Pluto’s Place, a Watney Mann pub built circa 1960s, originally Phipps. The architectural design was quite interesting. It changed its name to the Rowlatt sometime during the 1970s and as can be seen in the photos below, it lost some of its original 1960s design which would be very ‘retro’ today.
Some of the Watney Mann advertising from 1960-1970.
Watney Mann embarked on pushing out their keg beer (as opposed to the more traditional way of brewing), where ever possible. Their Red Barrel became one of the most recognisable brands of beers in the world. A case of PR triumphing over quality as Watney’s Red became a pariah to traditional drinkers. A tasteless fizz, it no doubt boosted Watney Mann’s balance sheet during the 1960s-70s. Despised by C.A.M.R.A, it led to a backlash and revival of ‘real ale’ but fifty years later, Watney advertising from that era is sought after.
The Rowlatt gained a ‘reputation’ for violent behaviour, culminating in December 1993, in a robbery on the pub by masked raiders wielding shotguns. Landlord Chris Carroll, who has only been in charge a few weeks, was tied hands and feet whilst the raiders escaped with the Christmas takings of over £1000. The pub closed the following year, being demolished circa 2004.
This was a sad end to an originally interesting concept. The area though became a ‘no go’ for many, the surrounding flats notorious. The area was flattened and redeveloped.
On the ground floor was one bar, separate from the pub called Pluto’s Place. In 1969, the skinheads from the city and the county would meet there and listen to Reggae discos. No agro either.
Kev Curtis
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