One of Hartlepool’s oldest pubs pulls its final pint as it closes its doors to the public

By Gbam Godwin On Nov 11, 2025

One of Hartlepool’s oldest pubs pulls its final pint as it closes its doors to the public.

A 19th-century bar on Hartlepool’s historic Headland has called its last orders for the time being.

The Pot House, formerly known as The Harbour of Refuge, closed its doors for the public on Saturday, November 8.

Elaine Gooding has owned and operated the tavern on Croft Terrace since 2014, and she just acquired a business partner.

Hundreds of locals have taken to social media to express their sadness after hearing the news. One user commented, “I thought that place would be there forever,” while another said, “so sad that a local landmark has closed its doors for the last time.”

The Pot House is one of Hartlepool’s oldest pubs, having been founded in 1895. Its current name comes from the dozens of clay tiles that cover the outer walls. In 2021, a big mural was painted on the side of the tavern to commemorate the area’s rich heritage.

The mural was painted by Durham Spray Paints artist Lewis Hobson and shows Elephant Rock, which was cruelly washed away by a storm at the end of the nineteenth century, as well as the Headland lighthouse.

Elaine has been reached by the Hartlepool Mail but declines to comment at this time.