Historic England is celebrating heritage pubs this Christmas, with curated pub trails in Birmingham, Cambridge, London, Bristol, Manchester, and Newcastle.
The Old Fish Market, in Bristol. Photograph: Hannah David
There’s also a chance to share your memories, stories, or photographs of your loved listed local as part of the Missing Pieces Project. There are more than 8,000 listed pubs across England, and Historic England want to hear about your favourite historic hostelry.
The Missing Pieces Project is all about uncovering the hidden histories of remarkable listed places and revealing overlooked stories. Your view of a place is as unique as you are, so every snapshot and story you add is an important piece of the picture, says Historic England. Find out more here.
“Our historic pubs have been part of the fabric of life, and at the heart of communities, for generations,” said Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England. “This Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to discover and explore some of the remarkable listed public houses in your local area, where seasonal greetings carry down the centuries.
“We’d love to see your experiences of the beautiful buildings on these heritage trails, and to hear your memories of your favourite historic pub. Do add your favourite pub moments to the Missing Pieces Project for everyone to see and enjoy.”
Heritage Pub Walking Trails
The Mitre, Cambridge. Photograph: Brian Mawdsley
Birmingham
The circular walking route takes in six historic pubs, including: The Queens Arms, built in the 1870s; The Bulls Head, which features traditional Victorian décor and a resident pub cat; and the ornate Old Royal Public House, created in the 19th century in striking purple brick and terracotta.
Cambridge
Discover six historic pubs in the centre of the city, including: The Eagle Public House, where Crick and Watson announced the discovery of DNA; 10 Peas Hill, which was once home to the novelist E M Forster; and The Pickerel Inn, dating from 1608 and possibly the oldest licensed ale house in the city.
London
In the Cannon Street area, discover six historic pubs, including: The Olde Wine Shades, one of the oldest pubs in the city, built in 1663 as a merchant’s house; 28-30 Cornhill, built ib 1934/1935 and featuring jazz-deco ironwork and decorative friezes; and The Jamaica Wine House, the site of London’s first coffee house, visited by the celebrated diarist Samuel Pepys.
Bristol
Discover six historic pubs in the centre of the city, including: the Shakespeare Inn, one of Bristol’s oldest pubs and originally a timber-framed house, built in 1636; the Seven Stars, which played an important role in the Abolitionist movement in the late 18th century; and 59, 61, and 63 Baldwin Street, a historic establishment known for its connection to the city’s maritime past.
Manchester
The route around Princess Street and Portland Street highlights six historic pubs, including: the Circus Tavern, one of the oldest pubs in Manchester and one of the smallest pubs in the country; the Vine Inn, with its striking frontage of green glazed tiles and stained glass windows; and The Bank, originally built in 1803 to house the Portico Library and retaining many of its original features.
Newcastle
In the Quayside area, discover six historic pubs, including: 63 Quayside, one of only a few Quayside buildings to survive the 1854 Great Fire of Newcastle and Gateshead; Akenside House, named after local poet Mark Akenside (1721-1770); and The Red House, a 17th century building with views of the Tyne bridge.
