Churchill Arms

Few publicans in London can compare with Gerry O’Brien, colourful landlord of The Churchill Arms, who this weekend celebrates 25 years at the award-winning Kensington Church Street pub. I’ve a soft spot for Gerry as he hails from the County Clare and if I described him as a Mad Irishman he would take it as a compliment for he is a true eccentric and has made the Churchill Arms into something rare in London a brewery owned tenanted boozer with real character where people literally come from miles around to visit.


Churchill memorabilia in the bar

Now generally I am of the illiberal opinion that a brewery owned pub should be a capital offence negating a right to trial before execution. However the Brewery in question Fuller, Smith and Turner is one of the last traditional brewers based at the famous Chiswick Brewery in West London with family members still involved in running it and producing a proper range of real ales for which the name of their flagship ale, “London Pride” speaks for itself. Since taking over this typical London boozer 25 years ago Gerry has infused it with both his wacky contents and his unique personality and gained something of a cult following in the process.



On the outside, the Churchill is festooned with hanging baskets and window boxes, which regularly scoop up any flower awards going. On the inside, the pub is crammed full of dangling chamber pots, a collection of exotic butterflies, mementos of Winston Churchill and more hanging baskets. Oh and I forgot to mention Gerry’s collection of old radios “wirelesses” which I gave up counting after twenty.
On the significant days in Gerry’s calendar — sporting events, St Patrick’s Day, any anniversary remotely connected to Churchill — the interior is further enlivened with all the balloons available in London in the appropriate colours. In case that was not enough, the host regularly makes his way tirelessly around the premises, sometimes with a fake Guinness glass to tip over the unwary. Favoured guests are tooted from the premises with an old car horn.


The irrepressible Gerry O'Brien, Landlord of the Churchill Arms



Now Gerry is having a big party at the Churchill to celebrate his 25 years, having turned what was a dull old boozer into a cornucopia of nutty passions. Not the least of these is his devotion to Thai food, of which his pub was the first purveyor in London. “We can shift some beer with this stuff,” he remembers thinking. There are few regrets but the smoking ban saddened him: “I miss the time of smoking — not cigarettes, but giving a light to a lady or seeing someone light up a pipe.”


The conservatory eating area

The Churchill Arms is, without doubt, one of the best and most famous pubs in the UK. You won't find a warmer welcome anywhere else. 'London in Bloom' winner two years in a row and from spring it is easy to see why - the flowers and baskets literally tumble off the outside of the pub. The food on offer is Thai but you can also enjoy a selection of English classics, the Sunday roasts are also very popular. Events are the speciality here - 'Churchill Night' (30th Nov) is a must, as are the patron saint days. Indeed Gerry must be the only Irishman to throw a birthday party for Churchill and patrons return the compliment by turning up on the day in boiler suits and ARP helmets. St George’s day, uniquely in London, gets the full Paddy’s Day treatment for Gerry is nothing if not inclusive. This is one London pub you will want to come back to again and again.


St George being saluted by the Churchill arms on the 23rd April, St George's Day

Many years ago Gerry roofed over the back courtyard of the Churchill Arms and franchised out the catering to a Thai family and introduced Thai food to London Pubs. For over 15 years, the highly skilled chefs at the Churchill Arms Thai Kitchen have been preparing authentic regional dishes. From the soft and mild tasting noodles "Pad Siew" to the very hot jungle paste curry of "Kaeng Par". Family recipes handed down through generations are served in the wonderful butterfly-themed conservatory. So come and meet Gerry, Powe, Tai and Po for a real taste of Thailand. This is not the Thai banquet food you get served in restaurants but hearty Thai country food served in an ample portion with an equally ample portion of perfect Thai sticky rice. It is for people who enjoy strong flavours and are hungry – not using food as a fashion statement!


Real Thai food!

