Historic Pubs of Alnwick

Alnwick as a historic market town has more than its fair share of old and interesting pubs.
Local historian Tom Allen has taken the time to research and record many of the histories of Alnwick’s present and lost pubs in his booklet ‘Alnwick, Pubs, Lanes & Alleyways’. Copies of this booklet may be obtained from the author by e-mailing: tom.allen2020@btinternet.com
History Society members enjoyed two tours led by Tom around Alnwick. These tours also gave the opportunity to admire some of the other historic buildings of Alnwick, as well as visiting some of the finer public houses that it currently has to offer.

The tours commenced outside of The Plough with its interesting stonework and an inscription stone dated 1714. From here the group walked to The Fleece Inn. This old pub was also once a butchers shop as well as containing a ‘secret’ tunnel in the cellar that is reputed to connect with Alnwick Castle.

The tour continued to the restaurant room of The White Swan, a hotel dating back to 1729. The room is famous for its ornate wooden paneling, mirrors, ceiling, and stained glass all salvaged from the RMS Olympic, sister ship of RMS Titanic. Even the revolving doors at the entrance to the hotel are from the RMS Olympic.

Moving along Narrowgate the tour took in some of the older Alnwick buildings and their architectural features, which are often overlooked by passersby. After peering through the dusty window of the Dirty Bottles the tour moved onto Harry’s Bar, one of Alnwick’s newest pubs but situated in a building thought to date back to the Stuart period.

The tour ended at The John Bull, a rare and fine example of a traditional back street local. This pub dates back to the 1830’s and today uniquely runs a cash only bar.
Many thanks to Tom Allen for allowing Warkworth History Society members the opportunity to experience what some of Alnwick historic pubs have to offer.

Finally, the History Society’s programme of talks commences on the 7th of October with a lecture entitled ‘War, plague, and monastic life. Six thousand years of British Cheese History’ by Sue Brown. This talk is part of Warkworth’s celebration of British food fortnight and will include the opportunity to taste a number of locally produced cheeses.