As number of pubs in England and Wales continues to fall, we decided to look at some of the pubs that have shut in the town – picking out the most interesting ex-public houses.
According to real estate consultancy Altus Group, 400 pubs in England and Wales closed in 2021 and some 200 shut in the first half of 2022 as inflation started to eat into their profits. This took the total number of pubs down to its lowest since Altus's records began in 2005.
Scroll through these pictures to relive Luton's past and take a look back the lost pubs in the town
1. The Ashcroft Arms
The Ashcroft Arms was situated at 323 Ashcroft Road and was previously known as The Straw Plaiters before it closed in 2021. Photo: Thomas Nugent via ClosedPubs.com
2. Coopers Arms
Back in 1864, the Coopers Arms was first licensed on Bute Street in the town. Women frequented the pub after they finished their days working at nearby hat factories. The pub was still in business in the 1990s before the former pub was turned into an Arabic restaurant and café called Desert’s Rose. Photo: Darkstar
3. Crown and Anchor
On New Bedford Road, on the corner of Bridge Street, the Crown & Anchor stood for 132 years. The pub and its brewery were demolished after closing in 1975, now the White House and gym are in its place. Photo: Hania Franek via ClosedPubs.com
4. Eight Bells
This pub was known as 'Five Bells' as early as the 15th century on Church Street. When the church increased its amount of bells to eight, so did the pub - as it upgraded its name in 1775. In 1967, Eight Bells closed and was demolished, the Mall now stands on the site. Photo: ClosedPubs.com