CAMRA Sheffield & District
Sheffield & District branch of CAMRA
The Maison du Biere in Elsecar is now selling copies of our guide to Sheffield pubs with surviving heritage features and editor Dave Pickersgill will be visiting for a book signing event on Saturday 11 December from 2pm to 4pm.
The South Yorkshire Local Heritage List identifies heritage assets that are valued as contributing to the distinctiveness and history of South Yorkshire but that are not protected by statutory national designations, such as Listing or Scheduling. Inclusion on the Local Heritage List can allow the more local significance of a building, place or site to be taken into account in planning decisions that affect it or its setting. It does not provide the same level of protection as national designation, but will be of assistance when planning applications are submitted.
Sheffield and District CAMRA has ensured that pubs mentioned in the recently published book, Sheffield’s Real Heritage Pubs which are not nationally listed or in a Conservation Area, have been put forward for the Local Heritage List. However, this leaves many pubs which are not listed – possibly your local?
From the website, you can view the existing list, see the assessment criteria and nominate candidates. Please make sure your favourite heritage buildings are nominated!
In September, as part of Heritage Open Days and Sheffield Walking Festival, we led two pub heritage walks. These were the first such events since 13 March 2020, the evening which saw my last pub visit for almost six months: a final beer in the Wellington.
The first walk commenced in the lounge at Fagan’s, in a room which, 200 years ago was a tenement adjacent to the Rawsons-owned, Barrel pub. The name change came in 1985 when long serving landlord, Joe Fagan retired and current occupants, Barbara and Tom Boulding took over the reins. We then progressed along Bailey Lane to both the Dog & Partridge and the Grapes. The latter is the best remaining example of a Rawsons pub while the Dog has a small intimate snug which, in the 1974, almost became a gents toilet. Then it was the sights of West Street before finishing in the CAMRA National Inventory-listed, Bath Hotel: a pub which is (almost) unchanged since the 1931 Ind Coope renovation.
Two days later, we commenced in the Fat Cat, the pub that, when opened in 1981, doubled the number of different cask beers available in Sheffield. Then to Shalesmoor, passing both ex- and current pubs and breweries before finishing at the original home of ‘Blanco,’ Sheffield Brewery Company with both a brewery tour and a welcome drink. The latter was from the bar which was originally at the now-demolished Sheffield University Ranmoor Hall. They also have an interesting selection of branded bricks as part of the recent outside development.
Thanks to the 37 participants and all who assisted. Future walks are planned for Sheffield Beer Week in March and again, next September.
The 4th edition of the Sheffield Real Heritage Pubs Book is now in print. 1000 copies of the 112-page A5 book (£6.99) are available both via mail and in an increasing number of local outlets.
Paul Ainsworth, the Chair of the National CAMRA Pub Heritage group says; ‘For almost forty years, CAMRA has developed its national inventory (NI) of historic pub interiors. This publication portrays the rich tapestry of Sheffield’s pubs: from the nationally important to those where what remains, even if fragmented, should be cherished.’
A recent series of book-signing events for four of our sponsors provided lots of positive feedback, as have responses from mail-order buyers. For example, Andy Brown, from Poole in Dorset commented: ‘I’ve received my book today …. it looks superb …. well done on the publication,’ while ex-CAMRA Good Beer Guide Editor, Jeff Evans commented, ‘Good to see this new edition celebrating the finest pubs in a great beer city.’
Local stockists include both beer-outlets and bookshops:
If you want to order, (by post): £7.95 (UK), £9.95 (non-UK) – email pubheritage@sheffield.camra.org.uk for the detail.
The 4th edition is also available as a free download:
https://sheffield.camra.org.uk/SheffieldsRealHeritagePubs.pdf
Thanks again to all who assisted with this publication: many individuals, the National CAMRA Pub Heritage Group, Sheffield Archives and the sponsors for their help. Also to Andy Shaw for the design and Mick Slaughter for many of the photos.
Last month, we reported how the Royal Oak (Mosborough), was demolished. The owners, Bar 24 Ltd., have now applied for retrospective planning permission. Their assertion is that toxic waste was dumped in the car park, and the situation became so bad that the only option was to demolish the pub. The building dated from 1843, becoming a beerhouse in 1870.
