Pub Heritage Bulletin 279 Jun 2026

Greater Manchester, MARBLE ARCH, Manchester. As anticipated in our April Bulletin, developers McGoffs Group have submitted a full planning application for the development of a 17-storey residential tower block next door to the grade II listed Marble Arch pub, despite objections from the pub and the wider community voiced during the initial consultation process. At the closest point the tower block is a mere three metres away from the Marble Arch. The scale of the proposal will harm the setting of the listed building, dominating and overshadowing the pub and its beer garden. The close proximity will make future noise complaints a real possibility, as well as causing likely disruption to trade during the construction process. See: Manchester Evening News.
This contentious proposal appears to run contrary to Manchester City Council’s own strategy for the area, which was to respect and enhance the setting of the Marble Arch. Let’s hope that they refuse the application and a more sensitive alternative is forthcoming. Central Manchester CAMRA and Paul Ainsworth, on behalf of Pub Heritage Group, have submitted objections.
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West Midlands, WOODMAN, Birmingham. Further delays to the HS2 rail project in Birmingham, which now may not be completed until 2039, are causing concern to the owners of the Woodman pub who now fear that the pub business may not survive the wait. See: BBC. Union Inns reopened the Woodman in September 2024 after an exemplary refurbishment, and were banking on the economic uplift to the area that would be forthcoming following completion. Meanwhile, the HS2 works continue to leave the pub isolated and cut off from the city centre. The previous licensees quit due to the disruption to trade caused by the HS2 development which was originally due to be completed in 2026. Let’s hope Union Inns can weather the storm – make sure you visit if you are nearby to support this wonderful pub through hard times. Originally built in 1897 the Woodman is one of the finest of Birmingham’s brick and terracotta pubs, and was designed by renowned pub architects James and Lister Lea. The interior retains many original features including a splendid bar counter and bar back and Minton tiling throughout, culminating in the wonderful tiled Smoke Room to the rear. Thanks to Andy Shaw for this news.
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East Yorkshire, STATION BUFFET, Bridlington. We last reported on the Station Buffet in August last year when brewers Belschnikel were intending to reopen in spring 2026. Unfortunately, issues with the building that require attention from the landlord, National Rail, have delayed Belschnikel carrying out necessary refurbishment works and it is now unlikely to open before winter. The Station Buffet, built in 1912, is one of only two pre-war unaltered licensed refreshment rooms on the national rail network - the other being at Stalybridge, Greater Manchester. It was statutorily listed at Grade II following an application by CAMRA in 2012, and has now been closed since December 2019. The delay is unfortunate, but we look forward to seeing it open once again in due course. Thanks to Stuart Mumby for the update.
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East Yorkshire, POLAR BEAR, Hull. We last covered the Polar Bear in the April 2025 Bulletin when the retrospective application to cover harmful unauthorised works to the interior as well as unsympathetic external signage was refused by Hull City Council. The owners subsequently appealed the decision and this appeal has also now thankfully been refused by the Planning Inspectorate. Discussions are now underway between the owners and Hull City Council to secure the required remedial works. The stand out feature of the grade II listed Polar Bear, which was built in 1895, is the curved ceramic bar counter, one of only fourteen surviving in the UK. Thanks to Stephen Walker, conservation officer for Hull City Council, whose steadfast perseverance in ensuring the right outcome for the Polar Bear must be commended.
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Northern Ireland, ROCK BAR, Belfast. The famous Rock Bar, located on the Falls Road, has shut and the freehold is up for sale with Savills for a reported price of £750,000. See: Savills. The pub, which is grade 2B listed, was built in 1901 and has five surviving timber snugs facing the servery, a characteristic feature of Northern Ireland pubs with other surviving examples in Belfast being the Crown and the Fort Bar (still closed and for sale – see bulletin 261 Nov 2024). Much of the interior of the Rock Bar was restored following a rocket attack in 1974 during the Troubles.
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Nottinghamshire, LORD NELSON, Nottingham. The Lord Nelson, located in the Nottingham suburb of Sneinton, was originally formed from farm workers cottages, and has fittings mainly from a 1950’s refurbishment. The pub closed last month and owners Greene King have put the freehold on the market with an asking price of £295,000. See: Right Move.
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Greater London North West, MASONS ARMS, Kensal Green. Correction to last month’s bulletin: the application to Historic England for statutory listing of the Masons Arms, which is subject to a planning application for demolition, was in fact made by Joanne Scott, Pub Protection Officer for CAMRA North London, not Jane Jephcote as reported. Thanks to Jane for clarifying this!
The listing application is currently being considered. The campaign to save this historic pub continues, and despite some comments in support, the planning application has received around 100 objections.
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East Sussex, PRINCE ALBERT, Eastbourne. We are sad to report that the Prince Albert, which has been closed since November 2024, is due be turned into a veterinary surgery following a successful planning application for change of use. The pub was built in the late 1930s in classic Brewers’ Tudor style, and although much altered internally, still contains features from the period including an unusual curved bar counter, panelling and original fireplaces.
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Shropshire, GASKELL ARMS HOTEL, Much Wenlock. Following a recent visit to this 17th Century coaching inn, which is grade II*listed, Mick Croxford reports that both serveries have been modernised as part of recent refurbishment works. It was included on the inventory for its 1960s refit, but is now removed from the inventory. Pub Heritage Group have contacted Shropshire Council for clarification as it appears that the required listed building consent for these works has not been applied for.
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Other Items of interest

The Life & Many Deaths of the Local.
An excellent Radio 4 programme examining the post-war fate of the British Pub is available to listen here: BBC Sounds.
It makes important and welcome reference to the role of CAMRA and Pub Heritage Group.