Yahoo News The converted solicitors' office named as one of UK's 'best looking pubs'
A bar created inside a former solicitors' office has been named among the 'best looking pubs in the UK'. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has announced its prestigious Pub Design Awards for 2024.
They recognise the highest standards of architecture in the refurbishment and historic conservation of pubs across the UK, plus the most innovative construction and conversions of new venues.
The awards are judged by a panel of design experts. This year there were three winners, two highly commended and three commended pubs across different categories ranging from refurbishment to new build across the country.
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Bod in Alsager claimed the Conversion to Pub Use Award. The category celebrates outstanding conversions of buildings originally built for other uses that have now been transformed into a pub.
Bod was formerly a solicitors' office, but Burslem-based Titanic Brewery converted the premises into a quirky new bar and cafe which opened in 2022. It's the newest of the pubs the brewery now run across Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and Cheshire.
It features extensive use of recycled and re-purposed materials, converting the original internal doors into the frontage of a bespoke bar, and a chandelier made from Titanic beer bottles. Judges also praised the new light and airy conservatory which they praised for supplying a ‘wow’ factor to the bar which is on Crewe Road.
Titanic Brewery is also preparing to open its newest pub in Lichfield city centre this summer. It has completed the acquisition of the Tamworth Street pub formerly known as The Pig. Following a refurbishment, the venue will reopen under the new name of The Beacon.
Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, Andrew Davison, said: “Once again, the Pub Design Awards’ judges have had a hard job in selecting the winners from the entries submitted.
"Despite the pressures the hospitality industry is under, we are pleased to report that people are still prepared to invest time, money, and resources into conserving their buildings, and upgrading them to meet the latest challenges.
"Our Pub Design Awards recognise the high standards of flair and imagination which have gone into these projects, and the ambitious craftsmanship involved in the repair and conservation work.
"Despite everything thrown at it, we believe that the pub has a key role to play in our communities, and that it will continue to flourish as an institution. The high quality of the entries for these Awards provides evidence to support that belief.”
CAMRA’s Awards Director Laura Emson added: "It is only right that the blood, sweat and tears poured into these pubs is celebrated. I would like to raise a glass to all these award-worthy pubs!
"We hope beer-lovers across the country will seek out these breath-taking examples of how beautiful UK pubs can be, if given the appropriate love and care these much-loved establishments truly deserve."
Full list of winners
Historic England Conservation Award (winner) - The Vines, Liverpool
New Build (Highly Commended) - Hall & Woodhouse Taplow, Buckinghamshire
Conversion to Pub Use Award (winner) - Bod, Alsager, Cheshire
Refurbishment (winner) - Kings Arms, Elham
Refurbishment (Highly Commended) - Crown,Chislehurst
Refurbishment (Commended) - Bell, Tring
Refurbishment (Commended) - Sheep & Penguin, Wells
Community Local (Commended) - Pipe Makes Arms, Broseley
