Hidden Gems of Leicestershire

by Barry Lount photos by Karen Hobson

THREE HORSESHOES (POLLY’S), WHITWICK  

This time we take a trip out into the County to find perhaps Leicestershire finest unspoilt pub, situated in Whitwick. For C.A.M.R.A. members it comes under the Loughborough Branch but it is well worth reporting as many in this area may not be aware of this gem on our doorstep.

25 years ago there were many pubs in Leicestershire like this, now we are down to a handful, it represents the finest traditions of the ‘local’.

Little seems to have changed to this Victorian gem that has been in the same family for almost a century.  Although the vertical joint in the brickwork, suggests originally two properties.

The bar back and off sales ‘bobby hole’ just off of the front door lobby.                     

The bar pictured right, with entrance from the lobby left, once an all too familiar scene in most towns and villages, now all but gone, mostly vanishing in the last 20 years, mainly due to the real estate driven accountants of the pub companies, to the detriment of the smaller pubs which became more valuable as domestic property.

Right, The Saloon Bar, the only serving point is the hatch, left the cast iron Art Nouveau fire place, also in the saloon bar.

Thanks to Steve Callaghan for his hospitality. 

This page last updated: May 28, 2008

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