The Central Public House

The Central Public House is a building constructed in 1854 by M Thompson, located on a flattened triangular island site. It is made of coursed stone with ashlar dressings and features a low pitched Welsh slate roof with corniced stone stacks. The structure has three storeys at the east end and two storeys at the west end, with a total of five bays on each side. Notable architectural details include a moulded eaves cornice and frieze, raised quoins, and a high moulded plinth. The upper floors are adorned with five-light double-chamfered stone-mullioned windows that have raised surrounds. The ground floor is arcaded, featuring archivolts and strong key-stones, with the arches framed in an Ionic Order supported by faceted rusticated pilasters, which continue into the arch pilasters. Some windows have engraved glass and patterned glazing bars. The south-west front has wider, plainer bays and includes a "Norman Shaw" type oriel in the southernmost bay. The entrance is located in a single bay on the west side. Originally built by Alderman Potts, a wine merchant, the building served as business premises before becoming a hotel around 1890.