Above postcard, date 1903 kindly sent by Peter Moynahan.

Above postcard, circa 1921, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe.

Above postcard 1920s, kindly sent by James Fribbins.

Above postcard, 1951, kindly sent by Garth Wyver.

Above photo, 2009.

Above photo 2009.

Above sign left, September 1993, sign right 2006.

With thanks from Brian Curtis www.innsignsociety.com.

Above sign 2014.

With thanks from Roger Pester www.innsignsociety.com.

Above photo 2010.

Above photo, 2018.

Above sign 2018.

From the https://www.newsshopper.co.uk By PubSpy, 7th October 2014.

Having sat empty for a while, the British Queen in Locksbottom has only recently reopened.

The pub – in the shadow of the swanky Chapter One restaurant – has been given a complete makeover that is sure to appeal to the well-to-do crowd.

And so it seemed as I popped in for lunch.

It’s light inside and the muted green colour scheme teamed with lots of exposed wood is quite soothing.

It all went hand-in-hand with the jaunty soft pop played at a reasonably low volume and the sound of polite chatter.

As I looked around, the lunchtime crowd certainly was mainly suited.

While it’s all very nicely done to a high standard, the strawberry sign and the little cricket bat with a number on that I was given when I ordered my food gave a relaxed impression – a bit like when Call-Me-Dave takes his tie off or holds a press conference in the garden.

The staff were very smart, dressed in a beige apron and white shirt, and efficient.

Too efficient if truth be told. I only asked how much the Meantime cost and she was pouring before I could stop her.

I’ve had a few sausage and onion baguettes in my time and didn’t think one would ever have much of a bearing on my day unless I happened to choke on it.

But the one I barbarically munched through at the British Queen certainly lifted my spirits a great deal. Without wanted to get too carried away, the baguette was just right, the sausage was properly meaty with a liberal dose of herb and the onion marmalade was the crowning glory – sweet and soft with a little tang.

Next to it, the thin fries were salty and moreish.

Cutlery and/or a napkin would have been nice but I may have just stuffed it into my face with such a disregard for decorum anyway.

Given the plum surroundings, and the £4.60 for my pint of Meantime Pale Ale, the food game in at a respectable £5.95 too.