Corner House, Barnstaple

This Victorian pub was remodelled about 1935 and given a curved frontage to the street corner. The Corner House has a remarkably little-altered 1930s interior. Of two doors in the corner lobby one leads to the former off sales on the left (now used for storage) and the other to the main bar. This is L-shaped and is said by the licensee and regulars to have been a single space right from the 1930s: a photo of 1936 in the licensee’s possession shows there was no partition in the area approached from the main entrance, despite what one might read from the spur of a partition and the ceiling beam. It also shows that casks were stillaged in the back fitting which has now been fairly substantially altered. The counter is original with sleek, smooth woodwork and a Formica top, at the extreme ends below the counter are little plates naming the pub fitters, Shapland & Petter of Barnstaple. There is a 1930s fireplace in one corner and the walls have fielded panelling to picture-rail level. There is a wood Shove Ha'penny board permanently affixed to the wall at the rear and the pub is a full participant in the local league.

Behind is a wide hallway with more fielded panelling and a staircase to private accommodation. On the other side is a room called 'Garlands', after Tom Garland, licensee 1933-68, who would have overseen the changes. This has its own servery (with much original work) and more more fielded panelling. It also has an impressive inglenook fireplace with cushioned seats on either side. The gents’ retains its original four Twyford Adamant urinals and tiled walls (the ladies’ loos are modernized). At the rear left is the skittle alley.