Category: Heritage

Since the last issue of Beer Matters, there have been a number of local developments:

• Before Christmas, a letter was sent to Sheffield City Council (SCC) from Paul Ainsworth, the Chair of the National CAMRA Pub Campaigns Group expressing disquiet regarding their procedures and practices. An immediate response form SCC was the offer of a meeting in order to discuss this, and related, issues. A date was agreed, then, at short notice, cancelled by SCC. An alternative date has now been agreed. We will meet with Ccl.Jack Scott.
• the Cherry Tree – SCC refused the ACV application. We understand that the Carterknowle and Millhouses Community Group will resubmit. SCC planning committee have not yet met in order to discuss a planning application, from the Co-op, to demolish the building and replace it by a shop.
• before Christmas, Sheffield CAMRA submitted an ACV application for The University Arms. We have since received a nine-page letter from Pinsent Mason (an international law company employed by the pub owners, the University of Sheffield). We submitted a detailed response rebutting the assertions made in this letter. A decision from SCC was due by 17th.February.
• Carbrook Hall – we understand that (subject to contract), Punch Taverns have sold this pub to a locally based Leisure Company. Sheaf Valley Heritage Group have submitted a detailed ACV application. The heritage aspects of Carbrook Hall were described, in detail in the November 2016 edition of Beer Matters. They are also available online on the CAMRA Pub Heritage website: heritagepubs.org.uk

Dave Pickersgill, Pub Heritage Officer Dave Pickersgill, Pub Heritage Officer

The Fat Cat is a little-altered and typically detailed example of a mid-C19th. pub and former hotel in, what was, an industrial quarter close to central Sheffield. It has an excellent original layout: two downstairs rooms, a small central bar, mosaic in the doorway and a terrazzo floor passageway. Opened in 1850 and originally known as ‘The Kelham Tavern,’ the pub was renamed ‘The Alma,’ in 1856, after the Battle of the Alma River (SW Crimea) in 1854. It was taken over by Sheffield brewer, William Stones in 1912. A small entrance lobby with mosaic floor bearing the legend “CANNON ALES” leads into a corridor with terrazzo floor leading to a rooms on the left and a doorway to the servery on right. The entrance lobby also leads to a room on the right. The bar was up-graded in 1981 from a formica-topped surface. The three-sided servery has a canopy including coloured glass over, and a clock under, a rounded pediment. The latter is believed to be a payment settling kiosk obtained from a Co-op butchers in Rotherham. The left hand-room has bench seating on most of the walls. The Victorian style fireplace with tiled base was installed in 1981. The right-hand room has a Victorian green tiled, cast iron and wood surround fireplace at the rear and has bench seating on the outside walls. A 1914 plan (James R.Wigfull for Messr’s.Wm.Stones Ltd.) shows a pub layout which is similar to the current layout with three exceptions. 1914 has two entrances to the building: the current position and a second corner entrance. The current corner room is split into two rooms: a ‘public bar’ which is only accessible from the corner entrance and a ‘Smoke Room’ which is accessible from the central corridor. The bar has a rounded corner in the Public Bar. In addition, ‘Cottages’ are indicated at the rear of the pub. 1914 has these changing into ‘Scullery,’ ‘Pantry’ and ‘Coals.’ There is also an upstairs ‘Club Room’ in the same position as to-days upstairs room. Plans approved in 1941 (Wigfull, Inott and Ridgeway, Sheffield) indicate that, with the removal of an internal wall, the corner ‘Public Bar’ has extended into the ‘Smoke Room’ and that the bar is squared off into the current layout. The corner entrance has also been removed. The pub became the Fat Cat on 29th.July 1981 when the building was bought, at auction, for £33,750 by Solicitor, Bruce Bentley and his business partner, Sheffield Polytechnic Economics Lecturer, Dave Wickett (1947-2012), becoming one of the first ‘Real Ale Freehouses’ in the UK. In 1989, Dave bought out the share owned by Bruce. Opening day (21st.August) saw queues down the street and the debut behind the bar of Diane Johnston. Diane has worked at the pub since and is currently Assistant Manager. A 1982 plan shows that the ‘Scullery,’ ‘Pantry’ and ‘Coals’ have changed into an extended ‘Gents,’ and a new ‘Ladies W.C.’ and ‘Stores.’ The ‘Tap Room’ is now named ‘No-smoking room,’ the first such facility to be available in Sheffield – this fact was mentioned in the House of Commons by Bassetlaw MP Joe Ashton and therefore recorded in Hansard. In addition, the ‘Club Room’ is now ‘Function Room.’ In the 1980’s, an internal door in the right-hand room which led directly to the urinals was removed; customers were thus compelled to visit, via the corridor. This door had been installed at some point post-WW2. The Fat Cat has recently achieved SRI (‘Some Regional Importance’)on the CAMRA registry of Pub Interiors. There is a possibility of RI (‘Regional Inventory’). Hence, we would be interested in internal photos from earlier than 1981. If you have any, please contact myself: dpickersgill1@googlemail.com Dave Pickersgill

If you have bought a copy of the guide or are simply interested in the subject, an update sheet is now available.

