CHERTSEY

BOATS, BRIDGES, BOILERS ... IF IT'S GOT RIVETS, I'M RIVETTED
... feminist, atheist, autistic academic and historic narrowboater ...
Likes snooker, beer, tea, rivets and solitude, and is strangely fascinated by the cinema organ.
And there might be something about railways.
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Friday 17 September 2010

Ma Pardoe's


Those photos that I couldn't upload before, of this extraordinary pub in Netherton.

And its amazing ceiling. It even gets a mention on the website of the Institute of Vitreous Enamellers, which says that finishing pub ceilings like this was common in the nineteenth century. In which case, why don't more of them survive?

4 comments:

  1. Sarah,
    Believe it or not, there are people who would consider the Swan, old fashioned, dirty and uncomfortable! Over the years the brewers have decided to pander to these people in search of profit and in doing so have wrecked thousands of wonderful pubs. The Black Country is probably the area where most Victorian working-class locals have survived in an unspoilt state. Try also: The Vine (aka Bull and Bladder), near the top of Delph Locks; Turf Tavern, Bloxwich; Beacon Hotel, Sedgeley; Rose & Crown, Top of Walsall locks; and three 1930s art deco gems, The Vine, Wednesfield; Royal Oak, Brownhills and the Falcon, Willenhall.
    I'm getting thirsty just writing about them!
    Jim

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  2. That could be the basis of a BCN itinerary....

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  3. The famous pub in Liverpool, 'The Philharmonic', has some of the most interesting examples of decoration such as The Swan. Given the present decline in pub trade, one wonders how long these iconic venues will survive!

    Mike

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  4. I don't think that there will be a problem for Ma Pardoe's - I know that pubs are closing but in the main they are the crap ones, mostly run by those who think that the pub trade is an easy way to make money(?) The days of serving a poor quality product by surly, uncaring staff are gone - 'Mucky Duck' beware.

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