BRANCH NEWS ARCHIVE - 2008

George & Dragon, 29 London Rd, Brentford, TW8 8JB. This pub that has been displaying a 'For Sale' sign for sometime and is now closed and boarded up.

The Greyhound, 82 Kew Green, Kew, is under new management. The new leaseholder also runs the Three Kings at Twickenham.

The Teddington Arms, 38-40 High Street, Teddington, has a new manager who is said will be promoting and keeping more real ales. Currently Winter Ales are being promoted.

The Railway Tavern, 91 High St, Hampton Wick has been redecorated including a repainted outside pub name banner in red (removing the word Stryker’s). Men’s toilets have also been refurbished. It is now carpeted one side and wood floor the other. Young’s Special, Harvey’s Sussex Best, and Twickenham Fine Ale’s Original. Sky sports reinstated.

Dukes Head (Austini's Bar & Restaurant), 93 Colne Rd, Twickenham is closed and boarded up with a For Sale sign displayed. The planning application by Elmgrange Ltd (07/4454/FUL) for the conversion from a Public House to 4 x 1 bed flats with storage at basement level. Two ground floor extension and one flat roof was granted on 17th Nov 2008.

Cristalz bar, 29 London Rd, Twickenham, is reported to have closed.

The Clock House (ex Kings Arms), 69 High St. Teddington, has reopened 1st Dec 2008 after a major refurbishment. Four Real Ales were available on the 10th: London Pride, Deuchars IPA, Taylor's Landlord, and Twickenham Fine Ale's Grandstand Bitter.

The Teddington Arms, 38-40 High Street, Teddington, has a new manager who will be promoting and keeping more real ales. On a recent visit there was a flyer on the table advertising Winter Ales from various Breweries.

During the Pub the Year celebration at the Roebuck, Hampton Hill, an engraved tankard was presented to Andy Pirson. As well as serving on the branch committee since time immemorial, Andy has been treasurer of the Twickenham Beer Festival since it began in 1992. Without his sterling efforts over the past decades, it is highly unlikely that the branch or the Beer Festival would have been so successful. This presentation is an expression of thanks to Andy, from all the members of the branch, for his hard work and dedication to the campaign.

More bad news - In Mr Darling's pre-Budget report, VAT on beer is reducing from 17.5% to 15% on 1st December but at the same time the beer duty is rising 8%, meaning that there will be further pressure for pub prices to rise leading to reduced demand and profitability. This further increase continues to threaten Britain's pubs.

CAMRA Chief Executive, Mike Benner, said:
"The Chancellor's refusal to allow beer drinkers to benefit from a VAT reduction means that 7,500 pubs could close by the end of 2012. The Government's failure to support pubs will undermine community life, ruin livelihoods and deprive people of an affordable night out at a local pub."

After a long period of closure and uncertainty as to its future The Three Kings, 42 Heath Rd. Twickenham, is now under new management and reopened 15th Nov. Today they were serving: Youngs Bitter, Fuller's Pride, Wadworths 6X and Twickenham's Original. The pub will be closed soon for redecoration as it's in the same condition (except for the cellar and lines) as when it was closed eight months ago (shabby). There is now scaffolding erected outside ready for external work to begin.

Another pub that has reopened this month is the Old Kings Head, 1 Hampton Court Rd, Hampton Wick. No cask ale.

The Clock House (ex The Kings Arms), 69 High Steet Teddington will reopen on the 1st Dec 2008.

There are positive signs that The Three Kings, 42 Heath Rd, Twickenham, there are signs that work may have started to refurbish this pub.

The Bricklayers Arms, 67 Ealing Rd, Brentford, TW8 0LQ. Application 00377/67-69/P4 on behalf RDP Architects Ltd has received full planning permission on 17th June 08 from the London Borough of Hounslow. The application states: "Part demolition of public house to rear and internally, retention of front facade and conversion of the existing Public House into 2 x 2 bed cottages and 1 x 1 bed cottage and erection of part two storey and part single storey rear extensions."

