Medieval Peak District pub wins prestigious CAMRA design award for refurbishment
and live on Freeview channel 276
The awards, held in conjunction with Historic England, celebrate exceptional pubs across the country that have undergone conversion or conservation work, or are newly built.
Raab Dykstra-McCarthy, owner and landlord at the Blind Bull, said: “We are beyond thrilled. We spent two years carefully restoring and refurbishing this 12th century inn, using local materials and traditional techniques, and have been bowled over by the enthusiasm and support we've received – especially as we opened our doors for the first time in the midst of a pandemic.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“Our aim is to bring an unsurpassed drinking and dining experience to the Peak District, in a beautiful and relaxed environment, so it means a huge amount to us to have been recognised by CAMRA so soon.”
According to the awards criteria, refurbishment can range from a complete gutting and replacement of the pub to enhancing the design of what was originally in the building.
The pub was a regular entry in CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide in the 1970s and 1980s, but it fell upon hard times and closed, apparently for good, in 2005.
After failed attempts to convert it to other uses, a very extensive refurbishment began in 2018, based on designs provided by Studio Gedye of Hathersage for the owner, Catriona Grant.
Advertisement
Hide AdAndrew Davison, chair of the judging panel, said: “The team at the Blind Bull have done a fantastic job of refurbishing their pub. Using local craftspeople, and retaining original features and materials, the refurbishment was planned to be as eco-friendly as possible.
Advertisement
Hide Ad“Its new conservatory extension provides additional space in the pub itself, while a separate accommodation block should provide additional income to support the business. It is a worthy winner of the award.”
For information on the pub, see theblindbull.co.uk.
The seven award winners will be officially celebrated at a virtual ceremony on Thursday, August 26.
The announcement coincides with CAMRA’s Great British Beer Festival At Your Local event, being staged across the country to helping pubs draw customers back in now Covid restrictions have eased. To find out more about the festival and what is happening in and around the High Peak, go to local.gbbf.org.uk.