MARCH 2025

12 Bath Street

An interesting public house (for most of its life) which, being set back from the street was saved from demolition when Bath Street was widened in 1906 to make way for the Ashby and Burton light railway. It was once again saved from dereliction in 2002 (The premises had been vacated in 1946) A single-storey flat-roofed extension for restaurant use had been granted by NWLDC (Applicants Dunkin Rushton Ltd) so The Pump Rooms opened for business in 2002. The building received a Civic Society Commendation in 2004.

 In 2007 the Building was renamed The Crowded House, followed by The Vine (2014-24) and now XII (Twelve) So for many years this building led a charmed life but survived and has many stories to tell !

In the 19^th century The Hare and Hounds public house, 12 Bath Street (possibly built pre 1800) was occupied by the Bryan’s family for over 50 years (1820-1876 approx.)

Harry Herbert Hunter was the Landlord of the Hare and Hounds from 1938 to 1943 after he retired from 34 years in the Civil Service. Harry’s son Ronald remembers life and times at the pub during the Second World War and recaps some of his stories in a letter to Ashby Museum.

Throughout 1943 beer was rationed to just 3x36 gallon wooden barrels per week and spirits were in short supply. Wednesday was market day and we were licenced to open virtually all day to cope with the thirst of the farmers. We had to make sure that enough beer was left from the ration to appease them! Beer was 1 shilling a pint (half penny more in the snug) and beer glasses were provided by Gaskell and Chambers of Nottingham.

When Ronald was only 15 his father Harry died of pneumonia and his mother was forced to sell the pub to a couple from Castle Gresley (who lived in the building for a short period).

The building currently is owned by Kang Leisure and has been extensively refurbished by ABDA Leisure and opened under the banner of XII (Twelve) in May 2024. The bar has an eclectic feel to it and the restaurant has an exclusive style with emphasis on good food.

The interior has eye catching features including large bespoke pendants and layering of reed dish light fittings. Another key focal point is the specially designed corner wrap-around bar, featuring gleaming brass inlays and sculptured lighting. The luxurious bar area is complemented by a mix of contrasting materials, including tiled floors, distressed timber herringbone flooring and exotic foliage wallpapers (complete opposite to what the building looked like in the early 1980s - see photo with red car).

12 Bath Street – Timeline

1822,25,28 - William Bryan (The Bryan family run the Hare and Hounds for over 50 years)

1842,54,62 - Sarah Bryan (born 1791 in Appleby)

1870 - George Bryan (Son of Sarah)

1876 - Thomas Hines

1882/87 - William Kirk

1896 - Alfred Wileman

1907 – Premises tied to Brunt Bucknall & Co  

1916 - Albert Davenport

1919 - Premises acquired by Salt

1927 – Premises acquired by Bass 

1936 - Mrs Jenny Wood

1938-43 - Harry Herbert Hunter (Died in 1943 and buried in Ashby Cemetery)

2002-2007 - The Pump Rooms (Building purchased in 2000)

2007-2014 - Crowded House

2014-2024 - The Vine

2024 - XII (Twelve)