Their Vinest hour!

National Camra award for couple who restored city pub

- Sentinel Reporter

A BACK-street pub on in a terrace-lined city street has been recognised as being of 'outstanding national historic importance'.

The Vine in Pittshill is a perfect example of a Victorian local. Now the couple who saved the city venue have been named the national winners of the Campaign for Real Ale's (Camra) Heritage Awards 2025.

The Grade II-listed pub was praised for showcasing classic features such as a partly-glazed partition wall, off-sales hatch with an intact rising sash window and a 1950s tiled fireplace.

But it could have been a very different story had The Vine not been taken on by Steve Burke and partner Lisa Combes. The pub's doors closed during the coronavirus pandemic, following the death of the previous owner, leaving customers fearing it might be lost for good.