Musicians and pubgoers celebrate as councillors say Lancaster pub’s stage can stay

Claire Tomlinson, who runs the Grade II-listed John O’Gaunt pub in Market Street, was joined by dozens of supporters at a Lancaster City Council planning meeting on Monday.

She had previously been told that the stage, which she says is essential for the venue’s success in attracting bands from the UK and abroad, would have to be removed.

Conservation officers believed the stage spoiled the pub’s interior where, previously, padded seats had followed the curve of a stained glass bow window.

They also feared stage activities were a risk to the window and warned that other historic pub interiors could be changed if the John O’Gaunt’s unauthorised stage was allowed.

However, Ms Tomlinson and a host of speakers, including musicians, told the meeting the stage was essential for live music, the pub’s business and the wider nightlife of Lancaster.

Sam Frank said: “I’m a musician involved with open microphone nights and have played at the John O’Gaunt for years. The stage addresses safety issues and boosts the venue as an inclusive space. It takes into account the needs for customers and performers. It also allows performers to express themselves confidently and for creativity to flourish.

“Claire has attracted some larger bands because of the stage, from the UK and overseas. That will end if the stage has to go. ”

Rachel Harrison, a bar tender, said: “Until I worked at the John O’Gaunt, I’d never been inside. I did not know the stage was quite new. It just fitted in [visually] with the inside. I also spoke to customers who thought it had been there for years.

“Performers and customers are much happier with a stage, It keeps equipment safe and protects livelihoods. It brings more bands to Lancaster, attracting more visitors and adding to the city’s vibrancy. In polls, the John O’Gaunt has been ranked among the top five venues in Lancaster and as the number one favourite pub venue.”

Jack Spencer, who is blind and uses a walking stick, said: “The raised stage is entirely beneficial and promotes some obvious health and safety benefits for everybody. It eases the burden on door staff do look after the crowd because the previous cramped environment has gone.

“As a blind musician, I have sometimes experienced difficulties when performing at normal floor level, if people stray forward. A raised stage with wooden barriers substantially helps. The majority of people prefer the stage because of the benefits. Removing it would remove the benefits, and should be a concern for councillors.”

Jamie Walker said: “I am a full-time musician based in Lancaster. We have to bear in mind how many smaller venues and pubs have closed in recent year or are at risk of closure. One report has predicted 20 per cent of live music venues could shut in 2024. A quarter of venues shut last year. Venues face financial risks of putting on bands and promotion, plus increased costs and other risks.

“In Lancaster, we probably take for granted amazing venues like this, with music seven nights a week. Music ranges from rock and jazz and other styles. The John O’Gaunt is a place for younger and older people too. Performers get a psychological lift from putting on a show on-stage rather than being on the floor.

“When you play at a venue with a stage, you breathe a sigh of relief because you know your equipment will be OK. I’ve had drinks spilled on my equipment and a tooth chipped when a microphone stand was knocked over. But you don’t get these problems with a stage. Overall, the John O’Gaunt is great for attracting bands, for musical diversity and for the city.”

Another supporter, Dan Milligan, said: “Conservation officers understandably have to look at issues narrowly, and they do important work. But look at all the people here today – refusing this stage would spoil things for a lot of people.”

Landlady Claire, 38, said: “The pub has a long history as a live music venue. In the past, music was at weekends. But now it’s seven days a week.

“When I took over managing the pub, I thought I only had to speak to the brewery about the stage. They were very keen on the idea. I thought their agreement was enough. I did not realise it was a planning issue with the city council. But I have submitted a retrospective planning application and don’t want a lengthy dispute.

“Touring bands have never come like this before. Music is an integral part of nightlife and to the city. It brings vibrancy and money. I think any harm or risk the stage causes, regarding the appearance or building’s fabric, is outweighed by the benefits it brings. The pub also has to adapt to survive.

“I love the pub. It’s a proper pub and proper pubs are dying out. And it’s not just a pub. It’s my home.”

Planning officer Mark Jackson outlined the conservation officers’ concerns, saying they believed the pub’s interior had been harmed, with removal of round, bench seating reflecting the bow window’s shape.

There were also worries that the window could be damaged with performances.

Councillors also had to bear in mind their decision could set a precedent for other listed buildings which host music. But ultimately, each case had to be considered individually.

Committee chair Coun Sandra Thornberry proposed that councillors support the pub stage application, against officers’ recomendations.

She said: “This can be reversed in future if it is of no benefit. The pub building is not in a position where it cannot go back to how it was in the past. We also recognise the live music contributes to vibrancy and that people come from all over the place to events. We’ve also heard questions about security and safety, and that people can get a better experience with the stage.”

Councillors voted in favour of allowing the stage to remain, prompting applause and celebrations for the stage supporters.