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Pub News

January 2012

  • An application has been made for the demolition of LESTERS, 192 Ethel Road. This former Everards pub has been unused for many years. It was built in the late-1960s as the 'Lively Lady' in commemoration of Sir Alec Rose's yacht adventures.
  • The Queens Arms, Leire has new tenants, Emma and Wayne who are new to the industry. Reports say that they are keeping a very good pint.The beers are from the Marston’s range including Jennings etc and they hope to restart serving food in late February. The Queens can be reached via Centrebus 140 route from Leicester to Rugby.
  • Royal Oak on Belgrave Gate has 2 real ales on, Ansells Mild and GK IPA
  • The Old Hare & Hounds, Bradgate Road, Anstey, New Licensee Rupert Gibbons, pub now does food as well.
  • Cherry Tree, Bond Street, Leicester now sells Bass again after a long absence of Real Ale.
  • Yates’s, Belvoir Street, Leicester now sells 4 Real Ales; CW Bombadier, Everards Tiger, GK Abbott and House Beer.
  • Royal Oak, Belgrave Gate, Leicester now has 1 Real Ale.
  • Royal Standard, Charles Street, Leicester only has 1 Real Ale currently GK IPA.
  • King William, Countesthorpe now re-opened with just Marstons Pedigree on.

pubnews0112.inc

December 2011

  • The Marquis of Queensbury, Blaby Road, South Wigston has closed again and developers have applied to convert the building into flats.
  • The Vikings Tun, Launceston Road, Wigston has closed and the Midland Co-operative are looking to convert the building to a small supermarket.

pubnews1211.inc

November 2011

  • The Exchange, 50 Rutland St, Leicester is the latest city centre pub to introduce real ale with 2 Langton beers on handpump.
  • The Rutland CAMRA Autumn Pub of the Season is The Horse & Panniers in North Luffenham.
  • The Rutland & Derby, Millstone Lane now has a Deli Pizza Kitchen
  • Barringtons Cafe Bar has opened on New Walk in the former Flores premises with 3 handpumps.

pubnews11111.inc

October 2011

  • The Swallow, Thurnby has closed. Everards report they are retaining the land and and looking at a retail proposition being developed on the site.
  • The Swan & Rushes, Infirmary Square. The lease has been sold. The buyers are two pub regulars, Phil Northen and Louis Smith who intend to keep the pub much as it is and will retain all the current staff including Gaz, the Manager.
  • With ref to Fox & Hounds, Tugby. It is reported that the new owner (a local farmer) is to keep part of the building as a pub.
  • The Criterion, Millstone Lane is up for sale at £395,000 freehold with Christie & Co.

pubnews1011.inc

September 2011

  • The King William, Countesthorpe has closed.
  • The Western, Western Road has increased to 7 Real Ale and 1 Cider handpumps.
  • The Globe, Silver St has a temporary Licensees Sal & Neil. They are open Sun – Wed 11 to 8 Thur – Sat 11 – 12. Also the CAMRA Member Discount has been changed to 30p off a pint.

pubnews0911.inc

August 2011

  • The Bakers at Blaby has re-opened following refurbishment.
  • The Wheatsheaf at Whetstone is closed and boarded up.
  • The Black Horse at Foxton has reopened after being closed since Feb.
  • The Gatehouse (formerly Longstop) on Churchgate has reopening as the Longstop. This is a new real ale pub in Leicester offering 6 handpumps and is a new venture by Hugh Kerr formerly of the Globe.
  • The Crown, Tur Langton has closed.
  • The Bridle Lane Tavern has increased it cask beer range to 5 handpumps.
  • The Malt Shovel, Barkby has been purchased by Thwaites.

pubnews0811.inc

July 2011

  • Stoke Golding - George & Dragon. Re-opened on 29/06/11 after extensive refurbishment by new owners, Church End, the pub having been shut since January. The bar now features six hand pulls - four Church End beers, one guest beer & Richs cider, also Freedom Lager & local pork pies & cheeses. The pub is open lunchtime & evening Tuesday to Thursday & all day Friday to Sunday.
  • Dadlington - Dog & Hedgehog. The adjacent village to Stoke Golding has also had the welcome news of their only pub re-opening in May. Three hand pulls here, with the emphasis on Locale beers - Tunnel, Wood Farm & Quartz being on offer on this visit.
  • Asfordby - Blue Bell. Work is currently being carried out on this former Punch Taverns pub after a change of use planning application to convert it to tea-rooms/antiques shop was approved.
  • North Kilworth - Swan Inn. Another former Punch Taverns outlet which closed last year is currently being converted to residential use.
  • The Dog & Gun at Syston, now a Steamin' Billy Pub should open W/E 9 July. It will be run by Chris Allingham.
  • The Western, Leicester has a new Landlord Tim McKenna, the pub will be adding an extra 2 handpumps over the coming weeks making 8 in total.
  • The Bridle Lane Tavern freehouse, Belgrave have installed 3 real ale handpumps. This once keg only pub now sells Belvoir Dark Horse Mild plus 2 other bitters. A beer festival is planned for late August Bank Holiday.
  • The Salmon, Butt Close Lane is the latest pub to join the LocAle scheme.
  • The Plough, Ratby has reopened after a repaint and being re-upholstered. 4 beers were available from the Marston range and a draught cider on handpump on a recent visit.

pubnews0711.inc

June 2011

  • A planning application has been submitted for the demolition of the Beaumont Leys Inn and redevelopment as a care home. This pub was built in about 1955 by Ind Coope & Allsopp. It was later sold to Home Brewery.
  • The Black Horse, Braustone Gate has a new Licensee.
  • The Dog & Gun, Syston has been purchased by Steamin' Billy and is being refurbished.
  • Molly O Gradys, Hotel St, Leicester has closed.
  • The Chequers at Ullesthorpe has reopened, still Marstons despite an advert in Mercury saying under new ownership! Marstons Pedigree plus 2 Marstons guests, Ringwood Boondoggle and Hobgoblin on my visit.
  • Vin IV/OOTV is opening as Sloanes, no idea at this stage if real ale will feature.

