Bulletin ref: NI Bulletin 081 – Oct. 2009

The following changes to the National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors have been agreed by CAMRA’s Pub Heritage Group:

ADDITIONS TO PART ONE
NORFOLK. WOODSIDE, 125-129 Woodside Road, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich NR7 9HA. 01603 300200. An interesting pub in that, although it looks of the 1930s, it was in fact built in 1956 by Bullards thus showing the continuity of design. between the pre- and post-war years. Original plan of a lounge, public bar, smoke-room and off-sales (though the last two locked and out of use in recent times). Original fittings. Greene King IPA.
W SUSSEX. ROYAL OAK, Wineham Lane, Henfield, Wineham BN5 9AY. 01444 881252. An unspoilt cottage-style pub run by the Peacock family for 60 years until 2007 and little changed since the main alterations, incorporating the former shop were in 1946/47 when the original counter was altered to a semi-circular shape (was previously straight). Some later minor alterations in the rear saloon - fireplace removed in the 1950s when the ladies’ was put in: also, although the ceiling is original ceiling, false beams fitted in 1980s. Open 11 to 2.30 (3.30 Sat); 5.30 (6 Sat) to 11. Harveys Best Bitter and guest beer from casks on stillage (with in-cask cooling).

ADDITIONS TO PART TWO
ESSEX. Queen’s Head, Tolleshunt d’Arcy, CM9 8TF. 08721 077077. For the left-hand ‘bar parlour’, which has a wonderful old-fashioned atmosphere with wall panelling, etched glass, fixed benches, tables, bar counter and bar back. The only major recent change has been the laying of the stone floor on top of a brick one in the 1970s.
STAFFS. Anchor, Peggs Lane, Old Lea, High Offley ST20 0NG. 01785 284569. This well-known canalside pub used to be on the National Inventory but was deleted because it was recognised that the grim fittings of the left-hand room was recent work of the 1960s. However, the creation of Part Two of the Inventory (which recognises individual rooms or features of national importance) means reinstatement there for the marvellous right-hand room with its Victorian/early C20 character (although the tiny bar counter modelled on a narrow boat theme is relatively recent).

For fuller descriptions of the above pubs please visit the CAMRA historic pub interiors website www.heritagepubs.org.uk

DELETIONS FROM PART ONE 
GLOUCS. Prince of Wales, Staunton & Corse. Although much dates from the 1950s, it is not felt this basic pub is up to National Inventory standard but is included in the South West England Regional Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors.
GLOUCS. Queen’s Head, Willsbridge. Loss of old bar fittings i.e. the bar back shelves, which have been removed and replaced by new shelves (and the fact that the bar counter is not old i.e. the pub was a marginal entry originally). This pub is still included in the South West England Regional Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors.
GT. MANCHESTER. March Hare, Ashton-under-Lyne. Partial opening up of this c.1960 pub means it is now included on the North West England Regional Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. 
OXFORDSHIRE. Peyton Arms, Stoke Lyne. An agonised decision re this splendid country pub but one based considerable research which shows that the pub, as we now know it, is the result of work shortly after it was taken over by Hook Norton in 1954.

Pub Heritage Group is currently debating the need for a way of recognising those pubs that do not meet the criteria for inclusion on the National Inventory of Historic Pubs Interiors, but are:
a) Very close to intact floor plan
b) Few old fittings lost
c) Pub with minor/few post 1939 changes and would be include on the National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors if these changes were prior to 1939

Pubs like the Peyton Arms (which is an example of 'c' above) could be included on this list and then would appear as 'Try Also' entries in future National Inventory of Historic Pubs Interiors / Britain's Real Heritage Pubs books. Please take a look at the Heritage Pubs feature in the next edition of Beer magazine for more details and examples of pubs under consideration.

DELETIONS FROM PART TWO 
GLOUCS & BRISTOL. Palace Hotel, Bristol. Reassessed and removed to the South West England Regional Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors. We are grateful to Bristol & District CAMRA Pubs Campaigning Group for research below.
The pub was included in Part Two for its impressive arcading with round arched, twisted, hollow brass columns that originally ran all along the side wall. In 1970 Whitbread converted the one-roomed hotel reception / residents & public bar room into two by creating a division wall. This was then fitted with the arcading and brass columns that were removed from the bar back in the rear bar as they had lost their place due to the insertion above the rear room of a new mezzanine floor for toilet facilities. In the main bar modern shelving beneath the arcading and a bar-counter were added by Whitbread in 1970.
YORKS, SOUTH. Stumble Inn, Sheffield. Internal gutting by new owners after pub sold by Punch Taverns. 

ADDITIONS TO REGISTER OF CLOSED PUBS:
Part One:
GLOUCS. Berkeley Arms, Purton. – is temporarily closed due the death of landlord Ted Lord. It is due to reopen on 6th November and will be run by Mrs Wendy Lord. Opening hours will be 7pm to close Wed to Sun; also 12 to 2 Sat & Sun.
Part Two
BORDERS. Tower Hotel, Oxton. Closed by new owners who it is rumoured may want to convert the hotel into a private residence. 

SAD NEWS RE THE CIDER HOUSE, DEFFORD, WORCS. 
Allan Marshall reports the very sad news of the death of landlord Graham Collins on 18 August. He says that at the moment his wife Jill (whose family has run it for nearly 150 years) continues to open the pub: Wed., Thur., and Sat. 18.00 to 22.00; Fri. 11.00 to 14.00; Sun. 12.00 to 15.00. Closed Mon. and Tue.

Geoff Brandwood and Mick Slaughter