Clive Betts, the local MP disagrees, ‘we should never have been in this position. An application should have gone in before the pub was demolished, and it’s disgraceful how the applicants have behaved. The application has to be treated as if the building is still there. There must be no advantage to the developer because they broke the rules and demolished the pub before they got permission.’
Sheffield and District CAMRA agree with Clive. In October, environmental experts assessed the situation and didn’t find anything to justify demolition. This suggests that the spillage has been used as a pretext for taking short cuts to potentially secure profitable redevelopment of the site. We also believe objections to the anticipated planning application should initially focus on the importance of retaining pub use on the site and the lack of any justification for the demolition. The Carlton Tavern (London) sets a clear precedent.
Sheffield and District CAMRA will comment on this planning application. We encourage you to do the same. Sheffield City Council planning, reference 21/03651/FUL.
The developers are proposing to replace the pub with a retail park.
The 4th edition of the Sheffield’s Real Heritage Pubs Book arrived from the printers in late September (1000 copies, A5, 112 pages, £6.99 rrp). Compared to the third edition, this edition includes ninety new images, plus many text changes.
Paul Ainsworth, the Chair of the National CAMRA Pub Heritage group says; ‘For almost forty years, CAMRA has developed its national inventory (NI) of historic pub interiors. These highlight the crème de la crème which have either escaped much alteration or contain features of exceptional interest. We are aware that below the NI are a host of interiors which still offer a great deal worth seeing. The pioneering work carried out in Sheffield to locate and record these pubs has been an inspiring exercise. This publication portrays the rich tapestry of Sheffield’s pubs: from the nationally important to those where what remains, even if fragmented, should be cherished. A bonus, of course, is that many of these pubs sell great real ale.’
At the time of writing, the following local outlets have agreed to sell copies directly:
Copies will also be available at four book signing events which are part of the Sheffield Beer Festival on tour event.
If you want to stock copies to sell or order a copy, contact pubheritage@sheffield.camra.org.uk
The 4th edition is also now available as a free download: https://sheffield.camra.org.uk/SheffieldsRealHeritagePubs.pdf.
The fourth edition of the Sheffield’s Real Heritage Pubs is scheduled to go to print in mid-September (1000 copies, A5, 116 pages). For details of pre-orders and retail possibilities, please contact pubheritage@sheffield.camra.org.uk. The second edition was available as both a printed version and a free download. The third edition is currently available as a free download at sheffield.camra.org.uk/rhp. Full details of local availability will be available in the next edition of Beer Matters.
For almost half a century, CAMRA has worked to identify, support and protect the UK’s most historic pubs through its national inventory: pubs that are wholly or mostly unchanged or retain important historic rooms or features from over fifty years ago.
Since then, hundreds of pubs have been restored or created in buildings previously used for something else. There have also been new-build pubs that are worthy of admiration and recognition. The Outstanding Conversions and Restorations (OCR) Project identifies and promotes such interiors of outstanding architectural and/or design quality, pubs which are great places to enjoy a drink in splendid surroundings.
The website ocrpubs.camra.org.uk highlights almost two hundred pubs from across the UK that are magnificent conversions or glorious restorations. There are also stunning new builds and a handful of pubs in museums.
As Project Manager, Gerry Hahlo, puts it; ‘all these pubs are the work of dedicated individuals, and pub companies who know the value of excellent design and have created great spaces in which people want to drink and socialise. Some show off their architectural merit by sympathetically converting historic buildings such as banks and cinemas while others recreate painstaking replicas of the glories of yesteryear.’
One example is a former Tetley house, the ex-Firwood Cottage (Sheffield S6 2WA): the Blind Monkey opened in Spring 2018 after a period of closure and deterioration. Dating back to 1846, the building was originally a small village shop that sold bottled beer. It later became a pub. Over the years, it was opened out from smaller rooms into an open-plan design. Taken on by Speakeasy Company, the owners of the nearby Don Valley Brewery, the derelict shell was gutted, and the interior was taken back to the multi-roomed 1890s: most materials used are reclaimed items dating back to the Edwardian and Victorian periods.
