Campaigners praised for saving 'pub which is a community heart'
Two pubs in the South West have been recognised in the inaugural Heritage Awards
Last updated 8th Jan 2025
The Campaign for Real Ale has named a Devon pub - which was saved by the local community - as the winner of its inaugural Heritage Award.
The Grade II* listed 17th century Drewe Arms in Drewsteignton on Dartmoor remained unchanged for 100 years - until it closed in 2022.
The Drewsteignton Community Society was formed and village locals came together to launch a fundraising campaign to re-open the pub under community ownership.
The campaign was a huge success, raising over £550,000 in just six weeks with over 600 shareholders - the most ever raised for a community pub on the Crowdfunder platform. On 16 March 2024, the Drewe Arms opened its doors once again to the local community.
Pub Saving Award Coordinator Paul Ainsworth said: “When a pub closes, it is incredibly hard to open the doors again, with many losing the battle to conversion or demolition.
"That is why these awards are so important, the hard work and dedication shown by these campaigns to save local pubs deserve recognition. They are all inspirational stories, that will hopefully encourage more pub saving campaigns, so future generations can enjoy the wonderful sense of community that only a pub can provide.
“2024 marked the one-year anniversary of the wanton destruction of the Crooked House pub in Himley, serving as a grim reminder that pubs in the wrong hands can sadly disappear. January is a tough time for pubs, so please make sure to support your local and seek out beautiful heritage pubs across the UK.”
The runner-up in the Heritage Award was Kings Head in Bristol, which was restored by Good Chemistry Brewery.
Shut since the Covid pandemic, the mid-17th century building has been restored it to its former glory by the brewery in east Bristol, displaying real care and attention to detail in an extensive but sympathetic refurbishment. It is now reenergised and a recognised cask beer haven.
The Grade II listed pub boasts some of the oldest bar fittings in the whole of the UK, and a unique snug shaped like a tramcar, making the interior of outstanding national historic importance.
Kelly Sidgwick and Bob Cary, co-owners of Good Chemistry Brewing and the Kings Head said: “The beautiful and historic Kings Head is the only Three Star rated Bristol pub on CAMRA’s Historic Pub Interiors list.
"We were incredibly proud to become its latest custodians at the end of 2022, undertaking a big renovation to restore the pub and allow its beauty to take centre stage, while honouring the listed building status of the venue. Alongside the restoration of the interior, we’ve also focused on establishing the reputation of the Kings Head as somewhere to find beers from the best independent breweries from around the country. We’re really pleased to have our work recognised with this award.”
The pubs will be presented with the award at forthcoming events organised by the respective local CAMRA branches in early 2025.
Rayo Premium