Pub Heritage Bulletin 268 Jun 2025

Surrey, BELL, Walton-on-the Hill. Some very bad news to start with this month: the planning application for change of use to residential, which was covered in the last bulletin, has been approved by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council. The main reason given appears to be the presence of three other pubs within walking distance (although these are all more food orientated with the Bell being the only wet-led traditional pub in the area). Approval was granted despite numerous passionate objections from the local community and an application by owners Brakspear which we consider did not include sufficient evidence of the marketing of the pub as a going concern, which is a requirement of the local plan. This unique pub known locally at ‘The Rat’ is included on the inventory for its intact two room interior which dates to the rebuilding of the pub in around 1955. It is still currently operating, but barring a dramatic change of fortune, it seems inevitable that it will be lost, so if you want to visit then don’t delay. View the Pub

Tyne & Wear, MOUNTAIN DAISY, Sunderland. On a much more positive note, the Mountain Daisy has been advertised as reopening on the 30th June. This is a very welcome surprise as it was reported that the new owners had no intention of reopening and were looking to convert to other uses. We had feared that a long period of closure at least was inevitable – see March bulletin. Following a well reported campaign led by local councillors and Sunderland and South Tyneside CAMRA, it seems that the owners have had a change of heart, or perhaps realised how difficult a change of use would be to achieve. The Mountain Daisy, rebuilt in 1901-2, is grade II* listed . The Buffet Bar with its impressive tiling and rare ceramic bar is recognised as one of the most spectacular pub rooms in the country. It is not yet known who will be running it or what the offering may be, so expect a further update soon. Thanks to Ken Paul and Paul Edgecombe for sharing this good news.
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Greater London West, FORESTER, West Ealing. Congratulations to the Forester which has been awarded the Community Local Award in the CAMRA & Historic England Pub Design Awards 2025. See: CAMRA. The Forester is a fine example of a suburban Edwardian pub which retains a four room layout and many features of the period. The award celebrates the sympathetic refurbishment undertaken by owners Fullers in early 2024.
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North Yorkshire, BLUE BELL, York. The Blue Bell has been awarded Pub of the Year by the York branch of CAMRA. Congratulations to licensee John Pybus and his team. See: York Mix. For anyone who hasn’t visited this national treasure (is there anyone out there?) it really is a wonderfully atmospheric little pub with an intact two room interior from 1903 and is one of the few pubs graded at II* primarily for its interior. An essential visit when in York!
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Staffordshire, RED LION, Rugeley. Following a recent visit Gerry Hahlo reports that the Red Lion is closed with a sign displayed saying ‘asbestos works in progress’. We are concerned that this could result in damage to the interior, so any updates on the situation would be welcome. The grade II listed Red Lion occupies a c.16th Century timber framed building and consists of three rooms which were last refitted in the 1930s.
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West Midlands. ANCHOR, Birmingham. The Anchor, a fine red brick and terracotta pub from 1902 and designed by the renowned local pub architects James & Lister Lea, is currently closed with licensee Julian Rose-Gibbs blaming spiralling costs on the closure. It is anticipated that the owners will be seeking new tenants – any further news welcome. Thanks to Paul Ainsworth for spotting this.
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Lancashire, RAMSDEN ARMS HOTEL, Blackpool. This ‘Brewers’ Tudor’ pub built in 1939 for Halifax brewer Thomas Ramsden’s is closed, and there are concerns locally that it is earmarked for redevelopment as part of the wider regeneration of this area of the town. See: Blackpool Gazette. The pub is not listed and it is owned by Heineken. Thanks to Stephen Peck for reporting this. Further updates welcome!
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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