Gordon Jones, Director, describes the project as, ‘a labour of love. We wanted to showcase both our architectural and design skills. We rebuilt; we divided the once-open snug area by glass partitions to display whiskies. The fireplace and chimney were opened-up and a reclaimed parquet flooring was renovated and laid down in the main areas of the pub, complemented by original tiling near the bar areas. We also used reclaimed light fittings sourced from as far as Mumbai to as near as Manchester.’
The Blind Monkey is an outstanding restoration. Our image, the Old Bank of England (EC4A 2LT) is an outstanding conservation (Thanks to Mick Slaughter for the photograph). There will be many more: hence, we welcome your suggestions: please contact info@ocrpubs.camra.org.uk saying why the pub should be included. But also, please, enjoy these wonderful pubs!
Without planning permission, the Royal Oak (Mosborough), was recently demolished. The owners, Bar 24 Ltd., have to apply for retrospective planning permission. Their assertion is that toxic waste was dumped in the car park, and the situation became so bad that the only option was to demolish the pub. The building dated from 1843, becoming a beerhouse in 1870.
Clive Betts, the local MP disagrees, ‘the issue of the toxic waste and chemical spills on the site is in my view a red herring. There has been a problem with toxic chemicals but the explanation from the owners that they contacted the Environment Agency about demolition does not in any way obviate the need to apply for planning permission to demolish: the two are separate issues.’
Sheffield and District CAMRA agree with Clive. In October, environmental experts assessed the situation and didn’t find anything to justify demolition. This suggests that the spillage has been used as a pretext for taking short cuts to potentially secure profitable redevelopment of the site. Surely waste could have been removed without having to knock down the pub.
We also believe objections to the anticipated planning application should initially focus on the importance of retaining pub use on the site and the lack of any justification for the demolition. The Carlton Tavern (London) sets a clear precedent.
This Carlton closed in April 2015: then two days before Historic England was due to recommend the pub be granted Grade II listed status, the owners demolished the building, without planning permission. They expected a £5000 fine. However, Westminster Council had a different opinion. They ordered the owners: CTLX, to rebuild the Carlton brick by brick. Earlier this year, having been totally rebuilt, it re-opened.
Sheffield and District CAMRA will comment when the planning application for demolition is submitted to SCC Planning. We encourage you to do the same.
Cover Photo © Nigel Mykura (cc-by-sa/2.0) /
In Victorian times, mass-produced flatirons were used in pairs: while one was in use, the other was warmed by an open fire. Their shape is similar to an isosceles triangle: a triangle that has two sides of equal length. The difference is that the equal sides curve outwards before coming to a sharp point. In addition, the third side is less than half the length of the two curved sides.
Across the UK, there are many pubs which have a shape similar to the flatiron. They are usually built on an acutely angled corner site and often have a wedge-shaped corner, not the classic sharp point.
One local example is the Three Tuns on Silver Street Head in the centre of Sheffield. Built in 1840, this Grade II listed building was originally multi-roomed, taking on its current internal layout in 1976. It is an exception to most pubs of this shape in that the wedge side is not used as an external door. Instead, as illustrated by both the map and the photo, it is like sitting in the bow of a ship.
Other examples include the ornate Grade II* listed, Barton Arms in Birmingham. Dating from 1900-01, this is much larger than the Three Tuns and has a very large wedge for the corner. Closing in 2000, it was reopened by Oakham Ales in 2003.
Located within a converted RBS bank and opened in late 2017, RedWillow Buxton also exhibits the classic shape. Passing through the double wooden entrance doors, the large original entrance area leads, via a wood-panelled porch, to a further set of double doors and into the bar area. Original ornate carved wood is above your head as you enter. In addition, an original mahogany and glass office space to the right of the bar, holds tables and large leather chairs. Two original brass hooks (for hanging jackets/coats) remain from the days of bank-use. Above the entrance to this space is original carved woodwork.
Across the country are many ‘flatiron’ pubs. Other examples include: the Baltic Fleet (Liverpool), the Black Friar (London), the Central Hotel (Gateshead) and the Tap (Derby).
Many more exist: between us, can we name them all?
