Recalling a popular ‘homely’ city pub which was demolished 35 years ago

We wonder how many of our readers remember this “homely back-street pub” now long since demolished.

It is one of many that have disappeared from Leicester’s streets over the past 50 years, including a significant number that were within walking distance of the old Leicester Mercury premises in St George Street.

How many readers have walked through the city and found themselves thinking “I remember when a pub stood there?”

On one side of the Leicester Mercury stood the Engine Hotel, in Queen Street, and on the other, the Brickmakers Arms, in St George Street.

Over the road was the Royal Mail, in Campbell Street, and the Spread Eagle was just around the corner, in Charles Street, to name but a few.

Reader Chris Pyrah sent this great photograph of another long-gone pub several years ago.

The Foresters Arms stood on the corner of Dryden Street and Pike Street.

He recalled: “It was one of the last of Leicester’s homely back-street pubs, between Belgrave Gate and Wharf Street, with an old landlord and his wife who had been there for years.

“The customers were locals, they drank Trophy and Tankard beers, played table skittles and cards in the front bar, while in the more comfortable lounge, with its old-fashioned fireplace, was a dartboard, next to a tiny jukebox.

“Dating back to 1855, the Foresters – once a Nottingham Brewery house – was a popular pub, but when the gaffer retired, owner Whitbread’s decided to sell.

“The pub, along with the rest of Pike Street, was demolished in 1985.”