The sign shows a pier stood in front of
a building with a banner stretching out to the right. The background is blue and
the piper, building and banner are coloured gold.
The building is Grade II listed and the
entry at the English heritage website [visit
link] tells us:
"Public House, 1898, designer
unknown. Red brick with extensive pale cream limestone dressings, grey granite
facing to lower part of ground floor facades, copper-sheathed roof to angle
turret.
EXTERIOR: Exuberant 'Free
Renaissance' exterior on corner site, of three storeys with attic. Three bay
main west elevation. Ground floor with central entrance comprising paired glazed
doors set between granite pilasters with stylized Ionic capitals; large window
to left over sloping granite dado; former angled entrance lobby to right, with
mosaic decoration to threshold spelling out pub's name, and tiled decoration to
wall. All glass to ground floor appears to be of a modern date and is plain: two
or three-pane overlights to doors and windows, with narrow glazing bars. Fascia
band at first floor level set between moulded consoles. First floor west
elevation with single window over central entrance, six-light mullioned windows
either side, all with flanking stylized Ionic capitals; heavy keystones over
centres of side windows set against panels of acanthus decoration which form
aprons to second floor side windows; these are paired arched casement windows
with keystones, set between pilasters, with a pair of carved heads set against a
foliate background in the spandrels above. The similar but single central window
has lozenge decoration to the apron. Balustrade to parapet; mansard roof to
attic with a pair of dormer windows flanking a projecting oval window with
keystone, flanking scrolls and pediment. Entrance at north-west corner: arched
doorway set between pilasters; pub name in affixed metal letters against
acanthus leaf decoration above, with date of 1898 over. Projecting corner turret
above in the French Renaissance style, with acanthus leaf decoration to oriel
base, triple rectangular windows set between pilasters at second floor level,
triple windows to top level beneath dentil cornice; domed roof with tall finial.
North elevation similar to west, but with two storey bay at east end with triple
doors, set beneath a framed inscription panel bearing the pub's name;
part-concealed mosaic to threshold with pub's name inside door.
INTERIOR: retains numerous fittings
of note. Bar counter and elaborate back bar of mahogany, with cut glass mirror
enrichment, in centre of ground floor. Raised snug at rear. Cast iron columns
carry centre of coffered ceiling, which is covered with raised decoration.
Stairs to first floor with square moulded balusters. First floor front room
retains chimneypiece, panelled dado, raised decoration to ceiling. Upper floors,
formerly publican's accommodation, retain numerous original fittings such as
staircase, joinery, fireplaces.
HISTORY: a good example of a Late
Victorian 'Gin Palace', retaining its principal bar fixtures. Its elaborate
decoration reflects its West End location and the heated competition between
rival pubs for custom at this time. A 'clachan' is the Gaelic for a
hamlet."
The pub's website [visit link] tells
us:
"You will find The Clachan in
Kingly Street London within a short stroll of Regent Street, Argyll Street and
Carnaby Street - however you won't find another like it.
Step in to discover a traditional
pub of unique character, revered for its eclectic range of real ales and its
quality pub food, which are served, as they should be, with a generous measure
of famous British hospitality.
A fascinating past
Built in 1898, this lovely
Victorian pub retains many original features, including rich wood carvings and
structural ironwork. Formerly The Bricklayer's, The Clachan was a local for the
firemen of Station No. 13 and police officers of the Special Constable Reserve
in King Street. It was once owned by the family-run department store, Liberty.
Just so you know..Clachan is Gaelic for 'meeting place'.
One of a
kind
The Clachan is one of many rare
gems in the Nicholson's collection of great British pubs, reputed for their
distinctive buildings, intriguing history and vibrant
atmosphere."
Whilst outside the pub there is a
plaque that reads:
The
Clachan
Dating back to 1827 and known originally as
the Bricklayers Arms, the pub was a local for the firemen of Station No 13 and
police officers of the Special Constable Reserve, both of which were
neighbours in King Street in the 19th century (later to become Kingly Street
in 1906). Renamed The Clachan Gaelic for 'meeting place' - in 1897, the pub
was owned by Liberty's until 1983 when it joined the Nicholson's
group.