GRAPES – BUNCH OF GRAPES – ALLENS, 1 HUMBERSTONE GATE

Stood on the corner of Gallowtree Gate and Humberstone Gate, the centre of Leicester’s retail, fairs and street orators. 

There is a record of a Grapes in 1747, ran by George Rayson-Pratt, (JR).

In 1829, the late Henry Richards’ Liquor Shop and Wine Vaults was up for sale, situated on the corner Gallowtree Gate and Humberstone Gate.

By the 1840s, John Allen followed by his son John were victualers.  The Justice Register lists it as The Grapes. The Allens held the licence until 1873 When John Polter? was licensee and owner . 1883 a court case involving a theft still refereed to the property as Allens Liquor Vaults. That year the licence and ownership passed to Richard Peirpoint who’s address was Goldhawk Rd, Ravens Court Park, London.

1894 Richard Peirpoint fined 2/6 for having his chimney on fire. Sydney Richard Peirpoint licensee 1903. Louis Peirpoint 1909.

Crowded scene, possibly the fair in Humberstone Gate, established in 1873 can be seen above the bar, next to the name John Allen.  That is possibly the date of the building.

Six day licence granted but in 1919, the manager, Pierpoint, was fined for selling beer above prices against the Deception Act. Still Officially the Grapes, but advertised and referred to as Allens

Closed voluntarily on the 28th of July 1926, to make way for Burton’s, the building that stands today.

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