The Leconfield (previously the Red Lion) has a mixed history. Over the years it has been used as a pub, a motor hire shop, a restaurant and more recently as an antiques shop with accommodation on the first and second floors. As a consequence, the building has been modified over time and its structure has been altered significantly; very little now remains within the building from the Tudor and Georgian periods, yet its merits in architectural and historical terms have been recognised by its listing:
“SU 9721 PETWORTH NEW STREET (south side) 29/331 The Red Lion Inn 22.2.55 GV II Public house. L-shaped building in the angle of New Street and Middle Street. The oldest portion is the section facing Middle Street. C17 or earlier timber-framed building with some timbering and red brick infilling exposed but mostly refaced with stone rubble. Tile-hung gable. Tiled roof. Casement windows with small square panes. Two storeys. Four windows. The New Street front is early C19 with a late C19 extension at the west end. Two storeys. Three windows. Red brick. Modillion eaves cornice. Glazing bars intact. Doorway with pilasters and projecting cornice.”
The building enjoys a prominent position within the town of Petworth on the busy junction of New Street, Angel Street, East Street, and Middle Street. It was of great importance, therefore, that the building was sensitively restored in terms of townscape to play a meaningful role in the daily life of Petworth.
The existing offering within the town was primarily of pubs and cafes, and since Petworth attracts an international clientele, it was felt that the town would benefit from the addition of a quality restaurant that would appeal to these visitors.
The initial designs evolved following numerous discussions with the council’s planning team, the Historic Buildings Adviser, noise consultant, the Environmental Health Officer as well as consultations with the local community. These contributed to reducing noise emissions and to secure privacy for the neighbours.
The scheme included the removal of Edwardian bulk to the courtyard and the addition of an extension with glazed façade and lead roof to the south. The boundary walls were heightened, sound insulation panels installed to party walls, secondary glazing to a total of 6 windows, removal of the window and door to the front façade which were 20th Century additions, opening up of an area proposed for new kitchen, and the adaption of the chimney to accommodate a new extraction flue for the kitchen.
The Leconfield restaurant is once again an important historic Petworth building, located in a visually prominent position. It is rich in character and contributes positively to the historic fabric of the town. The restaurant offers the dual advantage of preserving a historically important building whilst meeting a perceived need for a quality restaurant in Petworth – to the benefit of the local community.
