The fifth pub that Julian and I visited on our latest study day was the Welcome, located just a few doors down from the Volunteer. First opened in the mid-nineteenth century, it was formerly known as the Adelaide Stores or the Adelaide Vaults.
In 1896, the Suffolk Mercury reported a little theft that had taken place at the pub, not helped by the landlord accidentally keeping it unlocked.
“Two lads named George Balls (16) and Charles Smith (17) took advantage of a recent opportunity for enjoyment. On Wednesday night in last week the door opening on Old Nelson Street of the Adelaide Stores was inadvertently left unfastened, and going past just after six o’clock the following morning, the two lads seized the chance presenting itself. Going inside they selected a quantity of cigars, several bottles of wine and whiskey, and about 5s. The cigars, wine, and whiskey were hidden on the beach near the Model Yacht Pond. Smith had previously been employed by Mr. Turner, the landlord, and when the latter discovered the confiscation of his property he communicated with the police. P.-c. Ruffles at once went in search of Balls, finding him near the buried booty. Over two shillings was found upon him, Balls explaining the possession of such unusual wealth by saying Smith had lent it to him. He was locked up, while Smith joined him in custody soon afterwards. Both then confessed. Balls showed the officer where they had deposited the stimulants and cigars. Only one bottle of wine was found, and Balls concluded that someone must have watched the interment of the remainder and quietly abstracted it.—At the Police Court on Monday the prisoners were committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.”
In 1904, the Bullards owned pub was required to make changes as it had become “a nuisance”…..
“Respecting the Adelaide stores, London-road, Supt. Shipp raised an objection to a bar which was situated in a narrow passage adjoining the premises. The sanitary arrangements also left much to be desired. At present a great nuisance prevailed. The Magistrates’ Clerk, Mr. F. S. Ellen, said fresh plans had been put in and Messrs. Bullard had written explaining that they had every desire that the house should be well conducted, and would be prepared to carry out any alterations suggested.
Supt. Shipp said he had inspected the plans, and if the alterations proposed were carried out that would practically remove his objection. Mr. P. H. Le Strange proceeded to explain the plans to the Bench, and said the passage would be better lighted than at present. After private consultation the Bench decided to adjourn the matter for a fortnight, and suggested that there should only be one entrance in the passage, and that the proposed smoke-room should be approached from the public bar.”
I can’t find out when, or indeed why, the pub name changed to the Welcome, but the old name stopped appearing in newspaper records at the end of the 1930s, so I’m not sure if there a post-war change of name for whatever reason.
Anyway back to today and there was a friendly welcome from the team member behind the bar. Here are the beer options which I think it’s fair to say did not surprise and delight me, although Lacons Encore on keg is OK I suppose at a push.
I prefer Encore on cask, which is rare for me to say (and Julian will wholeheartedly agree with), but this is light, hoppy and reliable.
If I’m being honest, I’m not fully convinced that this seating arrangement is entirely optimal. It was at this point that my friends Rob and Annette, who I knew from Lowestoft twenty years ago, came in and that was a lovely treat for them to see me. I won’t be rude about Rob on this blog, as I was rude to him in person and I think that’s more agreeable, but it was good to see them both again. Annette was also in fine form, so that made our stay at the pub a little longer and I’m sure that I’ll be back to see them in the future.
This series of photos was on the wall, mostly showing the Beach Village, including the Rising Sun, the last building to be demolished. I sense another series of ‘fascinating’ posts on this, as I’ve long been fascinated by the Beach Village and its destruction. I’ll return to that theme….
This was a perfectly friendly pub, the service was polite and the arrangements were comfortable despite the slightly specialist seating. And it was good to see Rob and Annette of course.