pubnews0611.inc

May 2011

  • Several more pubs currently closed & boarded up with metal shutters: Rothley - Old Crown (available to let), Loughborough - Crown & Cushion, Kegworth - Britannia (shut in mid January, for sale through Fleurets) Mountsorrel - two pubs have been lost here since the start of the year - the Stag & Pheasant is currently being converted to a Tesco Express & the former Punch Taverns King William IV on the opposite side of the Leicester Road has now re-opened as Porto Gomes, a Portugese Bar/Bistro
  • Sileby - Railway Inn. A planning application has been submitted to convert this pub into two dwellings.
  • Loughborough - Generous Briton (Ashby Road) The former long standing landlord from the Swan in the Rushes has now taken over the Generous Briton, the pub has re-opened with a much improved beer range; a selection from Castle Rock, Nottingham & Oakham, with Tim Taylor Landlord & Batemans XXXB on permanently.
  • Barkestone-le-Vale - Chequers. This Vale of Belvoir pub re-opened in April under its original name after being closed since 2009, previously briefly being a gastro pub called the Fig Tree. Castle Rock Harvest Pale & Fullers London Pride are the two ales available.
  • The Rutland Arms, Aylestone has been demolished.
  • The Black Horse, Foxton has been closed and is awaiting new tenants.
  • The Salmon, Butt Lane Close has re-opened with a new Landlord and 6 handpumps plus extended opening hours.
  • News has reached us that the previously reported White Swan, Shawell is still alive and kicking Thurs - Sun.

pubnews0511.inc

April 2011

  • Wigston Magna Conservative Club had stopped selling Real Ale.
  • The British Legion, Oadby is expanding its range of Real Ale.
  • The Harrow Inn, Thurmaston had had to increase prices by 30p a pint due to wholesale price increases imposed by the owners (Punch Taverns).
  • The Black Horse, Walcote has closed and is to be turned into housing.
  • Brooke House College has applied to have The Union Inn (formerly The Six Packs) closed for just over twelve months, converted to student accommodation; it has already applied to have the former Trades & Labour Club converted to student social use / additional teaching area.
  • The White Lion (formerly The Talbot Inn) looks like being converted into retail use.
  • Blaby - Queen. This Enterprise Inns pub on Cedar Road has been demolished within the last week. It closed early in 2010 after complaints about anti-social behaviour. The pub was opened in the 1960's by Holes of Newark as the Egyptian Queen with a suitably appropriate interior, including 'lavatory doors being carved sarcophagus-style'.
  • Leicester - Richmond. After a brief incarnation as 'Bar Browns' last summer, the Richmond, on Hinckley Road, has re-opened under its old name.
  • The Plough, Ratby has closed.
  • The Merrie Monk, Dunton Basset has closed and is another South Leics pub to be come an Indian restaurant.
  • Road pub on Granby Street, has an application in the window, by Sainsburys supermarkets for a license.
  • The Fox & Hounds, Tugby has closed and is being converted to dwellings.
  • The White Lion, North Kilworth has closed - it will reopen soon with a new Landlady.
  • The Bell, Wigston has closed. Ladbrokes have applied for a change of use to a betting shop.
  • The Slug & Lettuce, Market St is installing a fifth handpump. Regulars will be W & Y Bombardier and Oakham - Inferno along with 3 changing guest beers.

pubnews0411.inc

March 2011

  • The Rutland Arms, Aylestone has closed and had fittings removed. It is to become a Doctor's surgery.
  • Phil and Marnie Jones have been forced to leave the trade and their Black Horse at Aylestone due to financial problems. We wish them all the best for the future.
  • The Town Arms, Pocklingtons Walk is for sale Freehold.
  • The Bricklayers, Welford Road is still closed.
  • Glen Parva - County Arms. After closing in 2002 & standing derelict ever since this former Everards pub is likely to be incorporated as part of a residential care home, retaining the original 1930's Art Deco features of the building.
  • Eyres Monsell - Invincible. Another pub closed (since 2004) & derelict for years, the Invincible will finally be demolished 'in the next few weeks', according to developers. It will be replaced by a new shopping area.
  • New Parks - Two Triangles & Coach & Horses. Both of these pubs have been demolished. The Two Triangles, on Kerrial Road, was originally built in 1957 to serve the surrounding new estates - only the wooden fence around the building remains. The Coach & Horses, on Stephensons Drive, was better known as the Rocket, until the tragic death of a young girl there in 2006 led to a change of name. However, the pub never recovered & closed soon after & was demolished last year - new retail units are currently being built as a replacement.
  • Scraptoft - White House. New owners Wetherspoons will re-open the pub after a £1.3 million refurbishment on March 22. The pub, which has been closed since last September, will retain the same name as before.
  • Leicester - Road (ex Wyvern, Kings Head etc). Work is currently underway on Granby Street to convert the upper floors of the building into flats. However, it is not yet known what will happen to the ground floor ex-pub bit, as this is not included in the planning application details.
  • Melton Mowbray - George Hotel. Marstons have submitted an application to convert this Grade II listed ex-coaching inn into shops & flats. The building has been closed & boarded up since before Xmas.
  • Harboro' Hotel. Also in Melton, this GBG regular has gone into administration, although it continues to trade while a purchaser is sought.
  • Kettleby Cross. On a happier note the Melton 'Spoons which was badly damaged by fire last October will re-open on May 4.
  • The Falcoln Hotel has reopened in Uppinghamm as has the Vaults in Uppingham.
  • The Dog & Gun, Kilby has had a guest beer policy since last November. Beers rotate monthly and to date have included: Wychwood Hobgoblin, Charles Wells Bombardier, Bateman Rosie Nosy, Shepherd Neame Spitfire and St Austell Tribute. Following its popularity, the Tribute is to remain as a regular, alongside Greene King IPA and Abbot, replacing Fullers London Pride.
  • Rutland Pub of Season for Winter 2010/11 is The Blue Bell in Belmesthorpe.

