An iconic Edwardian pub and bar created in a former solicitor’s office has been named among “Britain’s best looking pubs” at national awards. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has announced its prestigious Pub Design Awards for 2024.
They recognize the highest standards of architecture in the refurbishment and conservation of pubs across the UK, as well as the most innovative new build and conversions.
The awards are judged by a panel of design and conservation experts. This year there are three winners, two highly commended and three awarded pubs in various categories, from renovation to new build across the UK.
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The Vines in Liverpool have won a Historic England Conservation Award – thanks to the stunning restoration of the iconic Grade II listed Edwardian pub. degree. It is known for its ornate architecture and glass dome inside and is affectionately known as the “big house”.
The full conservation by the current owners was praised by the jury for “undoing years of poor care under previous management”.
They added: “The judges were impressed by the high quality of the restoration which brought the building back to life as a magnificent example of historic pub design and craftsmanship.” The pub occupies a prominent position on Liverpool’s famous Lime Street.
Meanwhile, one pub in Cheshire won the Conversion to Pub Use Award. The category celebrates exceptional conversions of buildings originally built for other uses that have now been transformed into a pub.
The Point in Alsager was previously a solicitor’s office, but Titanic Brewery has transformed the premises into a special new bar and cafe, opening in 2022. It is the latest of seven pubs the brewery now operates across Staffordshire and Cheshire.
It features extensive use of recycled and reused materials, the conversion of the original interior door into a bespoke bar front and a chandelier made from Titanic beer bottles.
The judges also praised the new light and airy conservatory, which they praised for giving the bar, which is on Crewe Road in Alsager, a ‘wow’ factor.
The award for best refurbishment of an existing pub building went to the Kings Arms in Elham, Canterbury. The ancient inn has been given a creative makeover, with judges commenting that the pub is “a lovely place for a drink or a meal”.
The New Build Pub of the Year category awarded the highly regarded Hall & Woodhouse in Taplow, Buckinghamshire. Located by the River Thames, it boasts a large outdoor terrace that provides wonderful views of the local countryside.
The two-storey modern building was recognized for its distinctive architecture that complements its surroundings, and the judges were particularly impressed by the exterior, which draws on design motifs taken from the sheds and warehouses associated with the riverside sites.
The Crown Inn in Chislehurst was also highly praised at the award for its contemporary makeover and revamped beer garden. Also receiving awards at these awards were the Bell in Tring and the Sheep & Penguin in Wells for their refurbishment and the Pipe Makers Arms in Broseley in the Community Local category.
Chair of the Pub Design Awards judging panel, Andrew Davison, said: “Once again the Pub Design Awards judges had a tough job choosing the winners from the entries submitted.
“Despite the pressures facing the hospitality industry, we are pleased to report that people are still prepared to invest time, money and resources in preserving their buildings and upgrading them to meet the latest challenges.
“Our Pub Design Awards recognize the high standards of taste and imagination that have gone into these projects, and the ambitious craftsmanship associated with repairs and conservation.
“Despite all that is thrown at it, we believe the pub plays a key role in our communities and will continue to thrive as an institution. The high quality of entries to these awards provides evidence to support this belief.”
CAMRA Awards Director Laura Emson added: “It’s only right that the blood, sweat and tears that go into these pubs are celebrated. I’d like to raise a glass to all these award-winning pubs!
“We hope that 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 beloved establishments truly deserve.”