Old country inn wins a Camra design award for its refurb work

A COUNTRY inn that inhabits the site of Britain’s fifth-oldest public house has been honoured by the Campaign for Real Ale but it has nothing to do with the beer.

The Blind Bull in the heart of Derbyshire’s Peak District, in Little Hucklow, 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 massive refurbishment began in 2018 to restore the 12th-century inn to its former glory and create a unique dining area serving local produce and featuring a tap room, opening last July.

The transformation has led to the pub being named as the winner of the Refurbishment Award in Camra’s Pub Design Award competition – an honour it shares with The Green Dragon, in Hertfordshire.

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.

Studio Gedye, of Hathersage, provided the designs for the owner. Using local craftspeople, and retaining original features and materials, the refurbishment was planned to be as eco-friendly as possible. A conservatory extension has provided additional space, while a separate accommodation block should provide additional income to support the business.

Raab Dykstra-McCarthy, owner and landlord, 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. Our aim is to bring an unsurpassed drinking and dining experience to the Peak District, in a beautiful and relaxed environment.” Andrew Davison, chairman of Camra’s Pub Design Award panel, said the quality of entries was extremely high. “The team at the Blind Bull have done a fantastic job. It is a worthy winner,” he said.

This year’s awards come after more than a year of Covid restrictions and uncertainty for the pub industry.