pubnews0311.inc

February 2011

  • The Manchester Hotel, Knighton has had an application for change of use etc to student accommodation submitted.
  • The Blackbird, Blackbird Road, Leicester has been let to Mitchells & Butlers Retail Ltd by virtue of a 25 year free of tie lease. It is to become one of their Sizzling Pub Co concepts.

pubnews0211.inc

January 2011

  • The Slug & Lettuce, Market St, Leicester has a new "Slug" card available offering 10% off real ales and food.
  • The Dog and Gun, Syston has re-opened selling one cask beer.
  • Deli Flavour Delicatessen, 2 Allandale Road, Stoneygate, Leicester, LE2 2DA currently stock Wicked Hathern and Langton Bottled Ales and we will be taking on Grainstore Ales soon.
  • The Dog & Gun, Syston is up for sale freehold.

pubnews0111.inc

December 2010

  • New licensees at Black Dog, Oadby are Dave Ashbee and Susan Baker, late of the Court House, Derby.
  • The Bell Inn, East Langton won Best Pub Garden in Harborough Mail competition.
  • The Crown Hotel, Uppingham is the Rutland Sub Branch Pub of the Season for Autumn 2010.
  • The Green Dragon in Ryhall has opened and has 2 real ales hopefully increasing to 3 in the New Year.
  • Bowlturners Arms on Belgrave Gate now has a sign up proclaiming " Viva Bar & Grill"
  • It is understood that the Steamin' Billy beers are now being brewed again at Grainstore Brewery due to quality issues.

pubnews1210.inc

November 2010

  • Following the retirement of George Bullers, Ken Hague is the new Licensee at The Fox & Goose Illston On The Hill. Both he and Everards are committed to retaining the unique character of this pub.
  • The Star & Garter, Wigston reopened on Nov 5th after refurbishment. It still keeps 2 rooms and is still very much a traditional pub. 8 hand pumps have now been installed and they hope to have 6-8 ales on and a couple of ciders. Guest beers will feature more along with some Everards products.
  • The New Inn,Oadby which closed earlier this year has re-opened - as an outlet for selling school uniforms.
  • Old Robin Hood (Woodgate) - this former Everards pub which has been closed for years is to re-open soon as 'Moon Shisha Lounge', a Middle Eastern themed bar where punters smoke flavoured tobacco through pipes - real ale is unlikely(!)
  • Bar Browns, the former Richmond Arms, which only re-opened in the summer, is now closed with metal shutters.
  • The Font, former Leicester Gateway, re-opened on Nov 4th, now more wine bar than pub, with Castle Rock Harvest Pale & Elsie Mo, one guest (Blue Monkey 99 Red Baboons) & Westons Old Rosie cider on draught.

pubnews1110.inc

October 2010

  • The Slug & Lettuce, Market St has 4 ciders on at the moment,taking up a lot of room in their fridges. They are: Thatchers Heritage, Thatchers Cheddar Valley, Biddenden Medium(8%) and Biddenden Bushel. There are more in the cellar apparently. A good selection and in good condition.Priced at the guest ale rate.
  • Quote from St James The Greater church newsletter ref Old Horse, London Road: CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ‘LOCAL’! The Old Horse has been included in the 2011 GBG. The description includes this telling recommendation – ‘popular with students and the local church choir’. Perhaps, for accuracy’s sake, it should have included the clergy and servers, not to mention assistants, churchwardens and sidesmen!
  • The former Gateway, Gateway St reopens soon as "The Font". Two beers will be from Castle Rock with Harvest Pale permanent and another rotating along with guests.
  • The Star & Garter, Wigston is closed for refurbishment. It will reopen with a bigger focus on real ale with up to 10 handpumps.
  • The Plough in Greetham, Rutland has won "Pub of the Season" (Summer) from CAMRA Rutland sub-Branch for the second time.
  • The Market Harborough Trades and Labour Club, off the High Street, Market Harborough and opened in the early 1920's, has now closed.
  • The Park Tavern in Warwick has reopened as the Wild Boar. It is the latest "Project William" pub in conjunction with Slaughterhouse Brewery and is only 200 yards from Warwick Railway Station.
  • The Rutland & Derby, Millstone Lane is currently closed with a sign saying it will reopen as Leicesters first deli pub.

pubnews1010.inc

September 2010

  • A pizza oven has been installed at the Swan & Rushes, Leicester for making stone baked oven pizzas.
  • The Limited Edition Pub Company are currently negotiating premises in the New Walk area. They aim to "open a quintessentially 'Proper' British Pub, with a reverance for Real - Pints and People". It is understood the premises are the former "Out of the Vaults".

pubnews0910.inc

August 2010

  • Bradgate - Cropston Arms. The pub has been recently refurbished & has now added a guest beer from the Marstons range in addition to the two regular beers.
  • It is rumoured that The Gateway, Gateway St is being refurbished and is reopening soon. Any news would be welcome.
  • A planning application has been submitted for the demolition of the long closed Invincible and site redevelopment.
  • The White House, Scraptoft is going to become a J.D Wetherspoon establishment with accommodation. The pub closes in September for conversion.
  • The Rutland (Sub) Branch CAMRA Pub of the Season (Summer) is The Plough at Greetham.
  • The Royal Standard, Charles St has installed one handpump and is selling draught Everards Tiger. The pub is in the process of having the front and back of the pub revamped. More real ale will be added over the next few months.

