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
Marble Arch, Manchester, Greater Manchester
The Marble Arch (pictured) is under threat from a proposed neighbouring development. Developer McGoffs is proposing to build two tower blocks, which are to be 15 and 17 storeys tall next door to the Marble Arch, with the former hard up against the gable wall of the pub.
The proposal runs contrary to the council’s development strategy for the area which earmarked it as public open space and was designed to respect and enhance the setting of the Grade-II Marble Arch. Councillors, including the chair of the planning committee, have voiced their opposition, stating: “The Marble Arch is a Manchester institution known around the world. The proposed development would clearly cause harm to this treasured community pub. It is reprehensible that a developer thinks they can turn up in our city, impact a 100-year-old business, ignore the democratically agreed regeneration framework and further burden the local infrastructure we all pay for, all to profit on building another tower with no social homes. The developer needs to do a full and proper rethink in collaboration with the local community and elected members to deliver something that makes Manchester better, not worse.”
CAMRA national planning and policy adviser Paul Ainsworth has submitted critical comments on behalf of the Pub Heritage Group, as have the Central Manchester CAMRA branch. Find more information about the proposed developments on the Manchester Evening News website here.
Anchor, Birmingham, West Midlands (above)
Built in 1902 and designed by renowned local pub architects, James and Lister Lea, the Grade II-listed Anchor reopened 31 October, having been closed since June. A party was held to celebrate the reopening which was attended by the mayor of West Midlands Richard Parker and Matt Campbell of UB40. The pub has been refurbished sympathetically to its heritage; however, it has been reported that the timber and glass screen, which divides the main public bar, has been hinged to allow the space to be opened up. The screen is an important surviving historic element that defines the space and the character of the bar and listed building consent is required to make this change. Investigations are underway to confirm the situation. Find more information about the pub’s reopening on the Birmingham Live website here.
Luppitt Inn, Luppitt, Devon
The Pub Heritage Group reported in March on the reopening of the Luppitt Inn, an extremely rare example of a small, basic farmhouse pub. Significant changes to the interior had taken place, so the group visited it to reassess the pub’s inclusion on the national inventory. The pub had been closed since 2021 following the death of long-serving landlady Mary Wright. The building was in a poor condition and work was necessary to resolve problems with damp in the building, including reroofing. The small public bar, which could only accommodate 10 people, has been opened up by removing the left-hand internal wall, incorporating an adjoining room. This has created one larger room with replastered walls and new flooring. The old bar counter and shelving have been reused in the new space, albeit in a different location and configuration. The changes have doubled the capacity of the pub – a necessity to try and ensure its viability. The Pub Heritage Group commends the efforts to ensure the survival of this unique pub and retain its characteristic simplicity, however, the changes to the historic layout and fabric have meant that it no longer satisfies the criteria for inclusion on the inventory.
Two Star heritage pubs
Volunteer Arms (Staggs), Musselburgh Edinburgh and the Lothians (above)
The Volunteer Arms is one of the four finalists in CAMRA’s Pub of the Year 2025 competition. The overall winner is due to be announced early next year. The same family has run this superb pub since it was built in 1858. The well-preserved public bar has a surviving Victorian back gantry with four large spirit casks from the late 19th century.
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Dewdrop Inn, Peacehaven, East Sussex (above)
The Pub Heritage Group reported the planning application to demolish the Dewdrop, which has an unspoilt 1960s interior, in the May update. The application has now been approved, and the pub is due to be replaced with a block of 14 flats.
Grapes, Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway (above)
The Grapes, a town-centre pub which was built in 1862 as a coaching inn, has an interior which has been little altered since the 1950s. The pub is up for sale with an asking price of £235,000. The Grapes remains open and is a respected cask beer and music venue, winning its local Pub of the Year title on numerous occasions. Find more info about the potential sale on the South West Property Centre website here.
Old Thistle Inn, Westruther, Borders (above)
The Old Thistle Inn has reopened after being closed for a number of years. The pub has three small rooms containing a number of fittings that were salvaged from the nearby Spottiswood House when it was demolished in the 1940s.
One Star heritage pubs
Red Bull, Peckham, Greater London South East (above)
The Red Bull has recently returned to pub use having operated as both a shop and restaurant. The interior is modernised but has now been added to the inventory due to its remaining tiling, in particular a magnificent mural of the trial of Catherine of Aragon as depicted in Shakespeare’s Henry VIII. The tiling was made by WB Simpsons and Sons and thought to have been installed in 1875.
Café Auberge, Galashiels, Borders (above)
Previously the Harrow Inn, the Café Auberge is now operating as a French-style bistro, but the Pub Heritage Group understands the new owner has retained the historic features and restored the splendid island bar.
Other news
CAMRA Heritage Award 2025
Nominations are still open for CAMRA’s Heritage Award, and can be made until the 12 November. The Heritage Award celebrates the successful revitalisation of a heritage pub that is included on the National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors with Three, Two or One Star status and is run in tandem with CAMRA’s Pub Saving Awards.
The award will be given to a pub or pub operator that has carried out activity leading to the reinvigoration of the pub for the benefit of the business or community. Success criteria are not limited to conservation of the pub interior. Pubs can also win the award through the efforts of its management to run the pub enthusiastically, care for its heritage and making a positive contribution to the community.
Pubs where the benefit of the activity has been experienced in the year up to 1 November 2025 (so the actions could have taken place in the preceding year or earlier) are eligible. Find more information and the nomination form here.
Photos by Michael Slaughter and Michael Schouten
