Pub Heritage Bulletin 267 May 2025

East Yorkshire, STATION BUFFET, Bridlington. At last, some good news to share on the situation here. The German-themed craft brewer Belschnickel Brewery, currently based in Hull, have announced that they are taking on the lease and plan to be open by the end of the year. The Station Buffet 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. It was built in 1925 and consists of two public rooms that catered separately for the two ‘classes’ of passenger. Both rooms preserve their ceilings and terrazzo flooring and original bar counters with marble tops and plinths. It closed in 2019 following the retirement of then licensee, John Sadler, and Northern Rail, the station’s operators, have been struggling to let it ever since. So it comes as a great relief to hear this news, and is some reward for Pub Heritage Group’s own diligent efforts over the last few years to help achieve a good conservation solution. The original 2003 listing of the entire station, including the Buffet, was thanks to a successful application by CAMRA, and the listing was enhanced in 2010, again at CAMRA’s instigation, to give fuller recognition to the outstanding national importance of the Buffet. It is expected that long-unused parts of the premises, at the rear and side, will house Belschnickel’s new brewery, and we look forward to the carefully-restored Buffet interior resuming the historic function for which it was designed. Thanks to Kevin Keaveny and Dave Gamston for this welcome information.
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Surrey, BELL, Walton-on-the Hill. Brakspear, the owners of this unique pub, have submitted a planning application for change of use to turn it into a house. The Bell, known as ‘The Rat’, was re-built in 1955 and its interior has changed very little since then, making it an important survivor of the period. It is the only traditional wet-led pub in the area and the local community are shocked by the move. So far there are 43 public comments on the application and all are strong objections to the loss of this cherished local. The application shows no evidence of the pub having been advertised for sale or let, as is required in the local plan, and it appears that no site notices have been displayed advertising the application – further enraging the locals. Paul Ainsworth has objected on behalf of Pub Heritage Group and is helping the local CAMRA branch frame an objection. Thanks to Roy Golding of East & Mid-Surrey CAMRA for this news. View the Pub

Edinburgh & the Lothians, PRESTOUNGRANGE GOTHENBURG, Prestonpans. We reported in March on the hope that this wonderful Arts & Crafts pub would continue to operate as a pub following consultation with the community. The last licensee had failed and alternative uses were being considered by the owners. Disappointingly it is now to reopen by early July as an Indian restaurant. We have to assume that 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. See. East Lothian Courier.
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Cheshire, TRAVELLERS REST, Alpraham. Following a recent visit Pub Heritage Group member Gerry Hahlo reports that the works to repair the damage sustained after a lorry collided with the front of the building (covered in the February 2024 bulletin) are now complete The front rooms, which had been closed, are now fully restored and open. The front window which was destroyed has been rebuilt in stone to match the building - it was previously painted timber. Gerry reports that it was busy at the time of his visit and the restoration works look good. The Travellers Rest was built c.1850 with the interior mainly dating to a 1937 refit. It has been owned by the same family since 1900 and is still run very much on traditional lines.
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East Sussex, DEWDROP INN, Peacehaven. A planning application has been submitted by owners 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 we covered the closure in the December bulletin. It appears that minimal effort had been made to market the pub as a going concern and we understand moves are afoot to make an Asset of Community Value (ACV) application. Thanks to Richard Williams for this news.
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West Yorkshire, ROYAL OAK, Halifax. Andrew Davison reports the sad news that 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 contains much period character -the elaborate leaded windows with heraldic motifs being of particular note. The pub was listed in 1994 following an application by CAMRA.
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Derbyshire, QUIET WOMAN, Earl Sterndale. We reported on the closure of this simple cottage pub following the death of landlord Ken Mellors back in February 2021. 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, which is good news. However, photographs of the building works seem to show that the interior has been completely stripped out. No doubt we will get a clearer picture in due course. Thanks to Ben Zwierink and Colin Phillips of High Peak, Tameside and East Cheshire CAMRA for this update
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West Yorkshire, HIGHLAND LADDIE, Leeds. As reported last month the Highland Laddie has reopened. Paul Ainsworth visited to re-assess following the refurbishment and reports very positively on the experience, commenting that ‘the whole place sparkles’. The historic fittings have been retained with no damage and the bench seating in both rooms re-covered appropriately.
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If you have any news on our Heritage Pubs please send updates to: info@pubheritage.camra.org.uk .

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Tom Chapman