Kensington Church Street where the Churchill Arms is situated meanders from High Street Kensington to Notting Hill which is the end where you’ll find the Churchill Arms. It is one of London’s more interesting streets being lined with antique shops and with the block of flats where TS Elliot lived and where his widow, Valerie, still does. Even in such august surroundings the Churchill Arms stands out in every way and either with friends or groups I’ve never failed to enjoy being there for good food and drink but above all for that something you can’t easily define real atmosphere. On a more practical note there is no where else in Kensington you can buy a pint of real ale to wash down real food and still have change from a tenner. So here’s wishing Gerry O’Brien from the County Clare slán agus beannacht leat for the next 25 years.

Churchill Arms
119 Kensington Church Street
London W8 7LN

Tel: 020 7727 4242

Email: churchillarms@fullers.co.uk

Licensee: Gerry O'Brien

Churchill Arms

Few publicans in London can compare with Gerry O’Brien, colourful landlord of The Churchill Arms, who this weekend celebrates 25 years at the award-winning Kensington Church Street pub. I’ve a soft spot for Gerry as he hails from the County Clare and if I described him as a Mad Irishman he would take it as a compliment for he is a true eccentric and has made the Churchill Arms into something rare in London a brewery owned tenanted boozer with real character where people literally come from miles around to visit.


Churchill memorabilia in the bar

Now generally I am of the illiberal opinion that a brewery owned pub should be a capital offence negating a right to trial before execution. However the Brewery in question Fuller, Smith and Turner is one of the last traditional brewers based at the famous Chiswick Brewery in West London with family members still involved in running it and producing a proper range of real ales for which the name of their flagship ale, “London Pride” speaks for itself. Since taking over this typical London boozer 25 years ago Gerry has infused it with both his wacky contents and his unique personality and gained something of a cult following in the process.



On the outside, the Churchill is festooned with hanging baskets and window boxes, which regularly scoop up any flower awards going. On the inside, the pub is crammed full of dangling chamber pots, a collection of exotic butterflies, mementos of Winston Churchill and more hanging baskets. Oh and I forgot to mention Gerry’s collection of old radios “wirelesses” which I gave up counting after twenty.
On the significant days in Gerry’s calendar — sporting events, St Patrick’s Day, any anniversary remotely connected to Churchill — the interior is further enlivened with all the balloons available in London in the appropriate colours. In case that was not enough, the host regularly makes his way tirelessly around the premises, sometimes with a fake Guinness glass to tip over the unwary. Favoured guests are tooted from the premises with an old car horn.


The irrepressible Gerry O'Brien, Landlord of the Churchill Arms



Now Gerry is having a big party at the Churchill to celebrate his 25 years, having turned what was a dull old boozer into a cornucopia of nutty passions. Not the least of these is his devotion to Thai food, of which his pub was the first purveyor in London. “We can shift some beer with this stuff,” he remembers thinking. There are few regrets but the smoking ban saddened him: “I miss the time of smoking — not cigarettes, but giving a light to a lady or seeing someone light up a pipe.”


The conservatory eating area

The Churchill Arms is, without doubt, one of the best and most famous pubs in the UK. You won't find a warmer welcome anywhere else. 'London in Bloom' winner two years in a row and from spring it is easy to see why - the flowers and baskets literally tumble off the outside of the pub. The food on offer is Thai but you can also enjoy a selection of English classics, the Sunday roasts are also very popular. Events are the speciality here - 'Churchill Night' (30th Nov) is a must, as are the patron saint days. Indeed Gerry must be the only Irishman to throw a birthday party for Churchill and patrons return the compliment by turning up on the day in boiler suits and ARP helmets. St George’s day, uniquely in London, gets the full Paddy’s Day treatment for Gerry is nothing if not inclusive. This is one London pub you will want to come back to again and again.


St George being saluted by the Churchill arms on the 23rd April, St George's Day

Many years ago Gerry roofed over the back courtyard of the Churchill Arms and franchised out the catering to a Thai family and introduced Thai food to London Pubs. For over 15 years, the highly skilled chefs at the Churchill Arms Thai Kitchen have been preparing authentic regional dishes. From the soft and mild tasting noodles "Pad Siew" to the very hot jungle paste curry of "Kaeng Par". Family recipes handed down through generations are served in the wonderful butterfly-themed conservatory. So come and meet Gerry, Powe, Tai and Po for a real taste of Thailand. This is not the Thai banquet food you get served in restaurants but hearty Thai country food served in an ample portion with an equally ample portion of perfect Thai sticky rice. It is for people who enjoy strong flavours and are hungry – not using food as a fashion statement!


