Camp House Inn, Grimley

The Camp House was extended around 1936 when a bar was added for the first time and the layout and many fittings from that date remain – the pub has been run by the Wainwright family since 1936. In the 1930s it served what was called Grimley Lido, a section of the River Severn south of Bevere Lock that became very popular at that time for sunbathing and swimming.

The small right-hand bar has a red tiled floor, a small, possibly 1930s brick fireplace with a log fire, a bar counter that could date from the 1930s as there is a date of 1936 on the set of Gaskell & Chambers hand-pumps (but the counter front could have later replacement timber following flooding). The bar back is modern - an old (1950’s?) photo behind the bar shows the same counter but an older bar-back fitting. The bar area has been increased in size by a small 1970s extension on the river side of the pub.

The larger left room has a red-brick shaped tiled floor, a large 1930s brick fireplace with a copper hood, a large high-backed settle and service from a hatch cut into a wall where the counter could date from the 1930s. The panelling – dado and some full height – is modern having been replacements after flooding. There is a tiny alcove in the 1970s extension part of the room.

From the (rear) entrance on the car park side is a small hall with red tiled floor, intact off sales hatch and split door with ledge leading to the servery for staff. There is more replacement after flooding timber dado here and down the uneven tiled floor passage to the public bar. On the opposite side of the passage to the public bar is a small snug brought into use with a tiled floor, replacement after flooding timber dado, modern brick fireplace and old looking benches. Plenty of 1930s Crittall windows remain. Outside gents.

The pub gets flooded regularly and can be closed for months so best to ring ahead before making a visit.