pubnews0810.inc

July 2010

  • The Northwick Arms, Ketton opened its doors after an extensive refurbishment on the 13th July. It sells 3 beers from the Marstons range.
  • The Railway, Ketton is our Rutland Sub Branch Spring Pub of the Season.
  • The Red Lion, Kegworth is Loughborough and North West Leics Pub of the Year.
  • Rutland Sub Branch are fighting to save the Waggon & Horses, Uppingham from delicensing and conversion to a residential property.
  • George the landlord of the Fox & Goose at Ilston is leaving in September.
  • The Bell, Wigston is for sale freehold, just under £200.000.

    pubnews0710.inc

    June 2010

    • Venues around the city selling real ale not widely known about are Loaf, O Bar and Jones's on Braunstone Gate and Nine Bar on Narborough Rd. The Almanac restaurant in Highcross plaza has 5 handpulls. Firebug late bar has 2 guests at £3 a pint. Lansdowne on London Rd has guest beers.
    • The closed & boarded up Coach & Horses (previously the Rocket) on Stephensons Drive is to be demolished & replaced with shops.
    • The Common Room on Braunstone Gate is to become Bar66 - a sports bar, re-opening, appropriately enough, this weekend when the World Cup starts.
    • The Queen Victoria, Southampton St is to re-open in July as the "Soundhouse" - 'a pub & live music venue'.
    • The New Inn, London Road, Oadby has closed and been sold to developers.

    pubnews0610.inc

    May 2010

    • The Midland Railway, Syston is now selling a cask beer, Everards Tiger.
    • The Clarendon on West Avenue, just off Queens Road has 4 draught ales on offer, Pedigree, Bass, Adnams Broadside and Wychwood Hobgoblin, with the Hobgoblin as their current guest (rotating).
    • The Cow & Plough, Oadby is now selling 10 real ales. London Pride, a rotating Mild, the Steamin' Billy range and up to 5 guests through a wonderful set of victorian handpumps. There is also a digital beer list!
    • The Old Barn Inn, Glooston has reopened after thirty-four days of closure with a new look, new team and new menus. Langton - Hop On is featured.
    • The Richmond, Hinckley Road has reopened as Bar Browns.
    • Deli flavour Delicatessen, 2 Allandale Road,Stoneygate are to start stocking bottled local beers.
    • The Chandlers Arms, Shearsby now has Bath Ales - Barnstormer 4.5 as the regular house beer instead of Rev James.

    pubnews0510.inc

    April 2010

    • The Shakespeares Head will be selling a new brew from the Oakwell Brewery, Oakwell Senior (after the family that founded the brewery) ABV 4.3 it is a light beer brewed with Cecilia hops and available throughout April for £1.70 a pint.
    • The (Princess) Charlotte closed for the last time as a music venue on 13th March. Work has already started to convert the upper story to flats, although the bar area may be retained.
    • The closed North Bridge Tavern on Woodgate has now been sold, it is unlikely to re-open as a pub.
    • The Prince of Wales in Thurmaston will be 're-opening shortly' according to a banner.
    • The Generous Briton in Thurmaston is closed & boarded up.
    • Lesters pub on Ethel Road is also closed & boarded up.
    • The Bulls Head at Desford is currently being converted to a private residence.
    • Fat Cat Cafe Bar in Belvoir Street has reintroduced cask ale & is advertising the fact in a poster in the front window.
    • The Red Lion at Gilmorton is now offering CAMRA members 30p pint off cask ales with a valid membership card.
    • The Foxton Locks Inn, Foxton is offering a CAMRA discount whereby all real ales are £2.90 a pint.
    • The Swan, North Kilworth has closed.
    • The Union in Market Harborough has closed.
    • The Peacock in Market Harborough is to become a Pizza Express.
    • The Coach & Horses on Stevensons Drive is to be redeveloped.

    pubnews0410.inc

    March 2010

    • Flores, Kings St / New Walk has closed.
    • The Longstop / Cricketers / Churchgate Tavern / Gatehouse on Churchgate has been boarded up.
    • The Chandlers, Shearsby offers 20p a pint off to CAMRA members.
    • The Criterion and The Globe are both selling Irish cask ales on St Patricks day March 17th.
    • The Globe has extended its 15% discount offer to CAMRA members in March.
    • The Slug & Lettuce, Market St has introduced a 15% discount off food and drink to CAMRA members and now has 4 handpumps. LocAle is to feature more.The offer starts on March 10th.
    • The Black Dog, Oadby had stopped selling mild.
    • The Wheel, Oadby had stopped lunchtime meals in the week.
    • The discount for CAMRA members at the Old Horse, Leicester is permanent.
    • The Red Cow, Leicester Forest East had been refurbished.
    • The Poachers Pocket, Chartwell Drive, Wigston, has been refurbished and renamed 'The Chartwell Arms'.
    • The Shoulder of Mutton, Great Bowden, now sells Belvoir Star as a regular, along with Black Sheep Bitter and Marstons Pedigree and also sells a guest beer available at weekends, but not always in the week.
    • The Cradock Arms has reopened after a major refurbishment. The traditional features of the pub such as the thatched roof and oak beams have been retained. As well as a complete redecoration throughout the pub,there is an extended bar, a new patio area and disabled facilities making it more accessible to the local community.
    • The Steamin' Billy Brewing Co will be supporting CAMRA National cask ale week (29 March - 5 April) by knocking 20p off a pint of Steamin' Billy at their 4 pubs, The Cow & Plough, Oadby. The Western, Leicester. The newly opened Steam Trumpet in Thornton and The Paget in Loughborough.