Real Thai food!

Kensington Church Street where the Churchill Arms is situated meanders from High Street Kensington to Notting Hill which is the end where you’ll find the Churchill Arms. It is one of London’s more interesting streets being lined with antique shops and with the block of flats where TS Elliot lived and where his widow, Valerie, still does. Even in such august surroundings the Churchill Arms stands out in every way and either with friends or groups I’ve never failed to enjoy being there for good food and drink but above all for that something you can’t easily define real atmosphere. On a more practical note there is no where else in Kensington you can buy a pint of real ale to wash down real food and still have change from a tenner. So here’s wishing Gerry O’Brien from the County Clare slán agus beannacht leat for the next 25 years.

Churchill Arms
119 Kensington Church Street
London W8 7LN

Tel: 020 7727 4242

Email: churchillarms@fullers.co.uk

Licensee: Gerry O'Brien

Welcome back Woolpack

Welcome back Woolpack!

The Sage has previously chronicled the dolorous tale of one of his local pubs burning down resulting in a 50% reduction in drinking outlets in Stoke Mandeville, the drawback of living in a small village. The Woolpack burnt down in the small hours of Saturday morning 25th April 2009. Apparently a tumble drier was left on a timer after the pub was locked up for the night and the fluff / lint caught fire. An object lesson for all of us, always make sure you de-fluff first and never go to bed leaving yours spinning away.

http://daithaic.blogspot.com/2009/04/woolpack-stoke-mandeville.html


The way we were

The local paper The Bucks Herald reported at the time;

“THE Woolpack pub and restaurant in Stoke Mandeville has been destroyed by a huge fire. he building was described by Bucks Fire and Rescue as 100 per cent damaged by the blaze. Fire fighters were called to the pub, in Risborough Road, at 3.37am on Sunday morning.


Woolpack ablaze last April...


.... and afterwards

It took more than four hours for the fire to be extinguished, and crews are likely to be at the scene for 'some considerable time' yet. Gas cylinders were removed from the two-storey building. Ten crews from Aylesbury, Winslow, Princes Risborough, High Wycombe, Great Missenden and Amersham attended the scene.”


Rebuilding underway

Well in a resurrection which would have made Lazarus proud the newly refurbished Woolpack reopened for business on the 6th November 2009, less than 6 months after it was a 100% loss in the disastrous fire. This is in itself a minor miracle of project management, particularly as the woolpack was both a thatched and listed building. Inside it looks much as before but there is a distinct improvement externally and internally. The toilet annexe on the left hand side of the front elevation always had a “stuck on look.” This has been now tidied up with the exterior showing a traditional looking dark weatherboarding and improved toilets inside with the side corridor gone.


The old sign - with the happy sheep

Otherwise the interior is much the same as before which is no bad thing, traditional with a certain blingly panache. The menu is also much the same as before, not too cheap, but good big plates of fresh food well cooked with a continental twist. The only grump I have is that salads are listed under the poesy heading of leaves! Seeing this and the equally poesy “Breakfast Goods” on a gastro pub menu always sends my toes into an uncontrollable spasm of curling. One final note; Spend Xmas Day at home as the Wolly is booked out!

Otherwise Welcome back Woolpack!

http://www.woolpackstokemandeville.co.uk/


The new sheep free sign - Baa!!Baa!!

Welcome back Woolpack

Welcome back Woolpack!

The Sage has previously chronicled the dolorous tale of one of his local pubs burning down resulting in a 50% reduction in drinking outlets in Stoke Mandeville, the drawback of living in a small village. The Woolpack burnt down in the small hours of Saturday morning 25th April 2009. Apparently a tumble drier was left on a timer after the pub was locked up for the night and the fluff / lint caught fire. An object lesson for all of us, always make sure you de-fluff first and never go to bed leaving yours spinning away.

http://daithaic.blogspot.com/2009/04/woolpack-stoke-mandeville.html


The way we were

The local paper The Bucks Herald reported at the time;

“THE Woolpack pub and restaurant in Stoke Mandeville has been destroyed by a huge fire. he building was described by Bucks Fire and Rescue as 100 per cent damaged by the blaze. Fire fighters were called to the pub, in Risborough Road, at 3.37am on Sunday morning.


