Pub of the Month

"Pub of the Month" is an award presented to the landlord or manager of a public house in the Leicester Branch area in honour of their well kept beer. Despite its name, the award is not allocated each month but only after a pub is nominated by a branch member and approved by a branch meeting. In a similar fashion, there are awards for the Pub of the Year and Club of the Year.

August 2004

The Bakers Arms, Blaby

The Bakers Arms pub was originally built in 1485 as five cottages, but the outbuildings pre-date this by about 200 years. Now all that remains of these original buildings is 3 beams in the old bakery. The bakery was in full use right up to the1920’s, when locals used to bring their Sunday joints to be roasted in the ovens! The ovens are still there today, preserved at the rear of the pub.

The pub has documentary evidence, going back to the early 1600’s, showing it as being licensed to sell alcoholic liquors.

More recently, there was a major change in 1985 to commemorate the 500 years anniversary. The inside of the pub was completely rearranged, from a small one-roomed bar into the large two-roomed (with one additional area) you see today. For once, the work enhanced rather than spoilt the features that make the pub what it is today, namely a cosy, friendly and atmospheric place in which to eat and drink.

Until 2001, the “Bakers” had always been a managed pub, with the problems that go hand-in-hand with that. However, in 2001 it became tenanted and was taken on by John and Anne Batten, who have lived in the village for 25 years. John had always been a real ale drinker and was informed by the departing Manager that he would never sell more than 11 gallons of real ale a week. Undaunted, John aimed to make the “Bakers” known throughout Leicestershire for quality real ale.  Within 6 months, he had won a national award from Scottish Newcastle for best-kept cellar and the real ale sales were up to 6 barrels a week. Now, 3 years on, real ale accounts for 12 barrels a week and has played a major part in making the “Bakers” the successful business it is today.

The “Bakers” has everything to make your drinking experience pleasant and friendly. It features a thatched roof and low-beamed interior, plus a large garden with a petanque pitch. It caters for all tastes and has a reputation for quality fresh food, which is a rarity these days. Real ales on offer are Courage Directors, Theakston Best Bitter and Theakston XB.

If you’re looking for something a little different or a little bit special, then make a visit to the Bakers Arms, Wigston Road, Blaby. John and Anne were presented with the Leicester CAMRA “Pub Of The Month” award for August 2004 on Wednesday evening 18^th  in recognition of their efforts.

A Naylor

This page last updated: February 17, 2008

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