Our Heritage & Story

The Ecclian is rooted in the history of Eccleshall. Our home at 27 High Street is a Grade II listed architectural landmark that has served local villagers for well over a century.

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🏛️ A Grade II Listed High Street Landmark (List Entry #1294356)

Designated as a Grade II listed structure in April 1980, the building was constructed in the late 19th century as a commercial outbuilding associated with the 18th-century brick townhouse at number 29. Architecturally celebrated for its group value on High Street, the single-storey wooden façade, wood pilasters, decorative pediment, and stone base represent a beautifully preserved example of Victorian commercial street design.

Over a Century of Local Enterprise:

• 1903 — Agricultural Plough Shop: Archives record the display of horse-drawn iron ploughs along the pavement outside for local Staffordshire farmers.
• 1930s — Village Grocers & Café: Featuring distinctive etched glass windows and serving tea and local provisions.
• Mid-20th Century — Water Rates Office: Municipal office serving the town’s utility administration.
• 1970s–2014 — Eccleshall Pet Shop: A beloved community fixture run by local residents for decades until its retirement.
• 2015–2020 — Merckx Bar: A Belgian craft ale sanctuary and cycling tribute founded by Irish competitive cyclist Adrian Willis.
• 2023–Present — The Ecclian: Refurbished and reopened by Martin & Helen Peet as an independent real ale micropub.

🍺 From Confectionery Roots to Craft Ale

Proprietor Martin Lawrence Peet brings a family pedigree in British enterprise dating back to 1891 in Leek. Having founded the beloved nostalgic Mr Simms Olde Sweet Shoppe franchise and growing it to over 100 shops worldwide before selling in 2019, Martin and his wife Helen took over 27 High Street to fulfill a personal passion: creating an authentic English conversational boozer.

Named after the local Ecclian Society who were busy beautifying the High Street on opening day, the pub was founded on a simple, uncompromising promise:

“No loud televisions, no fruit machines, and no noisy sports broadcasts. Just perfectly kept real ale, extraordinary spirits, and genuine conversation.”

🏅 What We Stand For