SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

Does anyone know what happens to pub fittings when pubs close down?

I suppose the breweries remove and recycle 'em into other pubs. That's if they're not robbed out first!!

As Chris said, lots get nicked almost as soon as the doors close.Modern pubs (and modern refits) use nowhere near the standard of fixtures and fittings from days gone by, so there is a ready market for "pub salvage" - plus all that brass, etc has a decent scrap value in it's own right.Given the value of the fittings and the fact they need to remain in place if the pub is ever to re-open, the standard of security shown by most pub owners is laughable.

Anything the Brewery doesn't take will be disposed of by the demolition contractor. On a project I worked on they sold some fittings to a local social club, probably for not much money. The rest probably went in skips. This was a place that had been done out about 5 years before demolition, so nothing vintage.

When we refurbed the "Willy", the whole place was gutted and we moved out for a month. In our absence, the Monkey Builders had a "Yard sale" outside on the pavement, of all the old furniture and fittings. As proof that some people will buy any old rubbish, almost all of it went. Our next door neighbour [the snottyest, most stuck up old trout in Hampstead] buying six of the tattyest chairs!    

A company in Elland called Andy Thornton's used to buy up a lot of pub fittings. You could peruse the stuff in their warehouse (an old mill.) They sold the fittings back to other pubs. I believe the Victoria was re-fitted by them. Anyway, the clock behind the bar used to have "Andy Thornton" hand painted on it's face.

PS Have just had a quick look at Thornton's website. They seem to have diversified somewhat, but under Architectural Antiques you might spot a bar you once propped up!

You could spend all day wandering around Andy Thorntons planning how to remodel your snug...