The Story of The Cedars

From Regency Grandeur to Community Hub: The Story of The Cedars, Evington

Standing prominently on Main Street in the historic heart of Evington, The Cedars has long served as a vital cornerstone of local identity. Originally built as an elite private residence, it has evolved over nearly two centuries into a bustling community tavern.

The Architectural Foundations (1838)

Before it ever poured a pint, The Cedars was born out of the immense wealth of Leicester’s 19th-century industrial boom. Built in 1838 by Samuel Davenport, the property was designed as a grand, upper-class villa.

Architecturally, the building reflects a simple classical Regency style. Its design heavily mirrors the works of prominent Leicester architects William Flint and William Parsons. The building features a distinctive stuccoed exterior and two imposing Doric columns flanking the main entrance.

In its early decades, the home hosted several affluent families, including the Moore sisters—whose family served as the vicars of nearby St. Denys Church—and a director of the prominent local firm, Liberty Shoes.

The Literary Era: E. Phillips Oppenheim

The building’s most famous historical resident arrived around 1896. Prolific thriller and mystery novelist Edward Phillips Oppenheim moved into the villa, residing there until roughly 1905.

The son of a Leicester leather merchant, Oppenheim used his time at the property to pen a portion of his staggering literary catalogue, which eventually totalled 168 novels. His immense literary success later allowed him to purchase a villa in France and a luxury yacht. Today, his time at the property is commemorated by a distinctive blue plaque mounted on the exterior wall next to the entrance to the restaurant.

A Dramatic Transformation: 18 June 1938

As Evington transitioned from an independent village into an official ward of Leicester in 1935, the economic landscape shifted. Amid a massive suburban housing boom—during which a League of Nations report famously named Leicester the “second most prosperous city in Europe”—The Cedars found a new calling.

The building was acquired by All Saints Brewery, which converted the mansion into a hotel and public house. This conversion saw the addition of two large side wings, which today house the main dining spaces. Inside, the developers integrated popular styling trends of the era, leaving a legacy of Art Nouveau and Art Deco fixtures that can still be spotted by visitors today.

The grand opening on 18 June 1938 was a local drama.  Landlord Frederick Hanson managed the Horse & Groom pub directly across the road. At lunchtime, Hanson called final orders, locked up the old pub, and transferred the liquor license across Main Street. At 6:00 PM that exact same evening, he unlocked the doors to the newly minted Cedars. Shortly thereafter, the vacated Horse & Groom was completely demolished to allow for the widening of the road.

The Modern Venue and Its Sunken Gardens

In recent decades, the pub has operated as a family-friendly establishment under King Henry’s Taverns, widely known for its expansive value menus and traditional British pub classics.

Architecturally, the modern layout is split into two distinct environments:

• The Lounge Bar: Located in the older portion of the property, featuring relaxed seating, televisions, and a sports-centric atmosphere.
• The Restaurant Wing: An expansive dining room wrapped in panoramic windows.

These panoramic windows look out onto the pub’s most celebrated feature: its mature, beautifully landscaped sunken gardens. Highly rated in Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) listings, this hidden oasis features rockeries, mature trees, a footbridge, and a custom fish pond complete with a cascading waterfall.

Present Day: All Change at The Cedars

The Evington Echo recently broke a major announcement regarding the venue’s future: The Cedars has officially been sold.

After being placed on the market by King Henry’s Taverns for over £1 million, the property successfully changed hands. While the long-term structural or operational plans under the new ownership remain under wraps, the Echo confirmed that the transition is expected to be smooth, with the pub’s current manager, Audrey Mather, remaining at the helm.

Despite the ownership shakeup, the venue remains deeply embedded in day-to-day community life. It continues to serve as the official meeting grounds for several vital community groups:

• The Evington Rummikub Club: Gathering every Monday morning at 11:00 AM for brain-stimulating tabletop games.
• The Evington Social Club: Meeting every Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM to foster local connections.
• The Scrabble group:  Meeting every Thursday morning at 11.00am for brain-stimulating tabletop games. 

These three groups come under the umbrella of Friends of Evington for insurance and safeguarding purposes.

Furthermore, the publication staff regularly uses the pub to host Echo Consultation Workshops, bringing together reporters, volunteers, and residents to discuss the future of community media over a drink.

As the pub steps into its next chapter under new ownership, it stands firm as an indispensable guardian of Evington’s local heritage.