Victorian pub wins award for preserving heritage

A historic pub has been praised for its work in preserving its heritage.

The Beacon Pub and Hotel in Sedgley is housed in a Grade II-listed building, on Bilston Street, and has been serving customers in the area since 1852.

Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) has honoured the pub as runner-up in the Heritage Revival Awards, and it will appear on Camra's National Inventory for having interiors of national heritage importance.

"The work at the Beacon is a textbook example of how to expand and improve customer facilities without any detriment to the historic core," said Paul Ainsworth, Heritage Pub Revival Award coordinator.

Judges praised the "high quality of work" to transform the sitting room into an additional customer area as well as the efforts in restoring the historic conservatory.

Beers have been brewed at the site for more than 150 years. In 1921, the Victorian Tower Brewery and Pub was bought at auction by Sarah Hughes.

Simon Massey, owner of the Beacon Hotel, said: "This award is an incredible recognition of all the hard work that goes into keeping the Beacon Hotel in its current condition.

"Thanks to all the staff for their hard work and the craftsmanship of the builders for making this possible."

The North Star in Steventon, Oxfordshire, was crowned the winner of the award.

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