The official opening of the Admiral Nelson, 123 Nelson Rd, Whitton, TW2 7BB, took place today. The pub's new licensee Susan Hayden (centre) was host to Fuller's top brass including Fullers Inn's MD Simon Emeny, the Deputy Mayor of the Borough, Cllr Geoff Acton (left), and two magnificent shire horses (Pride & Griffin) who not only enjoyed a pint, but took a few regulars on a spin around Whitton. The picture shows 'Griffin' enjoying (yet another!) pint of London Pride. More pictures of the event will appear on the Gallery page shortly.

The Clock House (ex The Kings Arms), 69 High Steet Teddington is currently being refurbished and should reopen in November. Sadly the original 'Isleworth Ales' etched windows have been lost to clear glass.

The Rising Sun (Youngs), 277 Richmond Rd, East Twickenham has reopened under new ownership.

Red Lion, 164/166 Stanley Rd, Teddington is now serving real ale again - currently Sharp's Doombar, others may follow as demand dictates.

Old Kings Head, 1 Hampton Cort Rd, Hampton Wick is closed until further notice.

The Admiral Nelson, 123 Nelson Road, Whitton has now reopened after refurbishment.

The Rugby Tavern, 68 London Rd, Twickenham is currently undergoing a major refurbishment and will reopen as the 'Gary Owen'. The pub reopening on Sunday 21st September although there is still further work to complete. No Real Ale available on opening day but promised soon.

The lease is up for sale for The Bell Inn, 8 Thames St, Hampton.

The Rising Sun, 277 Richmond Rd, Twickenham, TW1 2NP, is now under new ownership and has been closed for an extensive refurbishment from the 18th August for approximately 6 weeks and should reopen by the end of September. They also have a new web site at www.risingsuntwickenham.co.uk.

The Cardinal Wolsey, The Green, Hampton Court Road is now under new management (18th Aug). The new licensees' are Kevin and Amanda who have also set-up a new website at www.thecardinalwolsey.com

The Clubhouse, 65 Richmond Rd. Twickenham was closed by the police recently because the designated licensee left leaving no one licensed to run the pub. See Local Guardian report 16th Sept.

The Kings Arms, 69 High Steet Teddington has closed its doors on Monday 15th and is currently being refurbished. It is expected to re-open early Nov under a new name.

Young’s and Co, which owns the Grade II listed Hare and Hounds, at 216 Upper Richmond Rd, East Sheen (SW14) is seeking planning permission for extensive refurbishment (08/2158/FUL and 08/2228/LBC) to the pub. The original plans to install two new toilets - so desecrating the 1930s public bar - have been the most contested.

After much local opposition we learn that the planning application has now been amended to retain the existing bar.

See Hare and Hounds' regulars defeat pub toilet plan story reported in 'This Is Local London' - 26th Aug.

The Hare & Hounds features in the new CAMRA book, 'London Heritage Pubs: An Inside Story' by Geoff Brandwood and Jane Jephcote.

The Admiral Nelson, 123 Nelson Rd, Whitton which is under new management is currently closed for refurbishment. It has been reported that redevelopment work is in progress at the The Bricklayers Arms, 67 Ealing Rd, Brentford. It looks as if the inside is been gutted and extended. It's not known if it will reopen as a pub or a private dwelling. The Ranch (ex Hook Line & Sinker), 29/31 York St, Twickenham looks as if it has closed. The Jalandhar Junction (ex Royal Albion), 58 Hibernia Rd, Hounslow is still closed.

The Oak, Teddington will be closed between 25th August and 1st September to make various improvements to the establishment.

The Red Lion, Teddington reopend on the 6th August. Mark (new Tenant) has confirmed that Real Ale will be available soon after work to refurbished the beer lines has been completed. There is also a planning application from Enterprise Inns Plc/Caldecotte Consultants Ltd in progress with Richmond Council to erect 2 flats on land to the rear of the pub.

The Red Lion, Teddington is currently closed but will reopen under new management soon. The Victoria in East Sheen is currently under new ownership and closed for refurbishment (gastro pub?). It has been reported that it will reopening in the next couple of weeks, and be offering two real ales instead of one under the previous ownership.

