The Vine is a perfect example of a back-street Victorian local, hidden away in the terraced streets of Tunstall, with an interior of outstanding national historic importance. The Grade II listed pub showcases classic features such as a partly glazed partition wall, off-sales hatch with an intact rising sash window and a 1950s tiled fireplace.
However, the iconic pub’s doors closed during the coronavirus pandemic, following the passing of the previous owner, leaving the community fearing this historic local might be lost for good.
In 2025, self-confessed cask beer fanatic Steve Burke of Interplan Investments, with his business partners and his partner Lisa Combes, bought the Vine at auction with a clear aim of bringing the pub back to its former glory while respecting its heritage.
Falling in love instantly with the Vine, the team carried out significant repair work, renovating and restoring the roof, basement and beer yard. Taking care to protect its original character, the layout of the pub has been preserved to keep the small rooms and snug as they have been for many years.
Pub Saving Award Coordinator Paul Ainsworth said:
“These community champions and heritage heroes deserve to be applauded. I continue to be amazed by the dedication and grit of these campaigners, who spend years or even decades campaigning to save pubs.”
“However, if we want more communities to be able to do this, they need support from the government. The Community Ownership Fund provided cash for groups to take ownership and the running of community facilities that would otherwise be sold, converted or demolished. This was wound up by the government and has not been directly replaced. The forthcoming Right to Buy scheme must come alongside a dedicated programme of advice, guidance and funding to make sure community pubs go from strength to strength.”