    pubnews0310.inc

    February 2010

    • Syston Social Club are having two extra handpumps installed taking the total number of handpumps to six. One of the new handpumps is intended to have a draught cider on.
    • The Welland Lodge, Lubenham Hill, Market Harborough, a Greene King pub, has closed and is rumoured to reopening as a fitness centre.

    pubnews0210.inc

    January 2010

    • Syston Social Club is now taking guest beers from Beer my Guest (Beer Agency) in addition to the full Marston’s Range.
    • The Peacock, The Square, Market Harborough has closed. It is understood a national restaurant chain in sinterested.
    • The Horse & Trumpet, Medbourne, one time CAMRA national inventory listed, but in recent years an upmarket restaurant, has closed.
    • The Old Barn, Glooston is currently closed.
    • The Tipsy Fisherman, Thornton is now under Steamin' Billy ownership - it is opening in MARCH.

    pubnews0110.inc

    December 2009

    • The Marquis of Queensbury, Blaby Road, South Wigston, has closed again. It is understand that the Pub Company is now looking to dispose of the property.
    • The former 'Parody' in Market Street is now the 'Reynard' (re-opened 28/11). Three beers on: Jennings Cumberland, CW Bombardier & a guest beer (Fir Kin Ale??). Pub is open from 9am every day.
    • Villagers are vowing to stand by their pub despite a brewery's decision to sell the 100-year-old building. Admiral Taverns wants to shut the Red Lion, in Desford, with the potential for it to be converted into new homes.

    pubnews1209.inc

    November 2009

    • The Victory and the Pride of Leicester, Aylestone Road have been sold to the the NHS Trust. Both, it is understood, are to be demolished to extend the hospital car park.
    • The Pump & Tap has served the last customers and is due for demolition.
    • The Almanack, a new pub in the Highcross, officially opened on Nov 26th. It has 2 Purity beers, GK IPA and Wells Bombardier. It is a proper pub with a restaurant, you can bring your dogs in if you want and although it's modern, treat it as a local.

    pubnews1109.inc

    October 2009

    • Steamin' Billy pubs The Western, Leicester and the Paget, Loughborough are honouring CAMRA Members 50p Wetherspoon vouchers on certain beers. This does NOT apply at the Cow & Plough, Oadby.
    • The Black Horse, Walcote (reopened) now sells Adnams Bitter, Greene King IPA, Abbot, Fullers and London Pride. Only Abbot was on when recently visited.
    • White Swan, Shawell (reopened) - has Brakspears Bitter and Oxford Gold (both £3 per pint).
    • Grey Goose, Gilmorton (reopened), previously the Talbot, now mainly a restaurant sells CW Bombardier & Castle Rock Harvest Pale.

    pubnews1009.inc

    September 2009

    • The Old Horse, London Road Leicester are offering 20% off all Real Ales to card carrying CAMRA Members.
    • Two new pubs have been purchased by Everards; The Crown Inn, Beeston, Nottingham (from Greene King) and The Rose & Crown, Chesterfield which will be run by Brampton Brewery. The Crown Inn will serve a diverse range of real ales, free from tie.
    • Baz Parish has finally secured purchase of the Stag & Hounds at Burrough on the Hill. The pub is now temporarily closed for refurbishment with a reopening planned for mid-September and when a minimum of two Parish beers will be in plentiful supply plus the occasional micro guest ale. In addition to the real ale, local home cooked food will also be available.
    • Everards tenancy change James and Nicole Lewitt have taken over the Blue Bell,Stoney Stanton.
    • Everards tenancy change Michael Leicester, Graham Grimes, Colin & Karen Potts have taken over the Sun Inn, Cottesmore.
    • The interior of the former Three Cranes, Humberstone Gate, has been removed, and the property is being subdivided into shop units.
    • A planning application has been submitted to convert the Balmoral Hotel, Belgrave Road to a shop, restaurant and flats.
    • The former Black Swan, Belgrave Gate, is to become a clinic.
    • The Black Horse, Walcote has reopened. Reported to be owned by a management company.
    • The Pub, Leicester's new real ale bar opnes on Sept 26th. Situated behind the former Vin IV at 12b New Walk.

    pubnews0909.inc

    August 2009

    • The former Blacksmiths Arms, Cosby has reopened as 'Bangla Lodge - a contemporary Bangladeshi restaurant & bar' - no handpumps.
    • Vin IV, formerly Out of the Vaults is closing on King St. New premises have been found on New Walk at what is now Retro Bar.
    • The Globe, 43 Silver St, Leicester has had the cellar refurbished and repainted. ALSO CAMRA members can benefit from 15% discount until the end of October on all real ales upon producing a valid membership card.
    • Julian Angel of The Hind is taking over The Black Horse, Braunstone Gate on Aug 25th.

    pubnews0809.inc

    July 2009

    • The Wheatsheaf, Whetstone has been boarded up.
    • The Black Dog, Oadby has a new landlord Lee Burrows.The pub is selling Banks Original and Bitter along with a 'guest'.

    pubnews0709.inc

    June 2009

    • Alun and Rosemary Nash have now left The Cherry Tree, Little Bowden, Market Harborough, Philip North, Karen Evans, Nigel & Carol Tilley are the new Licensees.
    • Philip Gomersall has now left and returned to his hometown Kingston Upon Hull. We at Leicester CAMRA wish him well and thank him for being joint Licensee of our Beer Festival for the last 4 years.
    • Hugh Kerr has returned as the new Licensee at The Globe, 43 Silver Street Leicester. He was formerly the Licensee until 2006. On his return, he has reduced his beer prices
    • The Old Crown, Fleckney has new Licensees - Julian and Karen Watson.
    • The Barley Mow has new Licensses - David Holmes & Jon Lengthorn.
    • The Black Dog in Oadby has reopened.
    • The Fox & Hounds has been sold to a PubCo.
    • Dick Cross from the Fox & Hounds has taken on The Bewicke Arms, Hallaton.
    • The Gateway, Leicester has closed.
    • The Queen Vic, Leicester has been boarded up with steel shutters.
    • The Bulls Head, Belgrave has been boarded up with steel shutters.
    • The Nautical William, Wigston has reopened.
    • The Bell, Wigston has reopened.