The Lescar (Sharrow Vale Road, S11) is possibly unique in that 1909 plans include the addition of a new ‘Children’s’ Entrance’ on the side of the building. These include a reference to ‘Obscure Glass,’ – presumably so that the ‘children’ could not see into goings-on inside. An earlier 1898 plan indicates a three-roomed pub with a single bar. Additions the following year add a large dining room to the rear of the building. By 1913, the pub was owned by Mappins Masboro Old Brewery Ltd. 1955 plans, for Mappins, indicate that the Dining Room has become a ‘Concert Room’ and the bar has moved to its current position. The off-sales are behind the bar and the children’s entrance has become an entrance into the lounge. At this point it was planned to open out the Smoke Room with the use of RSJs. 1972 Plans indicate that this opening out did not occur. The current floor plan is otherwise identical to that in the 1955 plan. The pub currently has a lobby entrance, Tap Room at the front and L-shaped lounge at the rear, both served by a central bar. There is also a  separate function room, with own bar. There are some Art Décor features including door fittings and copious wood panelling. The lounge has two fireplaces, one probably original (left) and the other bought-in. The site, itself, was previously a water mill. At the peak, in the 19th.Century, the 10 km length of the River Porter from source to where it joins the River Sheaf in the city centre, had 21 mill ponds serving 19 water wheels.

CAMRA has recently released the new edition of Britain’s Best Real Heritage Pubs. This book explores over 250 UK pubs which have real historic significance. This book and its regional companions are the result of over 25 years research by CAMRA to discover pubs that are essentially unaltered and/or have features of national historic importance. Sheffield has four entries:  The Bath Hotel, The Grapes, The Sheffield Tap and The White Lion. These, and many more, are included on the CAMRA Pub Heritage website: www.heritagepubs.org.uk On this site, Sheffield has the largest number of entries of any Yorkshire city: Sheffield 17, York 14, Leeds 12. Sheffield has three pubs which have an historic pub interior of national importance: The Bath, The Sheffield Tap and the Sportsman (Hackenthorpe). – Dave Pickersgill

Carbrook Hall (537 Attercliffe Common, S9 2FJ) has an historic pub interior of some regional importance. The original building was owned by the Blunt family from 1176. It was rebuilt in 1462, and was bought by Thomas Bright (Lord of the Manor of Ecclesall) in the late 16th century. His descendant, John Bright, was an active Parliamentarian during the English Civil War, and the building was used as a Roundhead meeting place during the siege of Sheffield Castle (1644). Most of the building was demolished in the 19th century, what survives is a Grade II listed stone wing that was added ~1620. By 1860 Carbrook Hall was listed as a common beer house. A 1917 plan indicates that the pub was multi-roomed (for brewers Messr’s. J.Richdale & Co.Ltd. By Hall & Fenton, 10 Paradise Square, 28/01/17). Alterations were approved by Sheffield Licensing Justices in January 1917. Further plans (24/11/1925) indicate that, at this point, the central Tap Room was opened out with the bar becoming repositioned. A further set of plans (F.Ratcliff, Orchard Chambers, Church Street 2/12/1937, approved 15/03/1938) indicate extensions for ‘Urinals, Coats and Garage.’ The panelled room is now designated as ‘Old Oak Room,’ previously it was described as ‘Smoke Room.’ A further set of plans (approved 26/10/1943) indicate a relocation of the bar area and the removal of a staircase from the bar area. The central Smoke Room is now designated as ‘Lounge.’ 1965 brought the addition of interior toilets. The next change is in 1970. Plans from Bass Charrington North Ltd (Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson and Partners) show a further reconfiguration of the bar area into its current position. A final set of plans for Wm.Stones (Melling & Ridgeway, Charter House, Moore Street, S3 7UR, August 1982) also have the current lay-out. The ‘Old Oak Room’ includes a 17th.century panelled ground floor room with vine trail plaster frieze and enriched cross beam ceiling, also with vine trail. There is also an elaborate early 17th.century oak chimneypiece with Corinthian columns and allegorical figures and Latin inscription on the over mantel. The motif represents Wisdom trampling upon Ignorance. It also has framed panelling with painted decoration and larger stone chimneypiece with corniced mantelshelf and over mantel flanked by unusual caryatids. Carbrook Hall was a CAMRA GBG entry in the 1990’s: we hope the recent re-introduction of cask conditioned beer heralds a renaissance of the pub. Thanks to Sheffield Archives for assistance in located various plans.

The Cross Keys (Handsworth Road, S13 9BZ) is rated by CAMRA as a pub with an interior of regional importance.

