Sheffield's 'most haunted' pub - buyer says 'all options open' for building's future use

Sheffield's 'most haunted' pub is being sold to the owner of the city's Bar & Beyond and The Clubhouse watering holes, The Star has learned.
The Carbrook Hall pub in AttercliffeThe Carbrook Hall pub in Attercliffe
The Carbrook Hall pub in Attercliffe

West Street Leisure is close to completing a deal to buy Carbrook Hall in Attercliffe from Punch Taverns.

A spokesman for the buyer said it has yet to decide on its plans for the Grade II-listed building, part of which dates back to around 1620.

The pub advertises itself as one of Sheffield's 'most haunted'The pub advertises itself as one of Sheffield's 'most haunted'
The pub advertises itself as one of Sheffield's 'most haunted'
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Campaigners have launched a fresh campaign to get the premises listed as an asset of community value (ACV), as they seek to preserve it as a drinking den.

A previous application to make the pub an ACV, enabling community groups to bid for the building should a change of use be planned, was rejected by Sheffield Council.

But CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) and its supporters plan to submit a new application this week, ahead of the sale going through.

Brian Holmshaw, of Sheaf Valley Heritage, who is compiling the application, said: "There's increased beer tourism in Sheffield and because of that we think the city needs to support its historic pubs like Carbrook Hall.

Carbrook Hall is a Grade II-listed buildingCarbrook Hall is a Grade II-listed building
Carbrook Hall is a Grade II-listed building
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"The pub's well used by groups like Steel City Riders motorcyclists, local football teams and staff from Santander and South Yorkshire Police, whose offices are close by.

"The point of the new ACV application is to give the community a say in the future of the building.

"We want a guarantee it will remain a pub and won't be turned into a supermarket or housing. We believe there are many breweries and other organisations in Sheffield which would be interested in running the building as a pub."

The pub's spooky reputation, with reports of drinks mysteriously going flying and ghostly faces appearing in mirrors, has seen it frequently listed among Sheffield's most haunted buildings.

The pub advertises itself as one of Sheffield's 'most haunted'The pub advertises itself as one of Sheffield's 'most haunted'
The pub advertises itself as one of Sheffield's 'most haunted'
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Ghosts or no ghosts, Sheffield historian Ron Clayton says the building's heritage makes it worth preserving.

He said the leading parliamentarian John Bright owned the building as it was during the Civil War and talks are believed to have taken place there ahead of the siege of Sheffield Castle.

"It's important the people of Sheffield are still able to visit this piece of their heritage, which is home to probably the finest bit of wood panelling in the city," he said.

"There's a crisis in Sheffield's heritage at the moment, with many historic buildings being left to deteriorate, and I'm very concerned about what will happen to Carbrook Hall.

Carbrook Hall is a Grade II-listed buildingCarbrook Hall is a Grade II-listed building
Carbrook Hall is a Grade II-listed building
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"It's time to stand up and be counted about the city's heritage because the council doesn't seem to be bothered."

A spokesman for West Street Leisure said it currently owns Bar & Beyond on West Street, in Sheffield City Centre, and The Clubhouse pub, on London Road, close to St Mary's Gate, which was formerly The Scholar.

He added that 'all options are open' regarding the future of Carbrook Hall, but said whatever happens the building would be safe due to its Grade II-listed status.

Punch Taverns has confirmed Carbrook Hall is being sold but said it could not comment on the buyer or the building's likely future use.

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