PINEAPPLE – MONROE’S, 16 Archdeacon Lane

September 1838, Matthew Green was granted a new licence for the Pineapple.

The original pub brewed its own ale until c.1914 and became one of the only 4 Holes pubs in Leicester.

1840, Matthew Green

1843, Arthur Riley

1859, Alice Riley

1862, Joseph Markham, the pub being owned by the Markham family until 1913.  By 1887 Betsy Markham was the licensee. 1906 Joseph Templer Markham, 1913 Julia Sylvia Markham.

1913 John James Hall ?

1914 Thomas Warner

1925 Samuel Strawson

1928 Arthur Marshall.

Rebuilt c.1939.

In the 1990s the Pineapple became one of Leicester’s main gay bars, so much so that in August 2001 it became Leicester’s first exclusive gay hotel, calling itself Monroe’s.

MONROES

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A storm of protest met the unveiling of a banner of two men kissing hanging on the pub wall during 2001.

The name Monroe’s was short lived as by early 2002 was known as P2 (Pineapple 2).  The pub was closed and boarded up in 2004.

Interesting angle from Abbey St (photo Kevvy Brown)

1940 The licensee of the Pineapple was Solomon Alexander in March of 1940 Solomon and his wife Florence were both found dead by the servants, both with their throats cut-a razor nearby-The Inquest verdict was MURDER and SUICIDE, Solomon had murdered Florence by cutting his wife’s throat, before committing suicide. They left three children.

2023 ex Pineapple (Jeremy Corbett collection)

A James Holes House until acquired by Courage Barclay & Simonds 1967

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