News / Pubs

Bristol pub recognised as one of CAMRA’s ‘Heritage Heroes’

By Martin Booth  Tuesday Jan 7, 2025

One of Bristol’s most historic hostelries has been named runner-up in CAMRA’s inaugural Heritage Awards.

The King’s Head was reopened in 2022 by the team from Good Chemistry after closing at the start of the pandemic.

The Grade II listed pub on Victoria Street is the only pub in Bristol on CAMRA’s Heritage Listed Interiors, with a snug shaped like a tramcar among its unique features.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent.

The King’s Head dates from around 1660 – photo: Martin Booth

Kelly Sidgwick and Bob Cary, co-owners of Good Chemistry, said they were “incredibly proud” to become the latest custodians of the King’s Head, “undertaking a big renovation to restore the pub and allow its beauty to take centre stage, while honouring the listed building status of the venue”.

Kelly and Bob added: “Alongside the restoration of the interior, we’ve also focused on establishing the reputation of the King’s Head as somewhere to find beers from the best independent breweries from around the country.

“We’re really pleased to have our work recognised with this award.”

The small pub on Victoria Street is identified by CAMRA as having a nationally important historic interior – photo: Martin Booth

CAMRA’s Paul Ainsworth added: “When a pub closes, it is incredibly hard to open the doors again, with many losing the battle to conversion or demolition.

“That is why these awards are so important, the hard work and dedication shown by these campaigns to save local pubs deserve recognition.

“They are all inspirational stories, that will hopefully encourage more pub saving campaigns, so future generations can enjoy the wonderful sense of community that only a pub can provide.”

The King’s Head was reopened by the Good Chemistry team in 2022 – photo: Martin Booth

Main photo: Martin Booth

Read next:

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - main-staging.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at meg@bristol247.com. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning