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 here.
Three Star Heritage Pubs
Station Buffet, Bridlington, East Yorkshire
The German-themed craft brewer Belschnickel, currently based in Hull, has announced it is taking on the lease of the Station Buffet (above) and plan to reopen it by the end of the year. This good news is a great reward for the Pub Heritage Group’s efforts over the last few years to help achieve a good conservation solution. Built in 1925, the pub is a national treasure, being one of only two unaltered licensed buffets on the UK rail network that survive from before the Second World War. The Station Buffet has been closed since 2019 following the retirement of the previous licensee, and Northern Rail, the station’s operators, has struggled to let it ever since.
Bell, Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey (above)
The owner of the Bell, Brakspear, has shocked the local community by submitting a planning application for change of use to a house. It is the only traditional wet-led pub in the area, and at the time of writing there are 43 public comments on the application – all are strong objections to the loss of this much-loved local. Known as the Rat, this unique pub was rebuilt in 1955 and its interior has changed very little since then, making it an important survivor of the period. The Pub Heritage Group is helping East and Mid Surrey branch frame an objection.
Prestoungrange Gothenburg, Prestonpans, Edinburgh and the Lothians (above)
The Pub Heritage Group reported on the pub in March, hoping that the Prestoungrange Gothenburg would continue as a pub with a new operator coming forward to take on the lease. Unfortunately, the pub will now reopen in early July as an Indian restaurant. It is assumed the bar will remain open to non-diners, if not, planning permission would be required for change of use and no application has been lodged. Find more information on the East Lothian Courier website here.
Travellers Rest, Alpraham, Cheshire (above)
Works to repair the damage caused by a lorry colliding with the front of the building, as reported in the February 2024 bulletin, are now complete. The front rooms which had been closed are now fully restored and open, plus the front window which was destroyed has been rebuilt in stone to match the building, having previously been made from painted timber. The Travellers Rest was built c1850 with the interior mainly dating to a 1937 refit. It has been owned by the same family since 1900.
Two Star Heritage Pubs
.jpg)
Dewdrop Inn, Peacehaven, East Sussex (above)
A planning application has been submitted by owner Blue Skies Brighton to demolish and replace the unlisted Drewdrop with a block of 14 flats with office or community space at ground level. The pub, which is included on the inventory for its 1960s interior, was previously owned by Stonegate and has been closed since December 2024. The Pub Heritage Group understands moves are being made to make an Asset of Community Value (ACV) application.
One Star Heritage Pubs
Royal Oak, Halifax, West Yorkshire (above)
Vandals have smashed the ground-floor windows of this town pub, which is included on the inventory for its 1930s Brewers Tudor interior. Internally the original four-room layout was opened up in the 1960s, but it still retains character of the period, including elaborate leaded windows with heraldic motifs. The pub was listed in 1994 following an application by CAMRA.
Quiet Woman, Earl Sterndale, Derbyshire (above)
The closure of this simple cottage pub was reported on in February 2021 following the death of former landlord Ken Mellors. A substantial renovation has been taking place including rebuilding of the toilet block. The planning documents associated with this indicate that it is to reopen as a public house. However, photographs of the building works seem to show the interior has been completely stripped out. The Pub Heritage Group would welcome further news.
Highland Laddie, Leeds, West Yorkshire (above)
As reported in the April bulletin, the Highland Laddie has reopened. The historic fittings have been retained with no damage following a very positive refurbishment and the bench seating in both rooms have been recovered appropriately.
If you have news for the Pub Heritage Group, send to: info@pubheritage.camra.org.uk
Please feel free to forward this bulletin to your friends who are also interested in visiting pubs like these. If you wish to receive the bulletins directly, sign up by sending an email to bulletin@pubheritage.camra.org.uk with “subscribe” as the subject or “unsubscribe” if you wish to stop receiving bulletins.
Photos by Micheal Slaughter, Micheal Schouten and Paul Thompson
