CAMRA, both nationally and locally, constantly endeavour to preserve the best aspects of one of the Nation's favourite institutions, the historic Public House.
The CAMRA National Inventory of pub interiors of outstanding historic interest features just four pubs from East Yorkshire in the main listings; the White Horse (Nellie's) in Beverley, the Olde Black Boy and Olde White Harte, (both in Hull) and the Eagle Inn, Skerne.
Sadly, the Eagle is currently closed having recently changed ownership following the retirement of long time licensee, Roy Edmond. The future for this basic but delightful and unaltered rural pub is, at the time of writing, not certain.
The National Inventory Appendix features two other licensed premises from our area; the White Hart (Alfred Gelder Street), included for its impressive front bar and fittings and the Station Buffet, Bridlington Railway Station, largely unaltered since its 1912 construction.
All the above buildings, with the exception of the Eagle are now Statutorily Listed. Hull & East Yorkshire CAMRA branch, through the Pub Preservation Officer, being responsible for getting both the Olde Black Boy and Bridlington Railway Station Listed Building status by English Heritage.
The next tier in the CAMRA Heritage Hierarchy are pubs that are not quite National Inventory standard but nevertheless retain significant important features, be it original room layouts or other important interior fixtures and fittings. This tier is called the Regional Inventory and as with the National Inventory, the emphasis is based purely on pub interiors. Pub Preservation Officers from all over Yorkshire have been holding meetings and discussions comparing notes on the quality of pub interiors and setting standards in order to establish a list of pubs that will qualify for the Yorkshire Regional Inventory. A relatively easy part of this task is to compile a list of pubs that may qualify for the Regional Inventory. The hard part comes with the necessary research to authenticate the historic aspects and qualities of any nominated pub.
Following the production of the excellent and informative London Regional Inventory booklet last year, it is hoped to bring the final version of the Yorkshire Regional Inventory to fruition by 2006.
Although detailed studies and research are ongoing, the following local pubs are considered strong candidates for inclusion in the Regional Inventory: -
Hull
Alexandra Hotel
City Hotel
George Hotel
Old Blue Bell
Polar Bear
St Johns Hotel
Sandringham House (plan form only)
Windmill Hotel
Beverley
Royal Standard (front bar only)
Tiger Inn
East Yorkshire
Bell Hotel, Driffield (Main Bar only)
Royal Dog & Duck, Flamborough (Rear Room only)
Historical research into all these pubs is continuing. Over the coming months it is hoped in future editions of Pub Mirror to report on the progress being made in producing a Regional Inventory for the whole of Yorkshire. However, if you feel that there are other pubs in our region that have historic and intact interiors (it may even be only one specific room in the pub) or have important original fixtures and fittings that should be preserved, then please do not hesitate in contacting Alan Canvess, Branch Pub Preservation Officer. (See branch contacts page for details).