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 webpage here.

Three Star Heritage Pubs

Dew Drop Inn, Ilkeston, Derbyshire

The Dew Drop Inn (above) has received enough votes to warrant being upgraded from Two to Three Star status. The pub’s current layout dates from a 1950s refit and the two bars sport fixtures and fittings highly redolent of the period (a modern fireplace in the lounge being the only jarring note). The drinking lobby has a servery with a sliding hatch. Concerns have been raised about work undertaken since lockdown though this was largely confined to a third room that contained little of historic interest. Some who have visited consider that it lacks sufficient historic interest and distinction to merit the upgraded rating. The Pub Heritage Group would be keen to hear the views of What’s Brewing readers who have visited or know the Dew Drop Inn.

Prince Albert, Brighton, East Sussex (above)

The Pub Heritage Group reported in November 2023 that a proposed neighbouring development, which would have threatened the long-term future of this popular community music pub due to potential noise complaints, had been denied planning permission. Unfortunately, the owner of the next-door property has decided to appeal the decision. More information about the ongoing threat to the Prince Albert can be found on the BBC News website here.

Duke of York, Leysters, Herefordshire (above)

This Herefordshire pub has also achieved sufficient votes to be elevated from Two to Three Star status. The interior has remained essentially unchanged for more than 50 years, and the pub still has a smallholding attached. However, much like the Dew Drop Inn, some have questioned whether an upgraded status is merited. The Pub Heritage Group would welcome the opinions of readers who have visited or know the Duke of York.

One Star Heritage Pubs

Castle Inn, Cardigan, West Wales

The Castle Inn reopened in December 2023 after a period of closure following the death of the landlord. Sadly, the interior has been significantly remodelled and so the pub has been removed from the inventory.

Eastfield, Portsmouth, Hampshire (above)

The Eastfield is an interesting back street local dating from 1906, containing numerous fixtures and fittings from the 1930s to 1960s. Originally it had a multi-room layout and now consists of two separate bars – a public bar and a lounge bar. The Pub Heritage Group has learnt that an opening has been made between the two rooms by the new tenants, so a reassessment will be required.

Fanny by Gaslight, Kilmarnock, Ayrshire & Arron (above)

This town-centre pub closed unexpectedly in June. Originally called the Railway Tavern, the pub was remodelled in 1903, with the installation of the massive oval-shaped bar counter. The Pub Heritage Group would welcome any further updates.

Savile Arms, Eakring, Nottinghamshire (above)

This 17th-century pub, which still has a traditional multi-room layout, has also closed with no warning, and the Pub Heritage Group would appreciate any further news.

CAMRA Heritage Award

The Heritage Award is a new annual national competition which will be run in tandem with CAMRA’s well established Pub Saving Award.

The Heritage Award will celebrate the successful revitalisation of a heritage pub that is included on the National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors with a One, Two or Three Star status.

The award will be given to a pub or operator that has carried out activity leading to the reinvigoration of the pub for the benefit of the business or community. Success criteria is not limited to conservation of the pub interior. Pubs can also win the award through the efforts of its management to run it enthusiastically, care for its heritage and making a positive contribution to the community.

Examples of success criteria could include heritage pubs that have:

• reopened after a protracted period of closure
• been restored to (their former) glory
• been shown care and attention to detail in refurbishment or restoration
• instigated community initiatives, festivals or events
• introduced services of benefit to the community, such as a shop or post office
• been re-energised by becoming a real ale haven.

The award is eligible for pubs where the benefit of the activity has been experienced in the year up to 1 November 2024 (so the actions could have taken place in the preceding year or earlier). The closing date for nominations for this year is 12 November.

Find more information about the Heritage Award and the nomination form here.

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 Schouten