    pubnews0609.inc

    April 2009

    • Peter Green will be taking on the Black Horse, Foxon Street.
    • The Globe, Leicester is set to see the return of a former Landlord.
    • It is understood there is a new Licensee at Malt Shoval Barkby.

    pubnews0409.inc

    March 2009

    • The Criterion is Leicester Pub of the Year 2009.
    • The Chandlers Arms, Shearsby is the Leicester County Pub of the Year 2009. Plans are in hand for their first beer festival July 10/11th.
    • The Queen Victoria, Southampton St has closed down again.
    • The Dog & Gun, Kilby has a new Licensee; Jenny Cox.

    pubnews0309.inc

    February 2009

    • The Queen Victoria, Southampton St is to re-open as a Bells Brewery tap on Feb 13th.
    • The Gateway, Gateway St, Leicester has been taken over by Bells Brewery and will beome another tap house from Thurs 19th February.
    • Bewicke Arms, Hallaton, appears to be closed.
    • The Nautical William, Wigston has reopened.

    pubnews0109.inc

    January 2009

    • The Golden Fleece, South Croxton has reopened.
    • The Black Horse, Walcote has closed from Jan 1st. The business is up for sale.
    • The Three Kilns in Nicklaus Road has been renamed MEHMAN.The emphasis is moving towards Indian food, but the front bar is still open and sells Banks's Bitter (H).
    • The Harrow in Thurmaston is currently selling Belvoir Star Mild, Belvoir Star Bitter and Landlord.
    • The White Hart at Thurmaston has now been replaced by new housing.
    • The Prince of Wales at Thurmaston is still boarded up, and for sale freehold.
    • LocAle has taken off in the Leicester CAMRA area.
    • Vin Quatre, King St, Leicester has joined LocAle.
    • The Criteron, Millstone Lane, Leicester has joined LocAle.
    • The Chandlers Arms, Shearsby has joined LocAle.
    • The Golden Shield, Fleckney has joined LocAle.
    • The Crown Inn, Uppingham has joined LocAle.
    • The Windmill, Brascote has joined LocAle.
    • The White Lion, North Kilworth is selling Pedigree, Marstons Bitter and a Marstons Guest.
    • The Bell, Wigston appears to have closed.
    • The Nautical William, Wigston appears to have closed.
    • The Harrow Inn, Melton Road, Thurmaston has joined LocAle.
    • The Cow & Plough, Oadby has joined LocAle.
    • The Western, Western Road, Leicester has joined LocAle.
    • The Grainstore, Oakham has joined LocAle.
    • The Swan & Rushes, Infirmary Sq, Leicester has joined LocAle.

    pubnews0109.inc

    November 2008

    • The Bell Inn, Narborough is being converted into an Indian restaurant.

    pubnews1108.inc

    October 2008

    • The Dog & Gun, Walton has re-opened.
    • The Union Inn, Aylestone has closed - reason unknown.
    • The White Lion, North Kilworth has had the boards taken down.
    • The Black Dog, Oadby has reopened.
    • Kings, King St, Leicester has re-opened without real ale.
    • The former Tom Hoskins Brewery site is to let on Beaumanor Road with James A Baker Property agents.
    • Pause Bar, 12 New Walk, Leicester now owned by Turnstone Taverns (owner of Alcazar Brewery and 5 other pubs) have installed 3 handpumps - this to be confirmed.
    • The Queen Victoria, Southampton St has closed - reason unknown.
    • The Marquis of Wellington, London Road is now run by The Passionate Pub Co.

    pubnews1008.inc

    July 2008

    • The Fox at Hallaton has reopened.
    • The Black Dog, Oadby appears to have closed.
    • Kings, King St has closed.
    • The Dog and Gun, Walton has closed.
    • Planning permission has been granted to build 15 house on the site of The Golden Age, Ramsey Way.
    • Planning permission has been granted on the site of The Daniel Lambert, Gamel Road - one for change of use to a place of worship, the other for residential redevelopment.
    • Please e-mail the webmaster of any changes you are aware of to keep this section up to date.

    pubnews0708.inc

    May 2008

    • Latest Tenancy changes at Everards are Mark & Jill Richards at The Queens Head, Billesden.
    • Colin & Marilyn Blackburn at The Tudor, Leicester.
    • Ronnie & Maureen Thomson at The Cricketers Leicester
    • Nicholas Dobson at The Railway, Ratby.
    • John Broughton & Kerry March at The Lindens Mountsorrel.
    • Old White Swan, Newbold Verdon - Jayme & Paula Baynes (previously Nags Head, Glenfield).
    • Shakespeare – Roger, Beverley & David Aspinall.
    • Blue Bell, Hoby – Clare Highton & Mike Lynn.
    • Blackbird - Lorraine Anderson.
    • Michael & Julie Stokes at The Nags Head, Glenfield. Leicester CAMRA wish the new Tenants all the very best.
    • The Fox at Hallaton has closed.
    • The White Lion at North Kilworth has closed and been boarded up.
    • The Tom Hoskins, 133 Beaumanor Road, Leicester has re-opened the rear bar following a complete refurbishment after a 5 year period of closure.

    pubnews0508.inc

    April 2008

    • The Northbridge Tavern, 1 Frog Island is now closed and boarded up. It is also up for sale and is rumoured to have planning permission to convert to flats if required by purchaser.
    • The Railway at Ratby is available for lease.
    • The Blackbird is rumoured to have received planning permission for conversion to dwellings.The Tavern at Walcote could be going the same way.
    • The Holly Bush at Hinckley is to be an Indian restaurant.
    • The Black Horse, Walcote is up for sale £760,000 freehold with Guy Simmonds.
    • It has been noted that the Red Lion at Great Bowden was selling Greene King IPA at £3.00 a pint.

