Three star - A pub interior of outstanding national historic importance
Listed status: Not listed
The simple grey exterior of this property conceals a simple, homely village pub. On the left is the public bar where the high, two-sided counter has rows of tiles at the top and bottom. The attractive, delicate bar-back fitting is said to have been introduced in 1937 and was probably brought in from a domestic setting. It has marquetry and balusters in the lower part, mirrored panels and a small central cupboard. On top is a pair of interesting McConnell’s glass whisky vats. The other room, across the hallway, is plainly appointed and is brought into use on Saturdays which are normally very busy. Beer is only sold in bottles.
Basic village bar with two rooms where beer, lager and stout are only sold in bottles. Following the death of long-serving licensee, Staffy Carmichael, in 2009 it has limited opening hours. On the left is the small basic public bar with a high bar counter with rows of tiles at the top and the bottom. The delicate bar-back fitting, no doubt introduced from a domestic location, has marquetry, slender pillars holding up the shelves and cupboards. The upper part has a number of mirror panels with a small central cupboard and at the top is a broken pediment and a pair of attractive McConnell's glass whisky vats. There is a small tiled and wood surround fireplace that looks to date from inter-war times and a row of benches line the exterior walls.
Across the hallway is another small room which can be brought into use on a Saturday evening (normally very busy). It has a screeded floor, one wall has been covered in ply panels from the 1970s to cover damp patches and there is a small brick fireplace of a similar date. Two basic benches and a fine piece of furniture complete the picture.
Carmichael's, Ballyeaston