Woolpack ablaze last April...


.... and afterwards

It took more than four hours for the fire to be extinguished, and crews are likely to be at the scene for 'some considerable time' yet. Gas cylinders were removed from the two-storey building. Ten crews from Aylesbury, Winslow, Princes Risborough, High Wycombe, Great Missenden and Amersham attended the scene.”


Rebuilding underway

Well in a resurrection which would have made Lazarus proud the newly refurbished Woolpack reopened for business on the 6th November 2009, less than 6 months after it was a 100% loss in the disastrous fire. This is in itself a minor miracle of project management, particularly as the woolpack was both a thatched and listed building. Inside it looks much as before but there is a distinct improvement externally and internally. The toilet annexe on the left hand side of the front elevation always had a “stuck on look.” This has been now tidied up with the exterior showing a traditional looking dark weatherboarding and improved toilets inside with the side corridor gone.


The old sign - with the happy sheep

Otherwise the interior is much the same as before which is no bad thing, traditional with a certain blingly panache. The menu is also much the same as before, not too cheap, but good big plates of fresh food well cooked with a continental twist. The only grump I have is that salads are listed under the poesy heading of leaves! Seeing this and the equally poesy “Breakfast Goods” on a gastro pub menu always sends my toes into an uncontrollable spasm of curling. One final note; Spend Xmas Day at home as the Wolly is booked out!

Otherwise Welcome back Woolpack!

http://www.woolpackstokemandeville.co.uk/


The new sheep free sign - Baa!!Baa!!

Woolpack, Stoke Mandeville

Sad to tell you that there has been a 50% reduction in drinking in Stoke Mandeville since the weekend. That is to say a popular restored local pub The Woolpack burnt down in the small hours of Saturday morning which means there is only one other pub, The Bull left in the village. There is a third pub within the Parish boundaries The Bell but as that is a half mile away I’m not counting this. So a major crisis for the drinking (and eating) classes in our village. The reaction on a local notice board sums it up;

“Disaster!..............This pub has been almost completely destroyed by fire this morning 26 April 2009. This is a terrible loss to the local community.”

The local paper The Bucks Herald reports;

“THE Woolpack pub and restaurant in Stoke Mandeville has been destroyed by a huge fire. he building was described by Bucks Fire and Rescue as 100 per cent damaged by the blaze. Fire fighters were called to the pub, in Risborough Road, at 3.37am on Sunday morning.

It took more than four hours for the fire to be extinguished, and crews are likely to be at the scene for 'some considerable time' yet. Gas cylinders were removed from the two-storey building. Ten crews from Aylesbury, Winslow, Princes Risborough, High Wycombe, Great Missenden and Amersham attended the scene.”


The Woolpack the morning after


Bucks finest at the scene

The pub was very nicely restored a few years ago and developed a “gastro pub” reputation for excellent food. It had a “cosy” designer interior with a welcoming fireplace, a thatched roof and an adjacent duck pond stocked with our local Aylesbury Ducks. Fire is a major risk with thatched roofs for once it catches hold it continues to burn within the deep thatch. Traditional houses were of wychert (flint / straw / earth) construction with characteristic "dog ear" thatched roofs which over sailed by at least two feet to keep running water off the walls. There are still many wychert and thatch buildings as well as later wood frame and infill thatched cottages throughout Bucks and in Stoke Mandeville village.


Thatched cottage in Stoke Mandeville

Most thatch used in England is made of long wheat straw grown especially for the purpose, these days usually imported from Romania or Bulgaria rather than grown in Norfolk. The straw is built up in layers. After about 40 to 50 years, the top layer is stripped off and replaced. Some very old houses still have a bottom layer of straw at least 600 years old.

