Fears for future of city pub with DH Lawrence link
‘GREAT SHAME’ THE PEACOCK HAS BEEN LEFT EMPTY AND DILAPIDATED, SAY CAMPAIGNERS
CONCERNS have been raised about the future of an historic Nottingham pub that has stood empty for two years.
Despite having a prime location on one of the city centre’s busiest roads, there have been no takers for The Peacock – which is said to have once been a favourite haunt of DH Lawrence.
The Eastwood-born author of Lady Chatterley’s Lover was a regular at the pub in the early 1900s, according to the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), which rates it as being of regional importance.
The Peacock is also the last remaining pub in the city to have brass bell pushes for customers to request table service.
The Victorian boozer has been earmarked for a major revamp by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars once a new tenant has been found.
At the moment, the building has grubby paintwork and exposed brickwork from a missing sign.
Steve Westby, chairman of Nottingham Camra, said: “The situation with the Peacock is very concerning. It is an attractive Grade Ii-listed building, located in a prime position within the Arboretum Conservation Area, and has a heritage interior rated by Camra as being of regional importance.
“Yet the owners seem content to let the building become dilapidated since its closure a couple of years ago.”
Dating back to 1850, the pub lounge has altered little since the 1930s and still has carved bench seating and wainscoting panels on the walls.
The Peacock had the same landlord for 19 years, who went on to turn it into Nottingham’s first pub to have a 100 percent vegan menu.
But following his retirement in 2019, Star Pubs & Bars has struggled to find a long-term tenant.
The pub reopened briefly but then closed again.
Hilary Sylvester, executive chairman of Nottingham Civic Society, said: “I used to like going in there. It really is quite fascinating inside and very much loved by people who went there.
“I think it’s a great shame that nobody thought it was worth taking over and restoring.
“I am always sorry when I go past and it’s closed and getting more and more dilapidated. It would be lovely to see if it could find a new life as a pub.”
A Star Pubs & Bars spokeswoman told the Post: “We are keen to reopen The Peacock as quickly as possible and have plans to refurbish it once we have identified the right person to lease it. Anyone interested in running it can find out more at starpubs. co.uk or call our team on 08085 949596.”