CAMRA pushes for restoration of historical Bradford pubs

The Bradford branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has been active in wanting to protect Listed pubs like The New Beehive Inn, on Westgate, as well as pubs with historical features or significance like The British Queen, on Huddersfield Road, Low Moor.The former New Beehive Inn (Image: Newsquest)

But Bradford Council has said that "not a lot can be done to preserve these traditional pub buildings".

"One of the most prominent of these pubs is The New Beehive," said Bradford CAMRA committee member Richard Holden. "The New Beehive is the jewel in Bradford's crown".

"It had interior gas lamps, a beautiful mahogany bar and beautiful old wallpaper. It was an absolutely wonderful place.

The interior of the former New Beehive Inn (Image: Newsquest)

He said the group was "worried" about the future of such features.

An application for a change of use to turn the listed pub into offices was withdrawn in November 2022.

"We'd just like it to be restored as it was," said Mr Holden.

"I know The British Queen is not listed but that building had beautiful Melbourne windows and had a snug, which is a little room behind the bar.

Former pub The British Queen (Image: Google Street View)

"It was a really nice little pub.

"The last person who owned it tried hard to get it going as a pub.

"All we're asking is to restore what's gone but initially we want the planning stopped."

"People try to buy pubs cheaply and then try to get a change of use, but that can be difficult.

"It's just very, very sad. CAMRA nationally has taken action to try to keep places like The New Beehive intact."

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: “We understand the strength of feeling people often have toward our traditional pub buildings.

"Sadly there is not always a lot that can be done to preserve them if they are not listed and have no viable uses.

“The British Queen on Huddersfield Road is not a listed building and has no heritage designation.

"An application is being considered at the moment for change of use from a public house with a flat above to a dwelling and CAMRA, or other interested parties, may make representations regarding this as set out by planning legislation.

"Regarding The New Beehive, the property has been recently visited and no changes have been made since the listing.

"Any changes which may have been made prior to listing fall within permitted development regulations and therefore there is no recourse to action under planning legislation by local enforcement."

Mr Holden said there are a few pubs that CAMRA says could be following a similar "footprint".

"The Black Swan at Frizinghall is a new addition to the list," he said.