CAMRA’s Pub Heritage Group shares news and updates about pubs with historically significant interiors across the UK. For further news see the Pub Heritage Group webpage.

Three Star heritage pubs

Marble Arch, Manchester, Greater Manchester

As anticipated in the April bulletin, developer McGoffs Group has submitted a full planning application for the development of a 17-storey residential tower block next door to the Grade II-listed Marble Arch (pictured), despite objections from the pub and the wider community voiced during the initial consultation process.

The tower block would be just three metres away from the Marble Arch. The scale of the proposal will harm the setting of the listed building, dominating and overshadowing the pub and its beer garden. The close proximity could make future noise complaints a real possibility, as well as causing likely disruption to trade during the construction process. This proposal appears to run contrary to Manchester City Council’s own strategy for the area, which was to respect and enhance the setting of the Marble Arch.

The Central Manchester CAMRA branch and Pub Heritage Group chair Paul Ainsworth have submitted objections. Read more about the proposed development on Manchester Evening News.

Woodman, Birmingham, West Midlands (above)

Union Inns reopened the Woodman in September 2024 after a refurbishment and was banking on the economic uplift to the area following the completion of the HS2 rail project in Birmingham. However, further delays to HS2, which may not be completed until 2039, continue to isolate the Woodman, which is now cut off from the city centre. Pub owner John Brearley fears the business may not survive the wait.

Originally built in 1897 and designed by renowned pub architects James and Lister Lea, the Woodman is one of Birmingham’s finest brick-and-terracotta pubs. The interior retains many original features including a splendid bar counter and bar back, plus Minton tiling throughout, culminating in the wonderful tiled rear Smoke Room.

Read the owner’s concerns on BBC News.

Station Buffet, Bridlington, East Yorkshire (above)

The Pub Heritage Group reported on the Station Buffet in August 2025 when Belschnikel brewery was intending to reopen the pub in spring this year. Unfortunately, problems with the building that require attention from the landlord, National Rail, have delayed Belschnikel carrying out necessary refurbishment works and it is now unlikely to open before winter.

Built in 1912, the Station Buffet is one of only two pre-war, unaltered licensed-refreshment rooms on the national rail network, the other being the Station Buffet in Stalybridge, Greater Manchester. It was listed at Grade II following an application by CAMRA in 2012 but has now been closed since December 2019.

Two Star heritage pubs

Polar Bear, Hull, East Yorkshire (above)

Built in 1985, the Polar Bear is home to one of only 14 surviving curved ceramic bar counters in the UK. The Pub Heritage Group last covered the Grade II-listed pub in September 2025 when the retrospective application to cover unauthorised works to its historic interior and unsympathetic external signage was refused by Hull City Council. The owner appealed the decision, which has now also been refused by the Planning Inspectorate. Discussions are now underway between the owner and Hull City Council to secure the required remedial works.

Rock Bar, Belfast, Northern Ireland (above)

The famous Rock Bar has now closed, with the freehold up for sale with Savills for a reported price of £750,000. The Grade B2-listed pub was built in 1901 and has five surviving timber snugs facing the servery – a distinctive feature of Northern Ireland pubs. Much of the interior of the Rock Bar was restored following a rocket attack during the Troubles in 1974.

One Star heritage pubs

Lord Nelson, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire (above)

The Lord Nelson was originally formed from farm worker cottages and has fittings mainly from a 1950s refurbishment. The pub closed last month, and owner Greene King has put the freehold on the market with Rightmove for £295,000.

Mason Arms, Kensal Green, Greater London North West (above)

The listing application with Historic England, as mentioned in May’s bulletin, is currently being considered. The campaign to save this historic pub continues, and despite some comments in support, the planning application to demolish the pub and replace it with a six-storey block of 26 flats with a new bar on the ground floor has received around 100 objections.

Prince Albert, Eastbourne, East Sussex (above)

Unfortunately, the Prince Albert, which has been closed since November 2024, will be turned into a veterinary surgery following a successful planning application for change of use. The pub was built in the late 1930s in classic Brewers’ Tudor style, and although much of the interior was altered over the years, it still showcased classic features from the period, including a curved bar counter, panelling and original fireplaces.

Gaskell Arms Hotel, Much Wenlock, Shropshire (above)

This Grade II*-listed, 17th-century coaching inn was included on the National Inventory for its 1960s refit. However, following recent refurbishment works, both serveries have been modernised. As a result, the Pub Heritage Group has removed the Gaskell Arms from the inventory. The Pub Heritage Group has contacted Shropshire Council for clarification as it appears the required listed building consent for these works have not been applied for.

News

Heritage Pub Revival Award

Nominations for the Heritage Pub Revival Award are now open. The award recognises heritage pubs that have been revived in some way, including:

• reopened after a protracted period of closure
• been restored to their former glory
• been shown loving 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 cask beer haven.

The award is open to pubs that are included on the National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors at Three, Two or One Star status. Nominations are open until 12 August 2026.

Nomination form and eligibility criteria is here.

Pictured, from left, David Oakley, Lisa Combes and Steve Burke in the Vine, Heritage Award winner 2025

The life and many deaths of the local

The life and many deaths of the local on BBC Radio 4 examines the post-war fate of the British pub, making important references to the role of CAMRA and the Pub Heritage Group.

If you have any news on heritage pubs, send to: info@pubheritage.camra.org.uk 

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Photos by Michael Slaughter and Michael Schouten