    pubnews0408.inc

    March 2008

    • The New Inn, Enderby has closed for refurbishment. It will reopen on April 8th with new patio doors,carpets etc and new racking in the cellar.

    pubnews0308.inc

    February 2008

    • The City Council has issued a Building Preservation Notice on the former All Saints Brewery, 99 - 103 High Cross St, Leicester. This protects the building as if it was a listed building for a period of six months, and gives the Secretary of State the opportunity to list it.
    • A planning application has been submitted to convert the former Daniel Lambert Public House, Gamel Road to a place of worship.
    • The former Greyhound, Little Bowden now named the Oat Hill and mainly a restaurant has a house beer brewed by Langton Brewery called Oat Hill Bitter
    • The Leicester Gateway has been sold by the Tynemill chain to a new operator. More details are expected to be announced soon.
    • The Three Crowns (formerly Old Brewery Inn), Somerby is closing soon with approx 7 houses being built on the site.
    • The former Three Cranes has been renamed Whites Victorian Bar and has Greene King IPA, Abbot and Old Speckled Hen on handpump.

    pubnews0208.inc

    January 2008

    • Planning permission has been granted to convert the Spinney Hill Hotel, 179 Maidstone Road into six flats.
    • The Marquess of Queensberry, Blaby Road, South Wigston has reopened but did not appear to have real ale.
    • The Shoulder of Mutton at Great Bowden has installed a fourth real ale pump and has added Flowers Original as a regular, along with Marstons Pedigree and Greene King IPA. The other pump has a constantly changing guest beer.
    • The Queen Victoria, Southampton St has reopened with 7 handpumps. The house beer is Sam Smiths OBB out of wooden casks.
    • Planning permission has been applied for to convert the former very interesting but short-lived WEAVERS pub at Cramant Cottages, 54 King Street, to a day nursery.
    • The Blacksmiths Arms, Cosby has closed down.

    pubnews0108.inc

    December 2007

    • The Black Horse, 1 Foxon Street Leicester now has a smoking area to the rear of the pub.
    • The Western, 70 Western Road Leicester has now opened as a Steamin’ Billy Pub with guest beers as well, some on gravity from the cellar.
    • The Tom Hoskins, 133 Beaumanor Road Leicester has now re-opened under new Management following a period of closure.
    • Glynn & Gail Lovell have left The Tudor, 100 Tudor Road Leicester. A new Licensee will be appointed shortly.
    • Karen Foster of The Criterion, 44 Millstone Lane Leicester has recently received her Personal License and has become joint Licensee along with Russell Hunt.
    • Hotel Belgrave, Loughborough Road Leicester is being converted in to dwellings as will The White Hart Thurmaston shortly.
    • The Blue Ball, Braunston In Rutland is now under new management.

    pubnews0075.inc

    November 2007

    • The Durham Ox, Birstall Street (Dysart Way), Leicester has been re-badged as a Marstons house (formerly Burtonwood and Ind Coope). On a recent visit two handpumps were evident on the bar, but no pump clips.
    • The Marquis Wellington, London Road, Leicester is now selling traditional cider - Westons Old Rosie. The Dog & Gun at Enderby is up for sale.
    • The Western, Western Road, Leicester is being refurbished and will be opening in November under the same relationship with Everards as the Paget in Loughborough.
    • The Swan & Rushes, Infirmary Square, Leicester is holding a Festival from 23rd to 25th November - beer list available from Keith Williams.

    pubnews0074.inc

    October 2007

    • Bridge 61, Foxton Locks - the landlord has gained Cask Marque accreditation for the quality of his real aleas.
    • Flores, a new bar at the bottom of New Walk, Leicester now has three handpumps dispensing Everards Sunchaser, Grainstore Ten Fifty and Cheddar Valley Traditional Cider. Barman/Cellarman said Sunchaser was to be replaced by Crouch Vale Brewers Gold as a regular beer soon.
    • The Meadowbank, The Meadows, Wigston, is to become an Indian Restaurant under the same ownership as Little India, Arnesby (formerly the Cock).
    • The Old Library at Oadby appears to no longer sell real ale.
    • The Swan & Rushes, Infirmary Square / Oxford Street, Leiceseter - Grant Cook has announced that he will be putting the pub on the market. He will be staying and business will carry on as usual until the lease has been sold.
    • The Fox & Tiger, formerly the Wyvern and Kings Arms, is to be turned into dwellings
    • The former Angel is being done up but is not becoming a pub again.
    • The Black Horse, Aylestone recently held a successful Beer Festival.
    • The Lindens, Mountsorrel has new Licensees, Michael & Julie Stokes.
    • The Blues, Oadby has new Licensees Vinod, Prakesh & Reemesh Patel.
    • The Marquis Wellington,London Road,Leicester has a new Licensee, Bharat (Baz) Desai.
    • The Queens Head, Saddington has new Licensees, Sally Anne Epton & Philip John Webb.
    • The Tom Thumb, Blaby has new Licensees, John & Kim Franklin.
    • The Royal Oak, Rothley has new Licensees Ian Banks & Philip Tiggs.
    • George Mason, corner of Braunstone Gate/Narborough Road, Leicester has two handpumps dispensing Grainstore Cooking and Timothy Taylor Landlord.
    • The Western, Western Road, Leicester, is due to open shortly as a Steamin’ Billy Pub. Joint Licensees are Bill Allingham & Barry Lount.

    Leicester CAMRA wishes the above Licensees every success with their new pubs.

    pubnews0073.inc

    September 2007

    Sorry there was no Pub News in August.

