The Walnut Tree was a large brick built pub purposely built by Cheltenham Original Brewery in the 1930’s for the residents of the Coney Hill estate. Although the pub was not architecturally inspiring it was of sound construction and featured both a bar and lounge bar. A West Country Ales ceramic plaque was inlaid in the wall on first floor level above the front bay windows. It was the only pub in Coney Hill estate. In the early 1990’s the pubs reputation had suffered because an irresponsible minority had driven the majority of its customers away. Whitbread should have installed strong management at the pub to drive the troublemakers away but they chose instead to apply for planning permission to pull down the pub and replace it with housing. Despite objections from city councillors Whitbread got their way by five votes to four because there were no planning grounds to oppose it. The bulldozers moved in and demolished the Walnut Tree in September 1996 – just seven years after Whitbread had invested £150,000 in refitting the pub! The site of the Walnut Tree is now a housing development called Nut Croft.
The Citizen: Monday, 7th November, 1988 – Pub fracas: Gloucester police are investigating a disturbance at the Walnut tree pub in Coney Hill Road in which glasses were broken and tables overturned.
The Citizen – Pub’s aid for heart-op-tot: Regulars of the Walnut Tree pub in Gloucester are organising a skittle evening and disco to help city heart-op tot, Scott Buckley. The ladies’ skittles team hope to raise enough money to allow Scott’s worried parents to visit him while he is recovering in Bristol Royal Infirmary. Landlady of the Walnut Tree, Michelle Panting, said: “Scott’s mother is finding very difficult getting down to Bristol to visit him – so we would like to help out with the expense.”
Scott, who is 23-months old underwent heart surgery last month but after a rapid recovery his health has since gradually deteriorated. The skittles match and disco will take place at the Walnut Tree on Saturday June 22nd 1991 from 8pm.
Citizen: Saturday August 24th 1991: The Walnut Tree pub in Coney Hill hosts a Bank Holiday jamboree on Monday. The event– kicking off at 11 am – will provide funds for local charities.
Owner in 1996: Whitbread Property
Landlords at the Walnut Tree include:
1939 Cecil James Smith, and wife Dorothy Smith
1957 William C. Peart
1979 Stan Cann
1991 Michelle Panting
1993-1996 Gareth and Gill Bell
