WELCOME to all those people who signed up at the GBBF to receive this 
monthly bulletin about heritage pubs news. I’m always delighted to get 
info. about National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors pubs and I look forward to hearing from 
you sometime. Just one thing I would ask – unless there is something to 
report, please don’t acknowledge receipt of these e-bulletins with the 
likes of ‘Thanks, Geoff’ otherwise my in-box will start getting overworked!

MARVELLOUS NEWS FROM SCOTLAND. Following the publication of ‘Scotland’s 
True Heritage Pubs’ Mick Slaughter engaged the interest of Historic 
Scotland who are responsible to the Scottish Assembly for listing. They 
conducted a thematic survey which has resulted in new listings, 
upgradings and a host of revised list descriptions. Mick and I have 
produced a piece about it all which will appear in the next ‘Beer’. In 
advance of this, in case you want to follow the story now I attach the 
text for your edification.

PEACOCK, RUGBY, WARWICKS. Mick S as been told by Admiral Taverns that 
new tenant has been found and it should open by the end of the month, 
hopefully!

WHITE HART, HULL. More good news from Mick about a closed pub. The 
freehold has been purchased by Sue Perkins, who also owns the Railway 
Inn, New Allerby and Whittington & Cat, Hull. The rear part of the pub 
was being used for a party when Mick was  in Hull recently so he forced 
his way in and spoke, it seems, to the son of Sue Perkins who said they 
have plans to add B&B upstairs and expect it will reopen in 3 or 4 months.

NOOK, LIVERPOOL. Bad news, I’m afraid. Mike Hobday reports: ‘I visited 
The Nook 2 weeks ago to find it in the middle of a full refit.  It will 
still be the same pub; same layout, same landlady, presumably same local 
clientele with probably the same run-down feel. ie no change at all in 
form or function. BUT, for some strange reason, all the original 
furnishings and fittings, with perhaps the exception of the wood 
(1920s?) fireplace in the main bar, are being ripped out and replaced 
with cheap and very poor quality "antique style" replacements.  So 
utterly pointless.’ Pub Heritage Group tried to get this pub statutorily 
listed but, rather perversely, English Heritage turned us down. 
Consequently the interior had no protection.

LOGGERHEADS, SHREWSBURY. John Badger writes to say he is the new 
landlord and the phone number is 01743 344226.

COCK & BOTTLE, BRADFORD. A couple of reports on recent visits say this 
pub is now run down and generally unpleasant experience. You’re warned.

DOLPHIN, HACKNEY, E8. Currently closed down by the council for noise 
disturbance!

HOLLY BUSH, HINCKLEY, LEICS. Chris Witt notes the refurbishment as an 
Indian restaurant seems to be proceeding but it is yet to reopen.

BEST SELLER? ‘London Heritage Pubs: An Inside Story’ – I’m delighted to 
report 543 copies were sold at GBBF which is very gratifying. It is also 
widely available through the book trade so is now helping to promote 
appreciation of the precious heritage that’s still left in our London 
pubs. Hope you’ve got yours!

Geoff