It is a three-roomed pub with lots of vintage fitting and low ceilings supported by oak beams. The back parts are the main interest, with the snug a particular delight. This little room, refitted probably in the 1920s and largely untouched since, has all its original seating, panelling and Art Deco fire surround. There is more old seating in the other rooms and a (disused) corridor hatch near the entrance. The servery and bar-fittings are all modern. The Cross Keys is one only three pubs in the UK built on holy ground. There is a cemetery on the grounds of the pub. Originally a mid-13th century house for chaplains and then a schoolroom, It became a pub in in 1804. It is an old vernacular building that stands virtually within the churchyard. The other two UK pubs situated on holy ground are: The Mug House, Claines Lane, Claines, Worcester WR3 7RN Ring o’ Bells, 39 Kirkland, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 5AF – Dave Pickersgill, Pub Heritage Officer

The Plough Inn, Sandygate Road

The Plough Inn (Crosspool) was a Tennants pub for many years. In 1962, ownership changed when Whitbread took over Sheffield-based Tennants. More recently, in 2003, Enterprise Inns took over the pub. Since then, there appears to have been no serious maintenance work and very little spend on upkeep. Enterprise have left the pub to rot. When the pub closed in 2015, a local community group successfully obtained ACV (Asset of Community Value) status from Sheffield City Council (SCC). This a clear badge of honour for the pub. In their comments regarding the application, SCC said: ‘The Property is a thriving pub….  It supports certain community groups and community activities that cater for the interests of a wide cross section of the local community. It is also apparent  ….  that the Property is well regarded by the local community and that there are no alternative premises within a reasonable travelling distance for many of individuals who use the Property.’ Enterprise Inns then leased the building to Sainsburys who then waited until peak holiday time before, on 2^nd.August, submitting a planning application to turn the pub into a ‘convenience store.’ Without the ACV status, such a change of use would not require a formal planning application. The pub is adjacent to the ground of Hallam FC (the 2nd.oldest football club in the world). Hallam occupy Sandygate, the oldest football ground in the world and the site of the first football game (Hallam v Sheffield FC) as recognised by FIFA. The Plough is important in the history of football (the first inter-club game was adjacent, the rules of football written in the pub ………). Hallam FC also have various anniversary events planned in the near future, including an event when various old football trophies will be in the same place for the first time before going to Zurich to the FIFA Museum. We can only assume that Sainsburys were not aware of the historical importance when they took on the site. If they were aware, we would hope that they would not be aiming to effectively destroy a national historic asset. An ideal solution would be for the Plough to become a football museum with a community bar. We hope sense will prevail and that this planning application will be rejected. By the 6^th.September deadline SCC had received 86 comments, many long and detailed, 85 of which were against the planning proposal.

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Pub Heritage walks

As part of the recent Heritage Open Day events, Sheffield CAMRA led two Pub Heritage walks. Thanks to the 28 people who attended for their positive feedback. Details of the walk are included in the November 2015 edition of ‘Beer Matters.’ This is available to download for our website. Dave Pickersgill, Pub Heritage Officer

Fagan’s, originally ‘The Barrel’ is documented on an 1815 map. This indicates that the current left-hand room was, at that time, a neighbouring tenement, the pub and the tenement sharing a yard at the rear of the property. The last major change to the interior was in 1953 (architect, John Foster):

• an extension which includes the current inside toilets.
• removal of an internal wall opposite the bar, thus opening up the tap room into the current larger, ‘Lounge Hall.’ The walls were covered in full height ply panels and the fixed seating looks to date from then. Front windows have ‘Public’ and ‘Lounge’ etched and frosted panels.

There have only been three licensees in the past 100 years: ex-Bomber Command, Joe Fagan ran the pub from 1947 to 1985 becoming Tetley’s longest serving landlord. A new sign was erected in 1985. When the sign rotted, this was replaced in 2008 with a sign which shows a photo of Joe against a bomber.  Joe died only a few weeks after passing on the tenancy to the current Landlord, Tom Boulding. On the front right is a tiny snug originally called the dram shop – a pub room name only seen in the Sheffield area (the wording appears in the ceramic exterior of the Ship, Shalesmoor). The snug has a very old counter and the walls are covered with ply panelling. Sheffield artist Pete McKee, famous for his comic cartoon paintings, took to the streets of Sheffield in April 2013 to a bigger canvas: the gable end of Fagan’s is the home of one of Pete’s projects, ‘The Snog‘. At the time, this was the largest mural painted by Pete. The mural on the gable end at Fox Valley (Stocksbridge), completed in May 2016, dwarves this example. In the 19th.century, the pub was owned by local brewer, Rawsons. In turn ownership passed to Gilmours, Tetleys, Allied Breweries and, currently, Punch Taverns. Early in September, Fagan’s will be the start point for a Pub Heritage Walk, as part of the Heritage Open day weekend. On Friday 9^th.September, the walk will take place twice: 14:00 and 17:30. Places are limited and may be booked via Eventbrite: 14:00 start: http://tinyurl.com/jh3ogzz 17:30 start: http://tinyurl.com/jgqfa2r  – Dave Pickersgill & Mick Slaughter