Last look inside John Paul Jones pub in Whitehaven before demolition

The former John Paul Jones pub in Whitehaven is being stripped out ahead of demolition later this year.

The pub, which shares its name with the illustrious Naval Commander who launched a surprise attack on the town back in 1778, closed its doors to the public in June 2018.

The former John Paul Jones pub is being demolished after BEC acquired the site with plans to create a hotel, residential and leisure destination in its place (Image: BEC)

BEC acquired the building in July 2019 as part of land assembly work that included the adjacent Mark House and Park Night Club sites which BEC acquired in 2017.

The social impact property developers have plans to develop the overall site, which is 0.70 acres in total as a hotel, residential and leisure destination for the town.

Bob and Pauline Cullen were the last tenants of the John Paul Jones pub and have many happy memories from the 14 years they were there.

Bob said: “It was just a great time. The Fridays were always awesome with the bands and we always had a great time on Saturdays with different DJs. We even had bands from America.

The John Paul Jones pub was known for its live music nights (Image: BEC)

“We had some great nights in there. They used to queue round the block on Saturday nights.

“There was still a glass of coke on the bar that was left.”

Chris Hayes, mayor of Whitehaven, said: “For people my age and even younger, it was one of the most popular pubs in Whitehaven.

“It was sports for a bit and then live entertainment. You could go and listen to a local band play. It was one of the best pubs in Whitehaven, without a doubt.

“I’m sorry to see it all being emptied now.”

Danielle Lee, owner of Club 135 in Whitehaven, said: “I used to go there all the time as a late teen and in my 20s. It was the place to be for good conversation, the best live bands and atmosphere.

“It’s a huge loss to the town – it was fantastic in its day. The building is so beautiful, it’s such a shame.”