End of an era as historic Exeter pub could be turned into flats after 160 years

A derelict Exeter pub with a colourful history dating back more than 160 years could be turned into flats.

The Oddfellows in New North Road has been a pub under a variety of names since the 19th century, but a new planning application filed with Exeter City Council could see it leaving the pub trade for good.

Exeter-based property company 88WDR is applying to change the use of the ground floor and part of the first floor to two single-bedroom flats and one studio flat.

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The remainder of the first floor and the second floor would become a ‘house in multiple occupation’ for five people.

According to the Exeter Memories website, the pub was built at the end of a terrace in the 1840s named Albert Terrace, after Prince Albert.

The earliest reference to the pub comes from 1862, when landlord William Norsworthy was married. The website says the pub was named after the Oddfellows Friendly Society that had previously occupied the premises, a society that was set up in the 19th century to help working men and women.

One landlord, Daniel Jackman, was lucky not to lose his licence in 1883, having been caught selling alcohol out of hours.

The pub has traded under a variety of names over the years. It was known as The Gate in the mid-1990s and later became Molloys. It has also been known as The Nest, the Last Drop, and most recently Fifty Point Seven. It was also known at one time as the Thirsty Camel.

It finally closed as a pub in April this year.

The applicants say: “This is a simple proposal of the conversion of a vacant and derelict pub into much-needed residential units which achieve a good standard of accommodation without adversely impacting the area or the character of the building.”