29 Market Street, Tamworth, B79 7LR
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Riviera Centre, Torquay
11-13 April 2025
23 Haltwhistle Road, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5ZA
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116, Foregate Street, Chester, Chester, CH1 2HH
Popular city-centre pub, reputedly named after the crescent-shaped bar that runs through it. The decoration, following a summer 2021 refurbishment, retains a traditional feel, including many original features with a range of old Durham photographs on display.. A mixture of local and student clientele contribute to a sociable and friendly atmosphere. It is notable for serving Draught Bass as part of a selection of well kept ales. To the rear is a large beer garden that offers both covered space and a fine view of the river and Old Elvet Bridge.
One star - A pub interior of special national historic interest
Listed status: II
The rear buffet bar, dating from 1908-9, is the main point of interest here. It has a semi-circular, segmental-shaped mahogany counter, heavily detailed, and a fine Queen Anne-style bar back with a pair of high-level glazed cupboards and bevelled mirror panels. The fire surround, with its classical detailing, is also notable as is the rear curved window featuring stained and leaded patterning. The front bar has mostly modern fittings but the curious pelmet-like canopy to the bar back dates from an 1894 refit. Water taps can be found on both the front and back bars, the former still operational. These, used for diluting whisky, are rare in England.
17th and 18th century former house and joiners shop that retains an intact rear buffet bar by prolific local pub architect, Joseph Oswald added in 1908-9. Oswald is also responsible for the frontage added in 1894 with its delicate red floral tile panels on the pilasters. The front bar has modern bar fittings but retains a curious pelmet-like canopy to the bar back added as part of the refit of the front bar in 1894. Match-board panelled ceiling but the fixed seating is also modern.
The back area (named as 'Buffet and Lounge' in the etched glass on the left-hand side) retains its semi-circular segmental-shaped mahogany bar counter with heavy detailing and a Queen Anne style fine bar-back fitting with a pair of high-level glazed cupboards and bevelled mirror panels. The inevitable fridges have replaced the lower bar back shelving. Also there is a splendid fire surround with classical detailing but reproduction tiled and cast-iron interior. there is a fine rear curved window featuring stained and leaded patterns. Note the figure '4' on the door to the cellar. The fixed seating and the baffles/screens with glazed panels in the top are all modern.
Note the water taps on both front and rear bar counters - that on the front bar still works (the rear bar one is not connected). Water taps are rare in England (but there are many in Scotland) as whisky is the only spirit that benefits from a little water. At the rear are the former stables - note the coaching arch on the left of the pub. A building on the rear left might looks like it may have been a brewery in the past.
This Pub serves 2 changing beers and 1 regular beer.
Half Moon Inn, Durham
Changing beers typically include: Sharp's - Doom Bar , St Austell - Tribute , Timothy Taylor - Landlord , Wainwright (varies)
Source: National
Sports TV
Garden
Disabled Access
Dog Friendly
Smoking
Wi Fi
Real Ale
Real Heritage Pub
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