Pub Heritage Bulletin 265 Mar 2025

West Wales, RED LION, Llandovery. We last reported on the sale of this classic time warp pub in December 2023. This was following a long period of closure and it was thought so unlikely that it would return to pub use (or if it did would be so dramatically altered) that it had been removed from the inventory in anticipation of its permanent demise! However, we have the rather fantastic news to report that the new owners are planning to re-open the pub. And more than that -the planning application that has been submitted demonstrates a real commitment to conserving the internal layout and restoring historic features. There are proposed changes in order to ensure a viable business going forward which include installing a new bar that opens on to the courtyard at the rear, extending kitchen facilities and renovating the upstairs for B&B accommodation. It appears to be a highly sympathetic scheme that aims to retain the character of the pub. So, we are looking forward to the reopening with some optimism and will keep you up to date with developments. In the meantime, the Red Lion has been restored to the Inventory at Three Star.
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Tyne & Wear, MOUNTAIN DAISY, Sunderland. The Mountain Daisy has been sold by Trust Inns to undisclosed buyers and immediately closed with its future now in serious doubt as we understand that the new owners have no intention of reopening it as a pub. Any change of use will, of course, require planning permission and the Edwardian Mountain Daisy is grade II*listed, with the tiled Buffet Bar recognised as being one of the most impressive historic pub rooms in the country. Local councillors and Sunderland & South Tyneside CAMRA are very concerned and keeping a close eye on the situation. See: Sunderland Echo.
And also: BBC for an interview with local CAMRA Pub Protection Officer Ian Monteith- Preston.
We anticipate that a planning application will be lodged in due course, and whilst it seems that permission for any change of use would be unlikely, we fear a lengthy period of closure beckons. Thanks to Ben Wilkinson for initially alerting us to the situation. View the Pub

Devon, LUPPITT INN, Luppitt. We reported in January 2023 the welcome news that the daughter and son in law of Mary Wright wanted to reopen this unique and very basic farmhouse pub. Now we can give you the fantastic news that The Luppitt Inn duly reopened on 7th March. It is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7.30pm-11.30pm according to their new facebook page: Luppitt Inn. We understand that changes have been made to the layout, and await the results of an assessment visit by Pub Heritage Group members in due course. Thanks to Russ Durbridge for this news.
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Edinburgh & the Lothians, PRESTOUNGRANGE GOTHENBURG, Prestonpans. Further to last month’s bulletin we can report the very good news that the owner of ‘The Goth’ has given the fabulous arts & crafts pub a reprieve. Alternative uses were being considered, but following consultation the overwhelming response from the community was that it should stay as a pub. Furthermore, potential new operators have already come forward to take the lease on. So, expect further positive news soon. See: East Lothian Courier.
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Derbyshire, EYRE ARMS, Hassop. More good news to report on reopenings - this time from Derbyshire. Shut since lockdown, the lease of the Eyre Arms was taken on by restauranteur Alaistair Myers in February with the pub reopening on March 23rd. Alaistair has made reassuring comments about retaining the traditional character of the pub. See: Derby Telegraph. The impressive creeper covered Eyre Arms was built as a farmhouse originally in 1632 and was running as a pub by 1753. It is included on the inventory for the high quality 1950s interior refit with little change since then. Thanks to Dave Pickersgill for the update.
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Aberdeen & Grampian, FIDDICHSIDE INN, Craigellachie. This classic basic one room pub is up for sale. It was bought by the current owners in 2022 to ensure its preservation but as they are actually based in London they have decided to try and find a more local custodian to take it on. See: Forres Gazette.
It is listed with CCL Property with an asking price of £425,000 See: CCL. Thanks to Scott Campbell for this news.
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West Midlands, WHITE SWAN, Birmingham. We reported on the unexpected closure of the White Swan last month. It seems that the opening hours have been somewhat irregular recently, but it is reported as being open.
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Wiltshire, HORSESHOE, Ebbisbourne Wake. Congratulations to all at the Horseshoe for being awarded Pub of the Year by Salisbury and South Wiltshire CAMRA. A perennial recipient of their Country Pub of The Year, it is a lovely village pub which has been run by the Bath family for over 50 years. See: Salisbury & Avon Gazette.
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Edinburgh & the Lothians, VOLUNTEER ARMS (STAGGS), Musselburgh. Congratulations also to the Volunteer Arms (Staggs) for being awarded Pub of the Year by Edinburgh & South East Scotland CAMRA. Another frequent CAMRA award winner this superb pub has rather incredibly been run by the same family since it was built in 1858. The well-preserved public bar has a surviving Victorian back gantry with four large spirit casks that are a rare survivor from the late 19th Century.
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Somerset, SHIP INN, Porlock. Another Pub of the Year winner. Congratulations to all at the Ship Inn for winning the Somerset CAMRA award. It is known as ‘Top Ship’ to distinguish it from the nearby Ship Inn at Porlock Weir which is known as ‘Bottom Ship’. Dating to the 16th/ 17th Century the very characterful small snug bar is the star heritage feature of the pub.
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London South East, HORNS TAVERN, West Norwood. A recent refurbishment has removed all surviving historic features so the pub has been removed from the inventory.



Other Items of Interest

BEER Magazine. The spring edition of CAMRA’s Beer Magazine is available here: BEER Magazine (CAMRA membership login required). In this edition Paul Ainsworth explores pubs with fascinating histories (rather than simply historic interiors!). This new venture is called ‘Inn-Side Stories’ see pages 44-45.



If you have any news on our Heritage Pubs please send updates to: info@pubheritage.camra.org.uk .

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Tom Chapman