Ian - you really are doing a superb job in providing photos of the Sam Smith estate - especially internal ones. I've never visited this pub, but your photo serves to illustrate a very important feature, that of decorative 'bits and bobs.'
In my experience these are often owned by the tenant or manager and so therefore sadly disappear when there is a change. They add tremendously to the character of a pub and I've seen many cases where the place never quite feels the same where this happens. I wonder if in this case all the wonderful plates etc will go, or are they fixtures and fittings owned by the company?
One of my criticisms of some Sams pubs is the lack of this sort of characterful stuff, no doubt due to endless changes in manager, general disgruntlement or dare I say, lack of interest or ability by male managers. I know it's being sexist, but isn't it often the female part of a management team that adds the vase of flowers, nice bits of brassware or plates and pictures?
By the way, although not 'listed' this pub is featured in the recently published CAMRA guide to 'Yorkshire's real heritage pubs.' Apparently until 1983 beer was served straight out of the barrel due to the absence of a cellar. Sounds like a real Sams gem.
