SEPTEMBER 2025

The Bull's Head, 67 & 69 Market Street

The Bull’s Head is a historically significant and iconic pub in Ashby, with its main building dating back to 1598 and considered to be one of the oldest structures in the Town. The Inn’s original front gable (the crest of the Huntingdon family) was blown away in a gale on 29 December 1897.

The Building is Grade II * Listed (dated 8/5/1950).

In 1598, The Bull’s Head (previously called The Swan) was sold to Thomas Leeson. The Bull’s Head was owned by the Page family in the 1700’s and the most noted of its landlords was Thomas Brewin 1774 to 1798 (he died in 1803 and was ‘universally lamented by his relatives, friends and acquaintances).

A brick extension on the side of the pub dates to 1715 built for Nicholas Joyce (69 Market Street) which was previously Joyce’s Hat shop and then Best’s Taylors before becoming part of the pub in the mid 70’s. Architect Joseph Allsopp occupied 69 Market Street in May 1974 and in December 1976 NWLDC granted consent for the conversion of its 1st floor for use as a restaurant extension.

The Bull’s Head was bought by Charles Frederick Abney Hastings at an auction held at the Queen’s Head in July 1874. In 1922 the Inn was purchased by Alton & Co (a subsidiary of Stretton Derby Brewery). Other Landlords associated with the running of The Bull’s Head over the years include R Hickinbottom (1860-1870’s), W H Pratt (1936), Jackie Winters (1950’s) and Jake Drury (1960’s).

Until the 1960’s the Bull’s Head remained an antiquarian’s delight. It compromised a series of small rooms sharing an access to the bar, a snug, exposed timbers and beams, ingle nooks and panelled passageways giving a sense of intimacy and history. There used to be the signature of TV character Mr Pastry (Richard Hearne) on the pub wall. (He was a well-known comic personality of the 60’s.) 

Above the main pub also lies an abandoned restaurant. There’s serving hatches, bar with optics, disused kitchen and a scorched chimney area, where an open fire would once have warmed happy diners! 

It is rumoured that Bainbridge used the pub as his base in 1646 whilst he was engaged in the demolition of Ashby Castle following the English Civil War.

Gregory Tutton, who managed The Bulls Head from 2019 to 2024 retells the ghostly story of a small child (female) who runs towards the toilets (early morning) and then disappears. This sighting has been experienced by a number of staff over the past years.

The Building’s preservation and continued use as a lively pub makes it a significant part of the Town’s historical landscape and is currently managed by Sam and Salina. 

Many Thanks to Ashby Museum and Gregory Tutton for providing the lovely images.