The Kings Arms, the free house in 40 Albion Rd, Twickenham is under new management. The Wishing Well, Staines Rd, Hounslow has reopened on 11th July after a refurbishment. The (unused) hand pumps have been retained on the bar. NB. There was no real ale before it closed.

The Rugby Tavern Twickenham is closed for a major refurbishment. Hare and Hounds in East Sheen (SW14) will close for an extensive refurbishment subject to planning permission. Another branch of Brouge at the Old Goat (Twickenham) has opened at 5 Hill Street, Richmond. (Bistro and Belgian Beer bar).

The Nelson, 123 Nelson Rd, Whitton and The Prince of Wales, Twickenham now have new Landladies.

The Marlborough (Young’s new pub), 46 Friars Stile Rd, Richmond was ropened in May - see www.marlboroughrichmond.co.uk

The Albany Arms, Brentford is closed and up for sale.

Captain Morgans, 3 High St. Brentford has a new manager and the name changed (back) to O'Riordans.

The Shire Horse, 82 Whitton Road, Hounslow is now under new management and has undergone a significant clean-up.

Reading Beer Festival 2008
Twickenham Fine Ales won GOLD with 'Naked Ladies' in the best bitter category and 'Gothick Dark' came 3rd (Bronze) in the milds category. See the festival's Award and Competition Winners page.

The Red Lion, Teddington is closed. The redevelopment planning application (8 storey block of apartments) for The Charlie Butler in Mortlake has been withdrawn by the applicant on the 11th June. The New Moon in Hanworth is still borded-up and is now displaying a sign that it's up for auction.

The Clubhouse, 65 Richmond Rd, Twickenham is under new management. See their new website www.the-clubhouse.biz

Blue Ginger Bar, 158 Whitton Rd. Hounslow.
There is a misleading item about this pub (previously know as the South Western) in the Hounslow Local Guardian dated 15th May. The 'A refresing place to relax' editorial on the Spotlight on Hounslow page states that "Blue Ginger is a member of CAMRA, which means you will find some of the best beers around". This statement is not true. Although the four hand pumps are still in place they are unused. The Advertising Manager of the Local Guardian and the tenant of the pub have been informed.

The Plough, 42 Christchurch Rd, East Sheen SW14 7AF has finally reopened after it was closed in May 2007. See the pub's web site.

The Bricklayers Arms, 67 Ealing Rd, Brentford, TW8 0LQ is now displaying a sign 'For sale by Auction'. Lets hope it finds a buyer that will keep it as a pub. Offers in Excess of £490,000 seen on RightMove.com

Vacant freehold former public house premises (Conversion/Development Potential, subject to Statutory, etc., consents). The property comprises: Ground/first floors - lounge and bars, kitchen, cellar and stores residential upper part with separate street access.
Vacant possession (London Borough of Hounslow).

On a lighter note - Saturday 26th April The Duke of Clarence/Vine Valley Restaurant, 147 Hampton Hill High St. TW12 1NJ are holding their first 'Belly Dancing Dinner Night' with Eszter. London Pride on the bar. To book call 8979 1402

A planning application (07/4454/FUL) has been lodged with Richmond Council for the Dukes Head (Austini's Bar & Restaurant), 93 Colne Road Twickenham, TW1 6QL. Austin's Bar has been closed since March 2006. The proposal is for the conversion from (A4) Public House and Restaurant to (C3) 6 x 1 bed flats with storage at basement level. One flat roof first floor extension and one pitch roof extension to the lower first floor.

The Wishing Well, 66 Staines Rd. TW3 3LF has been closed due to a fire in the cellar (Hounslow Chronicle 17th April). The pub is said to be only smoke damaged. It has also been noted from the Howard Day Associates Property web site (Property ID: LP78), that the pub is 'Under Offer'.

Tred Ltd + Young & Co Breweries Ltd have applied (10th Mar) for planning permission for the demolition of the Charlie Butler, 40 Mortlake High Street, Mortlake and subsequent construction of an 8 storey block of apartments (24 units), part market housing and part affordable housing and construction of basement with car and cycle parking. Planning Application Number: 08/0805/FUL.

