The New Pier Inn (aka Little Mutton Monster)
Immediately prior to its closure in 1995 the building shown below was known
as the Little Mutton Monster public house; it was located at 240 James Street, Devonport.
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Above: The Little Mutton Monster in derelict condition at 2002, viewed from across the playing field of Mount Wise Primary School.
1914
The pub was known to have existed at least a century ago, in 1914, although it was possibly
built earlier since that was the year World War One began. Local Directories for 1914
show Albert Robert Fletcher as the landlord with the name of the pub being New Pier Spirit
Vaults. The address then was 63 James Street.
Following World War Two the pub became known as the New Pier Inn; it may have been known
as this prior to WW2, since the exact date of the name change is unknown.
1970s and early 1980s. Popular with Naval Personnel
During this period the New Pier Inn was a popular lunch-time meeting place for naval and military
personnel who worked at nearby Admiralty House and Hamoaze House.
Such was the pub's popularity that in 1984 planning permission was submitted for the addition of a conservatory.
Application. No. 84/02338/FUL
Site Address: The New Pier Inn 240 James Street, Devonport, PL1 4LA
Description: Alterations to public house and erection of conservatory.
Received Date: 12/06/84
Decision Date: 23/07/84
Late 1980s early 1990s
It is believed the name change, to The Little Mutton Monster, took place around the late 1980s early 90s,
however, it appears to have been unofficial, that is, the new name does not seem to have been recorded or documented anywhere. The earlier
name of the New Pier Inn is found on all planning applications right up to the time of the building's demolition.
By the late 1980s early 1990s the Royal Navy and Royal Marines had retreated from both Admiralty
House and Hamoaze House (plus the nearby naval married quarters upon Mount Wise hilltop were no
longer in existence), and the pub, along with several other Devonport pubs of the period,
became used less and less by service personnel. Consequently the type of customer changed.
1994-1995. The Last Gig
One of the last gigs, probably the last gig, to take place at the pub was a live performance
by the band "Viv & The Sections" on 27th December 1994.
Members of the group were: Dave Ahern on guitar & vocals, Paddy Morrissey
on harmonica & vocals, John Lang on guitar, Roger Cornall on drums, Paul Smith on percussion
and Chris Constantinou on bass. The group placed a short video of themselves on
YouTube.
Early in 1995 the pub closed its doors for the last time.The owner at time of closure was
believed to have been Charles Barratt.
1995 was a period in history when Devonport was blighted, run-down and suffering from youth
problems, crime and vandalism.
Therefore it was no surprise to observe, now that the pub was closed for good, that it had
been attacked by vandals, and set afire several times with emergency
services being called out. It became a derelict eyesore. It remained
in a decayed and delapidated condition from the time of its closure in 1995 until its demolition
in 2004.
2001. New Owner
After half a dozen years of existing in a derelict condition a new owner, Mike Timmins, eventually
purchased the property in October 2001; he had to negotiate a parcel of land at the back of the building with the Ministry
of Defence. (the MoD have a standing claim, should they require, to six foot of land abutting the entire length of the dockyard wall)
Mike Timmins bought the plot as an investment, then applied to the council to redevelop and build
three new houses on the site. At his first application Timmins was turned down since, at that stage, the
city council wanted the pub building to remain, but once vandals started to
ruin the empty structure they eventually reconsidered.
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September 2002
After one year of ownership Mike Timmins submitted another planning application to demolish
the New Pier Inn and replace it with three new houses.
In sept 2002 the application was posted under the name of The New Pier Inn
Application Number: 02/01517/FUL
Site Address: THE NEW PIER INN 240 JAMES STREET DEVONPORT PLYMOUTH PL1 4LA
Applicant Name: Mr M Timmins, 203 Elburton Road Plymouth PL9 9HX
Description: Redevelopment of the site by the erection of three, three storey, dwellings with integral garages
Received Date: 23/09/02
Decision Date: 14/03/03
Decision: Grant Conditionally
Decision Date: 14 March 2003
2003
March. Planning permission granted to demolish the building and redevelop the site.
May. The New Pier Inn is offered up at Auction, at a guide price of £40k +, together with planning
permission for a terrace of three 2-bed townhouses.
September 2004. Demolition
Having stood derelict for almost ten years the building was finally demolished.
2012. The Plot Redeveloped
Following 2004 demolition the plot remained empty until 2012, occupied occasionally by a temporary Glass Recycling Bank.
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Build restarted - above is a Google image of build in progress, late 2012.
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Above. Amost complete, the plot by April 2013
2013. Open Day for the New Homes
Completed. The sales Open-Day took place mid-May 2013. Guide price £135,000 - £145,000.
(page added May 2013)