The Public House

The project centres on the retention and repair of a Victorian public house occupying a prominent position within the town.

Over time, the building and site have been compromised by poor-quality additions, fragmented structures, and inappropriate repairs. These have obscured the original form, weakened its presence, and limited its ability to function effectively.

The proposal begins with removal—stripping back non-original elements and rationalising the site. The existing fabric is repaired using appropriate materials, allowing the building to perform properly while restoring the clarity of its original form.

This is a repair-led approach. The intention is not to remake the building, but to work with what is there—retaining, reusing, and improving where possible.

New development is positioned to the rear, clearly subordinate to the public house. A reconfigured garden and external spaces re-establish the building’s role as a social and civic focus, while creating a more coherent and usable arrangement across the site.

A small number of residential units and ancillary spaces are introduced to support the long-term viability of the pub. This ensures the building remains occupied, maintained, and economically sustainable without compromising its primary use.

The project is not an extension, but a reordering—bringing the building, its use, and its setting back into alignment.