Old Queen's Head

News for Old Queen's Head:

• 20th August 2024

  The Old Queen's Head pub, Sheffield's oldest domestic building, has welcomed a new landlady, Lorna Croker, who is "honoured" to be the latest custodian of this iconic establishment. Located on Pond Hill near Sheffield bus station, this Grade II-listed, timber-framed pub has a storied past dating back to 1475.
  
  The Old Queen's Head is not just any pub; it’s a piece of living history. Originally serving as a hunting lodge for the Earl of Shrewsbury, the building has also been linked to Sheffield castle as a laundry facility. The pub takes its name from Mary Queen of Scots, who was held captive in Sheffield for 14 years before her execution, and legends tell of a secret tunnel that once connected the pub to Manor Lodge, the site of her imprisonment.
  
  For Lorna Croker, who stepped into her role earlier this month, the opportunity to manage such a historic venue is a dream come true. "It's an absolute honour to be the landlady of such a historic, iconic pub," she said. "When I first walked in six months ago, I immediately thought this is the sort of pub I want. When I saw the job advertised, I couldn't resist."
  
  Lorna is no stranger to the pub scene, having worked in various establishments in Bristol and her native Sheffield for the past 20 years. However, this is her first time at the helm. Despite the challenges of running a historic pub, she finds the experience rewarding. "The pub's running itself, really," Lorna noted, highlighting the strong community interest. "I've had people knocking on the door every day saying, 'Can we do this event here?'"
  
  The Old Queen's Head has quickly become a hub of activity under Lorna's leadership. With events like ghost hunts, darts on Mondays, Dungeons & Dragons sessions on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and regular visits from a local badminton team, the pub is buzzing with life. Plans are also underway to introduce live music, now that the pub's entertainment licence has been updated.
  
  The Old Queen's Head is reputed to be haunted by several ghosts, including a Civil War soldier who has been seen by many patrons standing in front of the fireplace. Lorna's own experiences with the paranormal have only added to the pub's mystique. "The night before we opened, my friend, who does paranormal investigations, came round, and it was an interesting night," Lorna shared. "We're pretty sure we heard a ghost saying my name."
  
  She also mentioned rumours of a secret tunnel connected to the pub, which she and her brother, a history enthusiast and regular at the pub, are eager to explore. "There are a few nooks and crannies in the cellar I've not managed to have a poke around in. My brother and I will have to go on a hunt for it at some point!"
  
  Under Lorna's stewardship, the Old Queen's Head is not just preserving its rich history but also looking to the future. The pub has resumed its seven-day-a-week schedule, and the kitchen is set to reopen soon with a menu featuring pub classics like ploughman's lunches and pie & chips.
  
  Situated amidst the modern architecture of Sheffield city centre, the Old Queen's Head stands out as a historical anomaly. "It's almost like it's not real," Lorna mused. "It looks like a little toy town building which has been plonked in the middle of all these newer Lego buildings."
  
  For Lorna, becoming the landlady of the Old Queen's Head is more than just a job - it's a privilege. As she continues to embrace the pub's legacy while introducing new activities and events, she is set to ensure that this historic venue remains a part of Sheffield's cultural landscape.