CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

COUNTY ARMAGH - Portadown, Mandeville Arms

National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors Part One

1-3 Mandeville Street, Portadown, BT62 3PB

Tel: 028 3833 2070

Public Transport: Railway Station: Portadown

Listed Status: Grade B1

View this pub on a local map

Dating from the late nineteenth century, this is one of the great pub interiors of Northern Ireland or, indeed, anywhere. The decorated and mirrored bar-back incorporates four spirit casks, and the bar counter has a typically Northern Irish fringe of tiles at the top. The most distinctive, and, again, almost uniquely Northern Irish feature, is the seven snugs ranged parallel to the counter and three more at either end of the servery. Note the bell-pushes to order drinks and the tiny fixed tables on which to place them. Staff could see where service was needed on the annunciator box at the south end of the room (some bell-pushes still function). Colourful tiled floor, a fine plaster ceiling and lots of original stained glass.

Don't miss the cigar lighter representing the Tichborne Claimant, an imposer whose attempts to prove he was the vanished Sir Roger Tichborne, the ninth wealthiest man in Britain, captivated public attention during two high-profile court cases in the 1870s. Also do admire the mighty lamp over the entrance - one of the best anywhere. Opens 7pm on Sundays.