“"We are pleased to be working with Rotherham Council as plans for The Alma Tavern move forward. The Alma Tavern's historic frontage and beautiful façade are an important part of Rotherham's heritage and preserving them is something we are fully committed to. We believe these historic features are what give the building its identity and make it such a recognisable local landmark. Our commitment to preserving historic buildings has already been demonstrated through our restoration of The Cutlers Arms, for which we were honoured to receive a Rotherham Civic Society award in 2014. We are passionate about protecting Rotherham's pub heritage and look forward to continuing to work with the Council to help safeguard these important buildings for future generations."
Brewery in Talks Over Rotherham's Alma Tavern Future
Chantry Brewery is in discussions with Rotherham Council regarding the future of the historic Alma Tavern site.
By Leah Sutcliffe
••2 min read
AI
Generic image of a historic building facade with scaffolding, suggesting redevelopment and preservation efforts.
Plans for the future of the listed Alma Tavern in Rotherham town centre are progressing, with local brewery Chantry Brewery in discussions with Rotherham Council.
Chantry Brewery, which operates the Cutler’s Arms on Westgate, is exploring options to bring the neighbouring Alma Tavern back into use. Rotherham Council is actively engaged with the brewery on how the site can enhance the town centre's leisure offerings and support investment in the Westgate area, part of the Council’s strategic sites project.
Structural surveys commissioned by Rotherham Council have revealed significant safety risks in sections of the Alma Tavern, necessitating partial demolition. This demolition is seen as an opportunity to prepare the site for future investment and redevelopment, securing a long-term future for the prominent town centre location.
Councillor John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, stated that the proposed works will preserve the Alma Tavern's historic façade while addressing structural issues. He added that this presents an opportunity to support the regeneration of the area and explore the site's future potential for a vibrant town centre.
Councillor Williams acknowledged that some may be disappointed by the loss of part of the historic building, but emphasised that detailed surveys show significant deterioration, making the removal of the unsafe structure the most responsible action. He stressed that public safety is paramount and that immediate action will ensure the area remains safe and creates opportunities for investment and renewal.
Subject to planning approval and completion of necessary surveys, demolition work is scheduled to commence in the winter.
Based on information from the official source: Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (13/10/2026)