    • The Friar Tuck, Northgate, Leicester is once again boarded up and for sale. Its opposite neighbour, The Old Robin Hood remains in the same state.
    • Churchill's, Hotel Street, Leicester - the former Yates' 'Jitty' - is closed for refurbishment.
    • The Criterion, Millstone lane, Leicester is holding a Beer Festival from 6th to 9th September.
    • Out of the Vaults, King Street, Leicester is now open until 2.00am at weekends.
    • The Cow & Plough, Oadby now has a sister pub, the Paget, Oxford Street, Loughborough having been acquired by Barry Lount's Steamin' Billy Brewing Company.
    • The Neville Arms, Medbourne is under new ownership. Sam Smiths OBB, Fullers London Pride, St Austell Tribute on 15/07/07.
    • Grant Cook stated that for personal reasons, he would be putting on the market. He would be staying and business would carry on as usual until the lease was sold.

    pubnews0072.inc

    July 2007

    • The Fox, Oadby has new licensees who are claiming to be both owners and tenants.
    • Syston Social Club held a Beer Festival on the last weekend of June with 15 beers.
    • The Queen Victoria, Syston is being renovated.
    • The Hollybush, Hinckley - Hinckley & Bosworth Sub-Branch have contacted Hinckley & Bosworth Council about a skip seen outside.
    • The Belgrave, Loughborough Road, Leicester is now being redeveloped as apartments.
    • The Midland Hotel, Saffron Lane, Leicester is currently boarded up and the lease on offer, despite recent renovation work.
    • The former Black Swan, Belgrave Gate - the lease is on the market.
    • The Gynsills, Glenfield has recently achieved Cask Marque status in recognition of the quality of its beers.
    • The Cow & Plough, Oadby is holding a beer festival from 13th to 15th July.
    • The New Road Inn, Welford Road, Leicester is under new management.
    • The Chequers, Swinford is holding a beer festival from the evening of Friday 20th June to 4pm on Sunday 22nd June. Sixteen beers and ciders. Live entertainment on Friday & Saturday evening.

    pubnews0071.inc

    June 2007

    • The Forest Park at Leicester Forest East had only one Real Ale on a recent visit.
    • The Bowlturners Arms, Belgrave Gate, Leicester has become a meeting place for the Polish community.
    • The Malt Shovel at Barkby changed hands a year ago. There had been a commitment to leave it unchanged for one year, now changes could occur. It is very quiet at present.
    • The Midland Hotel, Saffron Lane, Leicester - Despite being given major refurbishment recently, the pub is currently boarded up and to let.

    pubnews0070.inc

    May 2007

    • The Fat Cat Cafe Bar, Belvoir Street, Leicester, recently refurbished, no longer sells real ale.
    • The Criterion, Millstone Lane, Leicester is holding a Beer Festival from Thursday 3rd to Monday 7th May.
    • The Cork & Bottle, Humberstone Gate, Leicester (formerly known as the Three Cranes) opens on 4th May.
    • The Forest Park, Hinckley Road, Leicester Forest East, now has three handpumps in operation.
    • The Shakespeare's Head, Southgates, Leicester has raised the price of Barnsley Bitter to £1.45.
    • The Crows Nest, Glenfield Road East, Leicester has a new licensee, Tim Joudrey.
    • The Union Inn, Middleton Street, Aylestone is under new management.

    Leicester CAMRA wishes the above licensees every success in their new pubs.

    pubnews0069.inc

    April 2007

    Sorry there was no Pub News in March.

    • The Wheel Inn, Rearsby has been taken over by the Nice Pub People and re-opened on Wednesday, 7th March. Regular beers on sale include Greene King Abbott and IPA, plus initial guests: Ruddles County and Titanic Anchor.
    • Fat Cat Cafe Bar, Belvoir Street, Leicester has re-opened following a £350,000 refurbishment.
    • The Jolly Miller, Conduit Street, Leicester has started selling Real Ale; Marstons Old Empire has been seen.
    • The Castle, Kirby Muxloe has changed hands. It is selling Courage Directors and two guests.
    • The Shakespeare’s Head, Southgates, Leicester is offering lunchtime food.
    • The Chandlers Arms, Shearsby is serving micro-brewed beers.
    • The Sugar Loaf, Market Harborough is selling Langton beers.
    • The Belper Arms, Newton Burgoland is being run by Steve Booth, ex of Leicester Tigers and is serving ale from the cask.
    • The Black Dog, Oadby has new Licensees (no further details at present).

    pubnews0068.inc

    February 2007

    • The Fox & Tiger, Granby Street, Leicester, formerly known as The Wyvern, The King's Head and The Dirty Duck, has now been renamed The Road. The handpumps on the bar appear to be unused.
    • The Three Cranes, Humberstone Gate, Leicester is to re-open in March as the Cork & Bottle.
    • The Red Lion, Highcross Street, Leicester - Leicester Civic Society reports that the new owner has been busy installing out of character features such as plastic windows, despite the building being in a Conservation Area.
    • The Hat & Beaver, Highcross Street, Leicester - Planning permission has been granted to convert the pub into a beauty salon, with the front taken down and a three storey extension at the rear.
    • The East Belgrave Conservative Club now has no real ale.
    • The Royal Oak in Uppingham is a non-smoking free house with 3 real ales, including 2 from Grainstore. It will be holding a beer festival in June or July.
    • Out of the Vaults is holding a beer festival on 9th & 10th February.
    • The Criterion is holding a beer festival on 15th to 18th February.
    • The Black Horse, Aylestone is holding a beer festival from 2nd to 4th March.

    pubnews0067.inc

    You can help! If you know of anything happening to pubs in your area let us know. The email address is shown on the Committee pages.

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    This page last updated: January 7, 2012

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