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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
Bell, Walton-on-the-Hill, Surrey
The Pub Heritage Group last reported on the Bell (above) in July 2025 when owner Brakspear successfully applied for planning permission to convert it to residential use. At the time, CAMRA’s National Planning Policy advisor Paul Ainsworth submitted a listing application to Historic England. This application was successful, and the Bell is now Grade II listed!
Historic England’s report noted the survival of the Bell’s rare 1950s interior, comprising of “an exceptionally complete suite of fixtures in the brewery’s ‘house style’, which include public and saloon counters, the bar stillion with illuminated signage, fireplaces, fielded panelling, doors, leaded glazing, fixed seating, plaster relief motifs and decorative cornice”. Also noted was the survival of the Bell’s mid-19th century domestic character, reflecting the pub’s origins as a beerhouse.
While the listing greatly improves the chances of the survival of the historic interior, the Bell’s future as a pub is still precarious given that it has been granted permission for change of use. The Pub Heritage Group awaits Brakspear’s response. The pub is still open with the current licensee’s tenancy due to end this summer.
Waggon and Horses, Oldbury, West Midlands (above)
The Waggon and Horses has reopened following its closure in February. The Pub Heritage Group covered the closure in the March bulletin amid concerns over its future. The pub was built in 1890 by Holt’s brewery and displays wonderful Victorian tiling in the drinking passage and public bar, with a highly unusual copper panel ceiling, and original bar counter plus bar back.
Vine, Wednesfield, West Midlands (above)
The Vine has been awarded Wolverhampton CAMRA’s City Pub of The Year 2026! Built in 1938, the Vine is owned by Black Country Ales and is a rare example of an intact interwar pub.
Two Star heritage pubs
Gatehouse, Norwich, Norfolk (above)
Unauthorised works to the interior of the Grade II-listed pub have been halted by Norwich City Council, and it is reported that the Gatehouse may be put on the market again. Closed since 2023 and listed as an Asset of Community Value, the current owner purchased the pub in April 2025, outbidding a local community group which had formed a community benefit society. The pub was built in 1934 and was listed in 2015 following Historic England’s review of interwar public houses. The Pub Heritage Group would welcome further updates.
553 London (previously the Cauliflower), Ilford, Greater London (above pre-refurbishment)
The Pub Heritage Group reported on the reopening of the Cauliflower, which had been closed since 2018, in December 2025. It has now been rebranded as 553 London and functions primarily as an upmarket halal mediterranean restaurant (you can still enjoy a drink without having to order food). However, the ornate Victorian fittings have been carefully restored, resulting in its Two Star status being maintained.
One Star heritage pubs
Red Lion, Barnes, Greater London (above)
The Red Lion has been added to the national inventory at One Star status. Originating in the late-Georgian period, the Red Lion is included on the inventory for the interior of its early 20th-century extension to the rear of the pub. This remarkable panelled room is separated into three areas by timber divisions with posts carrying large elaborate brackets decorated with carved marine creatures including seahorses, scallops and crabs. It also contains other features from the period including a fine fireplace, a rare, glazed dome and original glazing to the windows. The original Georgian rooms at the front of the pub have been modernised.
Mason Arms, Kensal Green, Greater London (above)
The Mason Arms has been closed since 2024 and was sold last year for £2.5m. A planning application has been submitted to Brent Council to demolish the pub and replace it with a six-storey block of 26 flats with a new bar on the ground floor. North London CAMRA is leading a campaign to save the pub, urging locals to object to the plans, and an application has been made to Historic England for a statutory listing. The Masons Arms retains some exceptional Victorian fittings, including the original bar counter and bar back. Read more about the campaign on Ham & High.
Travellers Rest, Sheffield, Yorkshire (above)
Built around 1900 and retaining a three-room layout, the Travellers Rest is owned by Samuel Smith. The pub has been put on the market through Fleurets with an asking price of £180,000. Read more about the sale on Rightmove.
White Hart, New Cross, Greater London (above)
A planning application has been submitted for refurbishment works to the White Hart, with the intention to reopen it as the Broken Wheel. The pub, which has been closed since late 2020, was built c.1870 and still has its original bar counter (with a new top) and bar back along with other period features. The proposals appear to be sympathetic to the historic features despite compromises to the interior that occurred during works to convert the upper floors to residential in 2021. Read more about the planning application on London Now.
Sweet Green Tavern, Bolton, Greater Manchester (above)
The Sweet Green Tavern has been shut since October when the tenants were obliged to close for necessary repair works under their tenancy agreement with owner Star Pubs and Bars. There is no sign yet of a reopening and there is doubt locally as to whether this will happen due to the alleged cost of the repairs and the general downturn in trade. The Sweet Green Tavern originally dates to the 1830s, with its surviving interior primarily from the 1950’s. The Pub Heritage Group would welcome further updates.
If you have any news on heritage pubs, send to: info@pubheritage.camra.org.uk
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Photos by Michael Slaughter and Rex Ward