Marton's PLC has applied for planning permission to demolish the County Arms Public House, 2 Hall Road, Isleworth. TW7 7PQ and for the erection of fourteen 3 bedroom houses, comprising 4 semi-detached houses and 10 terraced houses with associated access, parking and landscaping. Planning Reference: 00542/2/P8 received on the 28th Jan 08.

It has been reported that Bar Bhangra (Ex Earl Russell and a traditional urban pub), 274 Hanworth Rd. TW3 3TY has closed.

Some good news!
The Plough, 42 Christ Church Rd. East Sheen. SW14 7AF is reported to be re-opening on the 28th April.

The South Western pub on the corner of Whitton Road and Whitton Dene after a long period of closure has a new tenant and reopened on the 4th April. The pub has been renamed the 'Blue Ginger Bar' complete with a (tacky?) blue and red neon lighting like the Bar Bhangra. See new pictures of pub.

Young & Co have recently bought 8 pubs, 3 of which are from M&B. These being Albion - City of London; Seven Stars - Brighton, and in our branch area the Marlborough, 46 Friars Stile Rd. Richmond TW10 6NQ. The Marlborough is currently closed for refurbishment. Young & Co have also introduced a guest ale (Deuchars IPA) into selected high-volume pubs.

The Pottery Arms 25 Clayponds Lane, Brentford. A planning application notice has been posted outside the Pub - planning No. 00271/25/P2 states: "Demolition of public house and erection of a three storey building comprising 3 one bedroom flats and 9 two bedroom flats with associated underground parking."
Further info can be found on the Hounslow Council web site.

The Fountain (Beefeater), Twickenham. A new Hotel is currently being built along side the pub. It’s not sure if the large garden at the back of the pub will still be open after work has been completed.

The Green Man, Bedfont has had a major decorative refurbishment.

Known pub changes of ownership/management: The Castle, Old Isleworth; The Lot, Richmond, has a new manageress; The Triple Crown Inn, Richmond; Jenny Lind, Hampton Hill; Charlie Butler, Mortlake; Anglers, Teddington; The Crown, Richmond.

Threee Kings, 52 Heath Rd, Twickenham was reported closed at both lunchtime and at night yesterday.

The Mansion (ex Rose & Crown), High St. Feltham. TW13 4HS was closed for a while as the operating company had gone into liquidation. However, the pub reopened on the 22nd March, presumably under new management. The Three Horseshoes, 1 Sunbury Rd, Feltham is under new ownership and due to close soon for a much needed refurbishment.

The Swan Inn, 22 High Street, Hampton Wick, has re-opened after a refurbishment (new look, carpets, comfy sofas, open log fire, and colour scheme) on the 20th Feb. This Shepherd's Neame pub has a good range of food available including a Sunday lunch menu.

The Longford, 92 High St. TW12 1NY is up for sale and the Clubhouse, 65 Richmond Rd; Kings Arms, 40 Albion Rd, Twickenham; Triple Crown, 15 Kew Foot Rd, Richmond have all changed hands. The Roebuck, 72 Hampton Rd, Hampton Hill will no longer be selling Hall & Woodhouse beers as the brewery has broken links with the pub.

The Railway Hotel, 127 Station Rd, Hampton, TW12 2AL has reopened early March and been completely refurbished; Greene King Abbott was on hand-pump at the time of the visit. The pub is now run by joint partners Patrick (who is French) and Artur. The pub is described as a Bar Restaurant with an emphasis on food.

Molly Malone’s 115-117 Kew Rd, Richmond. TW9 2PN is closed and will reopen at Easter as The Hope. This pub was once known as the 'Hope of Richmond'.

The Hole in the Wall 3 Park Rd, Richmond. TW10 6NS after closing in July 2006 for a supposed refurbishment, has finally been delicensed and sold for redevelopment.

Fullers have sold the Waggon & Horses, 26 Kew Bridge Rd. TW8 0EB (by the north end of Kew Bridge) to the property developer St George, which already has the adjacent land. The pub will be demolished - if St George gets planning permission for its development. Fullers has applied for permission to build a replacement pub right on the riverfront, ie. some yards south of the Waggon.

