Pub Heritage Bulletin 239 Jan 2023

Devon, LUPPITT INN, Luppitt. We have very welcome news that the famous Luppitt Inn may re-open. The unique farmhouse pub was run by Mary Wright until her death in 2021. Her daughter Caroline Smith and her husband Phil, who used to help Mary out running the pub, want to re-open the pub maintaining its historic character and National Inventory status. They have already undertaken renovations including re-roofing, as the building had damp problems. But it needs to make a financial return, which is recognised as being a major challenge, so are exploring options. Russ Durbridge of the Pub Heritage Group was invited to visit this month and give advice. Any definite outcome seems a way off yet, but we will keep you updated. Thanks to Daniel Meers for making contact with the Smiths and informing us. View the Pub

Devon, DREWE ARMS, Drewsteignton. We reported last month that the freehold of the famous Devon pub was up for sale for £500,000. See: Right Move. We hear from Mark Dodds that there is quite a lot of interest locally in the possibility of a community purchase. Early days as it’s only been on the market a month. But given the success nationally of community buyouts this could be a very good route to secure the pubs future. View the Pub

Edinburgh & the Lothians, PRESTOUNGRANGE GOTHENBURG, Prestonpans. This superb Arts & Crafts pub, built in 1908, is re-opening in early February. The tenancy has been taken over by Patrick Cairney, who runs the Linton Hotel & Steakhouse. The previous tenants quit after spiralling costs associated with the cost of living crisis made the business unviable. See: East Lothian Courier. The unusual name of the pub originates from the Swedish Gothenburg system, which still operates here. The intention of the system is to encourage temperance where the manager makes no profit from alcoholic drinks, but only from food and non-alcoholic drinks. Profits above 5% are also devoted to projects of public benefit.
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East Yorkshire, OLDE WHITE HARTE, Hull. In the November Bulletin we reported that the owners (Star Pubs & Bars) had stated their intent to reinstate the bar that had been illegally removed. Paul Ainsworth reports that The Council has now told the applicants that they have provided insufficient information to enable the listed building consent application to be determined. They require submission of a full schedule of works for the reinstatement along with associated plans. It's great to see the Council taking this matter so seriously.
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Lancashire, YE HORNS INN, Goosnargh. We reported last year on the significant changes following an extensive contemporary makeover, which included the tragic loss of the extremely rare behind the bar snug. Mick Slaughter has visited the pub recently and following his report the pub has sadly been removed from the inventory all together and is now classified as being of local interest only.
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Lancashire, BLACK HORSE, Preston. On a more positive note, the other National Inventory pub in the Central Lancashire branch area – The magnificent Black Horse, has been awarded Central Lancashire branch Pub of the Year. Congratulations to all involved! See: Blog Preston.
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Tyne & Wear, STAGS HEAD, South Shields. We are pleased to hear that The Stags Head, which closed in December, has now re-opened with the new tenants planning to re-open the upstairs bar and restore cask ale. Thanks to Ian Monteith-Preston for this good news.
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Greater Manchester, SHAKESPEARE, Farnworth. Don Chattwood reports that The Shakespeare, which shut in April 2022, is still available to rent. The price has now been dropped from £60,000 per annum to £40,000. See: Tanzys Properties. where it is still referred to as being ‘previously the Shakespeare pub’ and suitable for various uses with no mention of planning requirements or listed status!
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