Address: 17-19 Nunnery Lane, YO23 1AB (over the top of Guppy’s Enterprises)
Description
This building features two distinct ghost signs. Above the door facing Nunnery Lane, ‘Bottle Jug’ in stained glass, while facing Dale Street, ‘Britannia Inn’ in frosted glass.
History
Dating back to around 1837, The Britannia was rebuilt in 1902 by the Tadcaster Tower Brewery.
During this reconstruction, the pub expanded into the neighbouring butcher’s shop, similar to how the Punch Bowl up the road expanded.
This created a building formed from two structures of different heights.
The shop’s lower window was altered to match that of the pub, giving the façade a unified appearance.
1940s Source: Explore York Archive Asset ID: 1000075
The Britannia served its patrons until it closed in 1969. In 1974, Neal Guppy purchased the building and transformed it into the Enterprise Club.
Since then, it has been a meeting place and a centre for art, education, and leisure activities.
1969 Source: York Press
An interesting feature near the entrance of many old pubs in the UK is the “bottle and jug” sign.
This sign indicated the outdoor department, also known as the off-licence area where customers could fill their own containers to take alcohol home.
This section was separated from the main drinking areas, accessible directly from the street, and contained no seating.
The ‘Jug & Bottle’ sign outside the Golden Ball in York
Traditionally referred to as the “jug and bottle” department, this section was designated for the sale of alcoholic drinks to be consumed off the premises.
The bottle and jug sign above Guppys
Today, the Enterprise Club continues to embody the spirit of The Britannia, offering a vibrant hub for the community while preserving a slice of York’s pub heritage.
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