Revamped pub was the apple of their eye for new owners with grand plans

HAVE you ever wondered how The Appleby pub in Green Street got its name?

Could it be something to do with apples, or maybe an orchard?

Unfortunately, the real answer is simple and rather dull and business-like.

The pub was renamed The Appleby in 1984 because it was an extension of the Appleby Glade group of companies which was based in nearby Bond Street.

Appleby Glade took a long lease on the pub from Marston’s Brewery and invested heavily in what was described as “a new venture” for the company.

Speaking in September 1984, David Orton, the managing director of Appleby Glade, said: “We are more than happy to be associated with Marston’s and their fine products and I am sure with all of the extensive alterations at The Appleby it will be of long-term mutual benefit for both of our companies.

“It is a natural extension of our business in what is now the entertainment business and we will be using The Appleby for various new ideas including a new sound to light amusement machine.

“I am sure over the years The Appleby will have various changes. I am happy that we have appointed a very progressive manager and his wife – Roger and Jill Francis – who are totally supporting our ideas.”

The official opening of The Appleby was performed by television personality Ted Moult for invited guests on Friday, September 14, 1984, with regular customers allowed entry from 6pm.

Before the pub was renamed The Appleby, it was previously known as the Old Punch Bowl.

Just two years earlier, in August 1982, the venue had experienced another grand reopening which was conducted by motorcycle racer Ron Haslam among a huge crowd of motorcycle enthusiasts.

The Green Street pub permanently closed around 2013, having kept The Appleby name from its 1984 rebranding.