It’s ironic that we should be losing historically important pubs at the same time that public interest in “heritage” has never been higher. In many cases, pub owners have signally failed to capitalise on the historic value of their property and marketing opportunities have been lost.
Cumberland Arms, Carlisle - Picture: Michael Slaughter
CAMRA has published guidance – Pub Interiors – Getting Them Right – aimed at persuading pub owners not to rush into changes but to make the best use of what they already have. It quotes examples of sympathetic renovations where the work has respected the building but also achieved commercial success.
Lion, Liverpool - Picture: Michael Slaughter
CAMRA has always acknowledged that pubs are commercial enterprises and have to survive in the real world. A common approach when a pub owner wants to drum up extra trade is to give the interior a “new look”. All too often “old” has been seen as “outdated” resulting in historic layouts being changed (usually by removing walls to create large open spaces) and original fittings being destroyed. So often, such changes have only a short-term positive impact on trade so good money has to be thrown after bad.
Square & Compasses, Worth Matravers - Picture: Michael Slaughter
An even greater threat than ruination is outright closure. It’s a sad fact for instance that many of the smaller rural pubs with historic interiors struggle to make ends meet. What makes them so cherishable (their smallness, remoteness, lack of food service) also renders them less profitable. However, lots of town pubs have also come under threat because they are seen to be in the wrong place or the wrong size or expensive to maintain.
Red Lion, Ampney St Peters - Picture: Michael Slaughter