Hogarths Gin Palace

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One of the newest pubs in Staffordshire is also a throwback to the old Victorian gin parlours that apparently once flourished throughout in England during the majority of the 19th century. Hogarths in Lower Gungate, Tamworth, is being described as a Victorian gin palace. But any resemblance to the tiny, often back street shops that used to sell gin almost two centuries ago and this newly refurbished pub in the Staffordshire market town of Tamworth are quickly dispelled as soon as you walk in through the front door.



has been completely transformed following a huge refurbishment costing in the region of £1.4 million. The extensive work, which took around three months to complete, was carried out by pub company Amber Taverns , who bought the then vacant site. Hogarths, which became the first gin bar in Tamworth when it opened its doors to the public in September, had previously existed as former nightclub Oliver's and, before that, the Prince of Wales pub whose name still appears above the front door. A large emblem on the front of the brick building also gives the apparent construction date as 1894.



As soon as you enter Hogarths in Tamworth you are impressed by the size of the interior. A large open plan bar dominates the view with plenty of space for people to stand around without getting in the way of other customers looking to get served. There are also plenty of seated areas dotted around with several of these tucked away from the main bar for people seeking a more relaxed or intimate drinking experience. However, be sure to avoid any of the screens located around our pub showing various live sports if this is what you are seeking, although there is no sound coming from the screens. On warmer days, there is also a large outdoor area offering ample further seating which has been decorated in a grand style, including a van.



The name is taken from English painter William Hogarth who lived from 1697 to 1764. As the name suggests, the pub in Tamworth is a gin drinker's heaven – selling more than 120 different types of the tipple. But for the non gin-lovers the pub also serves a wide range of other drinks including real ales. Hogarths brews a range of cask ales from its current brewery in Bolton, Lancashire, which are based on paintings by the artist.



At Tamworth, these included three different varieties, one of them a pale American ale called A Harlot's Progress which went down a treat. The other Hogarths ales were Strolling Player Porter and Taste in High Life, while there were also a number of other guest beers and lagers to tempt the palate ranging from Hobgoblin to San Miguel on draft. And, of course, the pub also serves other spirits as well as gin, plus wines and cocktails.

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