THE future of handmade timber-framed pub The Pilcrow is shrouded in uncertainty. This mecca for craft beer aficonados in Sadler’s yard will not survive the redevelopment and expansion of the Old Bank building behind it, if major plans are approved.
A spokesperson for landlords NOMA said: "The Pilcrow was always more than a pub, it was a community project. The wooden structure, which was always designed to be temporary, will be moved elsewhere in the neighbourhood and repurposed for community use. The team behind the pub operation are also planning a new food and beverage offering, again within NOMA."
Still it’s a disheartening end to an enlightened project sanctioned by the Co-operative Group’s neighbourhood development over three years ago. ToM certainly tapped into the vibe that linked artisan craftsmen and a combo of local beer royalty Common & Co (Port Street Beer House, IndyManBeerCon) and Cloudwater. The first would build it, the second would run the bar.
From early in 2016 highly regarded local maker Joe Hartley headed a team of volunteers trained specially for the task in traditional skills. Woodworking was at the core. Bar furniture was fashioned, beer pump handles turned. Idealistically there were plans for the chalet-like structure to function as a ‘public studio, learning and workshop space’.
It has evolved into a cosy craft beer haven, spilling out onto Sadler’s Yard, home to regular beer and street food-led events, notably the annual Summer Beer Thing. Common & Co are now in sole charge. A spokesman told us: “Sadly The Pilcrow will not continue to exist in its current form once works begin, but we are in talks to secure its future in the development in a different guise.”
Plans have been put forward to convert the grade two-listed Old Bank into 140,000 sq ft of offices with a seven floor extension where The Pilcrow is. Here’s how it will all look.
