Pub Heritage Bulletin 269 Jul 2025

Staffordshire, VINE, Stoke-on-Trent. We reported on the imminent reopening of the Vine in the April bulletin, when little was known of the new owners and if any changes were planned. We are pleased to say that the Vine opened its doors again, after four years of closure, in late June. The really fantastic news is that it appears that there have been no changes to the pub, which is an extremely rare example of an intact small Victorian back street local. Self-confessed ‘real ale fanatic’ Steve Burke along with three business partners bought it when it was auctioned in November last year. See: Stoke Sentinel. Bass along with two other local guest ales are on offer and initial reports are very positive. Thanks to Andy Parkin and Paul Ainsworth for this excellent news.
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West Midlands. ANCHOR, Birmingham. Following the closure of the Anchor last month we can now report the good news that it is to re-open in August. Peter Connolly, who runs nearby bar and music venue Nortons Digbeth, has taken on the lease with a commitment to ‘restore the city gem to its former glory’. See: Midlands What’s On.
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Tyne & Wear, MOUNTAIN DAISY, Sunderland. As anticipated in last month’s bulletin the Mountain Daisy has now reopened. Ken Paul reports that the local businessman who had purchased it from Trust Inns then fairly swiftly put it up for auction, probably after realising that change of use would indeed be difficult to achieve. The new owners are primarily serving Asian cuisine, but it is still very much open as a pub for casual drinkers – no real ale unfortunately.
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Surrey, BELL, Walton-on-the Hill. Following the granting of planning permission to convert this unique pub to residential use (see last month’s bulletin) Paul Ainsworth of the Pub Heritage Group has submitted a listing application to Historic England. If successful, any alterations would then require listed building consent. View the Pub

Staffordshire, BULLS HEAD, Telford. Paul Ainsworth reports that the lease of the Bulls Head, which has had a chequered recent history with a succession of owners and tenants, is available to lease from Inglenook Inns. See: Inglenook Inns. We reported on the ongoing refurbishment works in April when the pub was still open. It is currently closed until a new tenant is found.
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Staffordshire, RED LION, Rugeley. The Red Lion has reopened following refurbishment works including removal of asbestos - as reported last month. Thankfully no harm has come to the interior apart from repainting and some new furniture. Thanks to Robert Flood and Paul Mudge for this news.
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West Midlands, WATERLOO, Smethwick. The grade II*Waterloo, built in 1907 as a flagship pub for brewers Mitchell & Butlers, has tragically now been closed since 2011. Following a recent visit by Sandwell Council’s planning enforcement officer and conservation officer a fresh Section 215 notice is being issued to the owner to maintain the building. We last reported on this in December 2023 when the original section 215 notice had been issued. The owner at the time, we understand, agreed to comply and also stated that a new tenant was taking on the lease (albeit for restaurant use). It was listed with agents Mason Young and is shown on their website as having been let. But nothing appears to have happened on the ground as yet. It has been included on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register since 2012. See: Historic England. The ground floor and basement, which houses the spectacular Grill Room, are in a deplorable state. This disgraceful situation has now been dragging on for years – we sincerely hope that some meaningful action to restore this spectacular historic building is forthcoming soon.
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Greater Manchester, CROWN, Stockport. Closed temporarily for refurbishment. The lease of the Crown is being taken on by the owners of the Petersgate Tap in Stockport, a popular micro-pub which was awarded Stockport & South Manchester CAMRA’s pub of the year in 2023, as well as being awarded the branch cider pub of the year for the last six years. So, should be well worth a visit when it reopens in late August. See: Manchester Evening News.
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Nottinghamshire, CUCKOO BUSH INN, Gotham. The Cuckoo Bush Inn is reported as now being open with new tenants having taken on the lease. It was reported last year in the press that owners Star Pubs & Bars were planning a ‘major refurbishment’. Currently we don’t know what changes, if any, may have occurred – so any updates are welcome. Hopefully the snug with its fixed seating remains untouched.
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East Sussex, NEW INN, Bexhill on Sea. This handsome 18th Century pub overlooking the green in the village of Sidley has reopened following a fire that damaged the kitchen and upper floor in November. A listed building application has been lodged which is restricted to repairing those areas affected by the fire. Richard Adam reports that it has undergone a significant refurbishment, so re-assessment may be required.
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West Yorkshire, HIGHLAND LADDIE, Leeds. We covered the welcome reopening of the Highland Laddie in May. The new proprietors have put a fine dining spin on the premises whilst successfully retaining the traditional pub experience. Well known food critic Jimi Famurewa was impressed: See: Observer. A review which might tempt the foodies amongst you. But, as most readers will probably be more interested in the beer – there are three locally sourced ales on offer!
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