Pub News: January 2008
- Bear, 6-10 Wellsway, Bath
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This pub, which is owned by Punch Taverns, is currently closed with a message in the window stating that the closure is due to staff illness. But a banner, put up by Punch Tavern, reads “Make a Difference to this Pub”, suggesting that a new licensee is being sought. Landlady Denise Ashworth took on the Bear in June of last year. One of her first acts was to hold a competition to name the distinctive white bear, consequently christened Snowy, which stands the main entrance to the pub. The Bear was built in 1956.
- Rose & Crown, 6-8 Brougham Place, Larkhall, Bath
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Currently closed for re-decoration.
- Weston Hotel, 1 Newbridge Road, Lower Weston, Bath
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This pub has been closed for a massive £250,000 refurbishment. It had been due to re-open shortly before Christmas seeking but owners Punch Taverns is still seeking a new licensee. Contrary to local rumour the Weston has not been turned into a gastro-pub. Rather the intention of Punch Taverns is for it to have a family and community focus with a strong food offering. The owners are hoping also to bring in a good selection of real ales. An application to convert some of the redundant floor space into office accommodation has been made to the local planning authority.
- Riverside, 49 St Margaret’s Street, Bradford-on-Avon
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Under new management. New landlord seems to be real ale enthusiast with three or four cask beers available, including beers from Milk Street.
- Horseshoe Inn, Bowlish, near Shepton Mallet
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We have heard a rumour that this pub, which we believe has been closed for some time, is shortly to re-open.
- Three Horseshoes, Chapmanslade, near Frome
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This pub has recently re-opened following an extensive refurbishment under its new owner, and former owner of the Westbury Hotel, Ashley Hunt.
- Lamb, Christchurch Street East, Frome
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Following a major renovation the Lamb re-opened on Friday 18 January. This is Blindman’s first estate pub. The whole character of the interior has been transformed. A special feature is the slate floor. The Lamb now offers accommodation with seven bedrooms. No beer is dispensed under top pressure. The eight hand-pumps offer five beers from Blindman’s itself, two of which, the Lamb Ale and Lamb Gold, are exclusively brewed for the pub. There are two guest beers and, on the remaining pump, Rich’s Farmhouse cider.
- Red Lion, Melksham
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This pub lies slightly outside the branch area. It is, however, one of the oldest pubs in the town and currently up for sale for £200,000. The current pubco owner is attempting to have the premises de-licensed but, we believe, may be facing resistance to this from the local planning authority.
- Globe, Newton St Loe, near Bath
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Under new management. This pub, situated on the very edge of the branch area, was flooded during the recent heavy rains.
- Organ Inn, 49 High Street, Warminster
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Has at last been given planning permission to replace the front window in the style of the original pub, which closed in 1913. The current window was vandalised towards the end of last summer and has been boarded up since then.
