Derelict Hereford pub was saved after future put under threat

The Grapes Tavern, on the corner of Church Street and East Street in Hereford was closed for renovations in July of that year.

But by November, with work yet to start, owners Whitbread put the 17th century listed pub on the market.

The derelict Grapes Tavern in 1989. Hereford Times (Image: Hereford Times)

Described at the time as being in a state of "considerable disrepair", the sale of the city centre pub attracted heavy criticism from traders and civic bodies, who accused brewers of flagging responsibility for the derelict, deteriorating building, which was supported inside and out by scaffolding erected by the city council.

Council representatives were reported to have met with local traders to allay fears they may have had about the danger the building presented.

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Whitbread said that although planning permission had been sought to carry out refurbishments, a later review had decided on selling the pub.

By February 1990, Hereford City Council's planning committee confirmed it was discussing the pub and that its chairman and vice chairman had been given delegated powers to take any action necessary, while Whitbread said negotiations with a prospective buyer were underway.

But salvation was on the horizon, with local builder Michael Price buying the derelict pub, with restoration work starting in 1991.

Rita Pugh and artist John Waugh outside the Grapes Tavern in Hereford in 1991. Hereford Times (Image: Hereford Times)

The pub finally reopened as a free house in October 1991, with Mr Price and Rita Pugh at the helm.

The new owners promised a family-run business, offering home-cooked food and live music, while bed and breakfast rooms were also available.

And a year after reopening, the once-derelict Grapes received a conservation area award plaque to recognise the outstanding work of its owners in saving it from collapse and for their use of traditional materials and sensitive restoration techniques.