An iconic Edwardian pub and bar created in a former law firm has been named one of the “best looking pubs in Britain” in a national award. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has announced the prestigious Pub Design Awards for 2024.
They recognize the highest standards of architecture in the renovation and historic preservation of pubs in the UK, plus the most innovative construction and conversions of new venues.
The awards are judged by a panel of design and conservation experts. This year there are three winners, two highly commended and three commended pubs in various categories ranging from renovation to new build across the UK.
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The Vines in Liverpool have won the Historic England Conservation Award – thanks to the stunning restoration of the iconic Grade II listed Edwardian pub. It is known for its ornate architecture and glass dome inside and is affectionately called “the big house”.
The complete conservation by the current owners was praised by the panel for “undoing years of poor care under previous management”.
They added: “The judges were impressed by the high quality of the restoration, which has brought the building back to life as a spectacular example of historic pub design and craftsmanship.” The pub occupies a prominent position on Liverpool’s famous Lime Street.
Meanwhile, a pub in Cheshire claimed the Conversion to Pub Use Award. The category celebrates outstanding conversions of buildings originally built for other uses and now converted into a pub.
Bod in Alsager used to be a law firm, but Titanic Brewery converted the premises into a quirky new bar and café, opening in 2022. It is the newest of seven pubs the brewery now has in Staffordshire and Cheshire.
Extensive use has been made of recycled and repurposed materials, with the original internal doors converted into the facade of a bespoke bar, and a chandelier made from Titanic beer bottles.
The judges also praised the new light and airy conservatory, which they praised for adding a ‘wow’ factor to the bar on Crewe Road in Alsager.
The award for the best renovation of an existing pub building went to the Kings Arms in Elham, Canterbury. The old inn has been given a creative makeover, with the jury ruling that the pub is “a lovely place for a drink or a meal”.
The new build pub of the year category awarded a highly commended award to the Hall & Woodhouse in Taplow in Buckinghamshire. Located on the River Thames, it features a large outdoor terrace with beautiful views over the local landscape.
The ultra-modern two-storey building was praised for its striking architecture that complements the surrounding environment, and the judges were particularly impressed with the exterior, which draws on design themes from the sheds and warehouses associated with locations on the river.
Also highly commended at the awards was the Crown Inn in Chislehurst for its contemporary makeover and revamped beer garden. The Bell in Tring, the Sheep & Penguin in Wells for their renovations and the Pipe Makers Arms in Broseley in the Community Local category also received commendations in the awards.
Chairman of the Pub Design Awards Jury, Andrew Davison, said: “Once again the Pub Design Awards judges have had a tough job selecting the winners from the entries submitted.
“Despite the pressures the hospitality sector is facing, we are pleased to report that people are still willing to invest time, money and resources in maintaining their buildings and upgrading them to meet the latest challenges.
“Our Pub Design Awards recognize the high standards of flair and imagination that have gone into these projects, and the ambitious craftsmanship involved in the repair and conservation work.
“Despite everything that comes our way, we believe the pub has a key role to play in our communities and will continue to thrive as an institution. The high quality of entries for these Awards provides evidence to support that belief.”
CAMRA’s Awards Director Laura Emson added: “It’s only right that the blood, sweat and tears poured into these pubs are celebrated. I’d like to raise a glass to all these award-winning pubs!
“We hope beer lovers across the country will seek out these breathtaking examples of how beautiful British pubs can be, when given the proper love and care that these much-loved establishments truly deserve.”