Pub-Heritage-Bulletin-240-Feb-2023

Merseyside, VINES, Liverpool. Built in 1907 in a flamboyant baroque style, the Vines is recognised as one of the most magnificent pubs in the country. It was designed by architect Walter Thomas, who also designed the Philharmonic. The pub is to be run by the 1936 Pub Company, who run a number of pubs in Liverpool. It is currently closed for a refurbishment, but will be re-opening in March or April. The pub is grade II* listed, and the new operators are fully committed to conserving the historic interior, so seems very good news. And to whet your appetite – real ale, which previously was not served, will be available! See: Liverpool Echo. Thanks to Gary Chester for this news. See the entry on the Pub Heritage web site.

Derbyshire, OLDE DOLPHIN INNE, Derby. The Olde Dolphin is reputed to be the oldest pub in Derby, the multi room interior is however mostly due to an inter-war restoration with the spectacular snug being of particularly note with its full height panelling. The pub is grade II listed, and the panelling is specifically mentioned in the listing description. We reported on a planning application in June, which was mainly restricted to exterior works. However, we now learn that the panelling in the snug has been painted over in white and green, which was not included as part of the application. 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 that the council take action. Thanks to Halina Kowczyk for alerting us to this. See the entry on the Pub Heritage web site.

Lancashire, VICTORIA, Great Harwood. Good news that the Victoria 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. See: Lancashire Telegraph. Renowned for its Edwardian tiled interior the Victoria was included in the listing enhancement announced by Historic England in June last year.
See the entry on the Pub Heritage web site.

Cumbria, PHEASANT INN, Bassenthwaite Lake. We covered the change in ownership and refurbishment of the Pheasant 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. Thanks to Hugh Price for this.
See the entry on the Pub Heritage web site.

Norfolk, GREEN DRAGON, Wymondham. The Green Dragon which occupies an attractive 15th Century timber framed building closed on the 15th February. Admiral Taverns are seeking a new tenant: Admiral Taverns. Previous licensee Tickle’s Taverns had only taken on the pub in June, and blame the closure on the current economic crisis.
See the entry on the Pub Heritage web site.

Nottinghamshire, PEACOCK HOTEL, Nottingham. Closed since February 2020, The Peacock has reopened following a refurbishment. See: Nottingham Post. The Peacock is one of the few remaining pubs to still operate a bell-push system for ordering drinks. The good news is that this service continues in the lounge, apart from during busy times.
See the entry on the Pub Heritage web site.

Staffordshire, GOLDEN CUP, Stoke-on-Trent. We reported on the refurbished Golden Cup, 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: Stoke Sentinel.
See the entry on the Pub Heritage web site.

Cheshire, HOLLY BUSH, Little Leigh. The fight by the community to reopen the Holly Bush, shut since November 2020, continues. We reported in July last year that the owner was appealing the ACV status. John Norris reports that now things have become even more complicated (far too complicated to go into full detail here!) 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 are committed to continuing, but it looks like a long struggle ahead.
See the entry on the Pub Heritage web site.

Leicestershire, CROSS KEYS, Burbage. A refurbishment of the pub by Marstons has resulted in much opening up and loss of historic fittings. Consequently, it has been removed from the inventory. The local branch had tried to get the pub listed, but sadly the application was turned down. Thanks to Stephen Peck and Chris Merriman for this unwelcome news.
See the entry on the Pub Heritage web site.

South Yorkshire, FAGAN’S, Sheffield. Currently classified as of Some Regional Interest, Fagans (named after previous long term landlord Joe Fagan), a Sheffield institution and famous 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. Dave Pickersgill presented Tom and Barbara with a special award in December See: Whats Brewing.
Also a really fascinating and valuable audio history of the pub, including more from Dave, is available here: Sound Cloud. It is well worth a listen.
plus video interview with Tom Boulding here: You Tube.
See the entry on the Pub Heritage web site.