planning permission to convert the New Beehive (pictured above) to a (supported) house in multiple occupation (HMO), against the recommendation of its own conservation officer and the spirit of the pub’s statutory listing in 2022. The decision represents another abysmal failure by this council to respect and protect its pub heritage. It leaves Bradford without a single functioning pub of major heritage standing and tells an ironically different story in the lead up to its vaunted City of Culture 2025 celebrations. The Pub Heritage Group and Bradford CAMRA are assessing possible protest options.

Laurieston Bar, Glasgow, Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley (above)

The Pub Heritage Group reported in October the Laurieston was being prepared for sale by the Clancy family. This legendary establishment, which is included on the inventory for its little altered and rare 1960s interior, now has a new owner. At the time of writing, its identity is unknown, but it has made a commitment that “the business will continue to operate as it has done for over 40 years”. Furthermore, a member of the Clancy family will remain involved. More information about the sale can be found on the Glasgow Times website here.

Britons Protection, Manchester, Greater Manchester (above)

The Pub Heritage Group described the threat to this much-loved Manchester institution in March 2022. Star Pubs & Bars is still intending to end the lease of licensee Allan Hudd and bring the pub under its managed portfolio – this was after Allan successfully applied for a Market Rent Only (MRO) agreement. Allan’s court hearing to stop Star Pubs & Bars taking the pub back is now scheduled for 17 June. Another threat to the pub is the planning application to build a tower block bordering the site that would shade the beer garden, but at the time of writing, there has been no further news. 

A comprehensive account of the long running battle can be found on the Manchester Evening News website here. Allan has set up a fundraising page to help cover his legal costs, and the petition to save the pub now has more than 16,500 signatures on Change.org

Drewe Arms, Drewsteignton, Devon (above)

The community purchase of this Devon pub, which had been closed since September 2021, was reported by the Pub Heritage Group in November. The Drewsteignton Community Society hosted an opening party at the pub on 16 March. A commitment has been made to stock local ales with the kitchen due to open soon. More information and updated opening hours can be found on the Drewe Arms Community Pub website here. 

Old Green Tree, Bath, Somerset (above)

The Old Green Tree is Bath & Borders CAMRA Pub of the Year 2024. This remarkably well-preserved pub has an oak-panelled interior dating back to 1926 which includes a fine drinking lobby – a rare feature for a pub in the south of England. The presentation of the award will be held at the pub on 20 June at 7.30pm.

Guinea, Mayfair, Greater London Central (above)

The Pub Heritage Group reported on plans to enlarge the Guinea in August. The work, which involved expanding into the next-door building, has now been completed and the pub has reopened. The new rooms are for dining and have been fitted out in a similar style to the rest of the pub. The two public bar rooms remain untouched.

Two Star Heritage Pubs

Greyhound & Punchbowl, Bilston, West Midlands (above)

The Greyhound & Punchbowl, a 15th-century, timber-framed building which has been a pub for 200 years, was subject to an arson attack in September last year. The Pub Heritage Group can now report that the damage has been reparable, with owner George Kang planning on reopening in the next couple of months. More information about the repair work can be found on the BBC News website here.

Red Lion, Norfolk, Kenninghall (above)

The Red Lion, with its famous snug made of high back settles, has been awarded Mid Anglia CAMRA’s Pub of the Year 2024. The award presentation will be held at the pub on 20 April at 12.30pm.

One Star Heritage Pubs

North Star, Leytonstone, Greater London East (above)

The North Star, originally formed from two cottages and included on the inventory for its 1950s layout, has reopened following a substantial refurbishment. The Pub Heritage Group will visit the pub to assess the changes.

Starting Gate, Wood Green, Greater London North (above)

Owned by Mitchell & Butlers, this late Victorian corner pub still contains much from an 1899 refit. The Pub Heritage Group have been alerted to an upcoming refurbishment. Thankfully, it seems that this is mainly concerned with the rear of the pub and should cause no harm to the historic interior. Mitchell & Butlers have a good record having recently refurbished the Three Star status Washington in Belsize Park (see December bulletin). No listed building application for the works has yet been submitted.

Tamil Crown, Islington, Greater London North

Formerly the Charles Lamb, the Tamil Crown has reopened following a refurbishment. The remaining historic fittings have been ripped out and consequently it has been removed from the inventory.

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, Rex Ward and Geoff Brandwood