The Bricklayers Arms, Ealing Road, Brentford, still hasn't appeared on the Paramount Property website, but we've heard that the freehold is on the market for half a million.

The Royal Horseguardsman, 23 Ealing Rd, Brentford has closed. There's no notice on the door or window to say what has happened or will happen to it. The pub sign's been taken down.

Punch Taverns (UK's largest pubco) has put a package of 39 leased Pubs up for sale - thePublican, 18th Feb 08

The Bricklayers Arms, Ealing Road, Brentford, is up for sale. The freehold is advertised as being for sale through Paramount Investments.

Ye Olde Toy, Hampton Court Road has been closed for some while. After closing it looks as an attempt was made to change the name to Déjà Vu Bar & Grill.

The manager of the Red Lion, 49 High Street Feltham, has been fired last week for inappropriate activities.

Another branch pub is being demolished

The Triple Crown, 266 London Road, Isleworth - WIP.

The Castle, (Young's pub) at 18 Upper Square, Isleworth is still displaying a 'To Let' sign.

Pub closures:
The Swan, Hampton Wick is currently closed for a refurbishment. It's expected to reopen under a new licensee in around a month’s time. Early March? The Bricklayer’s Arms, 67 Ealing Road, Brentford has been closed but is expected to reopen. South Western Hotel, 158 Whitton Rd. Hounslow/Whitton border has been closed for some time. The Castlenau in Barnes has been widely reported as closed as a consequence of Massive’s business problems. Clubhouse, 65 Richmond Rd, Twickenham is being sold and most likely a change of usage.

Pub openings:
The Hussar, 495-497 Staines Rd, Hounslow has re-opened as the Hussar Bar and Restaurant.

Pub changes:
Cross Lances, 236 Hanworth Rd, Hounslow, has been refurbished.

Change of ownership:
Coach and Horses in Barnes has a new Manager who started early Jan 08. The Cellarman remains unchanged.

Business News:
The Young's PubCo is to introduce Addlestones Cloudy Cider into its pubs and have upset InBev by replacing Stella with another brand.

The Capital pub group have sold 3 pubs to the Young's PubCo. Two of which are 'brew pubs'.

Punch Taverns has proposed merging with loss making Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) to form a PubCo nearly two thirds larger than its nearest rival. The merger if it goes ahead would create a group with more than 10,000 pubs.

Business News
The Massive pub company has called in the administrators. It's reported that beer deliveries to many of its pubs have been turned away and the Castlenau in Barnes has closed. The Massive pub company was founded by ex-City whizzkids Peter Linacre and Stephen Brook, who bought the Tup chain in 1999. The Massive pubs in our branch area are:

Castelnau - Barnes; Joe's - Hampton Hill; The Britannia - Richmond; Kings Head - Teddington; Twickenham Tup - Twickenham; White Swan - Twickenham

During the Australia Day Party & BBQ at the Lion, Wick Rd, Teddington, Don Witts announced that he and Myf will be leaving the pub after 9 years and moving to SW Australia. Don and Myf have worked hard during those years making this a thriving local community pub that was voted the 2006 PUB of the YEAR for LONDON.

John Brandon who formally ran the The Warrington Hotel, Maida Vale will be the new Licensee of the Lion.

Grand Union Brewery in Hayes closed in January and their brew plant has been sold to Betwixt Beer Company, Wirral.

Two pubs in Brentford have been reported as closed. The Pottery Arms, 25 Clayponds Lane, TW8 0BN - dark and boarded-up inside. It looks as if it's been closed a while.

The Bricklayer's Arms, 67 Ealing Road, TW8 0LQ - this pub has been curtained-up and closed for a few weeks now.

JD Wetherspoon pubs have imposed a limit of two alcoholic drinks for adults with children in order to limit their stay; the chain has confirmed to the BBC. The company said it had introduced this drinks policy as it was "uncomfortable" with children being on the premises for long periods because of a lack of play facilities. See full BBC news story here.