The pubs website carries the notice;

"Severe fire has devastated The Woolpack and the pub is now closed until further notice. We have been unable to contact anyone who has already made a reservation with us as our booking register perished in the blaze and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please join our mailing list and we will invite you to our re-opening party in the Autumn."

http://www.woolpackstokemandeville.co.uk/

This other review gives you an idea of the excellent atmospherics at The Woolpack when it was open;


Pub Garden


The Bar

“Very busy pub now that the "Festive Season" is upon us with groups/parties having their Christmas bash. The menu is fairly extensive and will cater for most tastes and changes every few months. Well served drinks. There's always plenty of atmosphere in this pub, can't explain why but its there. Now that winter is upon us there is also a welcoming fire. If like my husband your are over 6' tall you will have to duck in the bar/fire area. All the staff are helpful and friendly except one guy who always comes over as a bit surly but he doesn't detract from the ambience of the place.

Good food/drinks from this highly recommended pub. It is one of a chain but that for once isn't a problem, it shares the same group as the Ferry Inn Cookham and another pub in Wargrave whose name escapes me.”


An Aylesbury Duck (without orange sauce)

So let’s hope the owner’s are able to resurrect this much loved local pub phoenix like from the ashes of this disastrous fire and our community once again has this hostelry as a meeting place and centre of village life. In the meantime we won’t be able to savour old English cider in the garden this summer whilst watching Mrs. Duck lead her little ducklings across the road so the search for a replacement is on! In the meantime expect more sober offerings from your Blogmaster!


The resurected Woolpack?

Woolpack, Stoke Mandeville

Sad to tell you that there has been a 50% reduction in drinking in Stoke Mandeville since the weekend. That is to say a popular restored local pub The Woolpack burnt down in the small hours of Saturday morning which means there is only one other pub, The Bull left in the village. There is a third pub within the Parish boundaries The Bell but as that is a half mile away I’m not counting this. So a major crisis for the drinking (and eating) classes in our village. The reaction on a local notice board sums it up;

“Disaster!..............This pub has been almost completely destroyed by fire this morning 26 April 2009. This is a terrible loss to the local community.”

The local paper The Bucks Herald reports;

“THE Woolpack pub and restaurant in Stoke Mandeville has been destroyed by a huge fire. he building was described by Bucks Fire and Rescue as 100 per cent damaged by the blaze. Fire fighters were called to the pub, in Risborough Road, at 3.37am on Sunday morning.

It took more than four hours for the fire to be extinguished, and crews are likely to be at the scene for 'some considerable time' yet. Gas cylinders were removed from the two-storey building. Ten crews from Aylesbury, Winslow, Princes Risborough, High Wycombe, Great Missenden and Amersham attended the scene.”


The Woolpack the morning after


Bucks finest at the scene

The pub was very nicely restored a few years ago and developed a “gastro pub” reputation for excellent food. It had a “cosy” designer interior with a welcoming fireplace, a thatched roof and an adjacent duck pond stocked with our local Aylesbury Ducks. Fire is a major risk with thatched roofs for once it catches hold it continues to burn within the deep thatch. Traditional houses were of wychert (flint / straw / earth) construction with characteristic "dog ear" thatched roofs which over sailed by at least two feet to keep running water off the walls. There are still many wychert and thatch buildings as well as later wood frame and infill thatched cottages throughout Bucks and in Stoke Mandeville village.


Thatched cottage in Stoke Mandeville

Most thatch used in England is made of long wheat straw grown especially for the purpose, these days usually imported from Romania or Bulgaria rather than grown in Norfolk. The straw is built up in layers. After about 40 to 50 years, the top layer is stripped off and replaced. Some very old houses still have a bottom layer of straw at least 600 years old.

The pubs website carries the notice;

"Severe fire has devastated The Woolpack and the pub is now closed until further notice. We have been unable to contact anyone who has already made a reservation with us as our booking register perished in the blaze and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please join our mailing list and we will invite you to our re-opening party in the Autumn."

http://www.woolpackstokemandeville.co.uk/

This other review gives you an idea of the excellent atmospherics at The Woolpack when it was open;


Pub Garden


The Bar

“Very busy pub now that the "Festive Season" is upon us with groups/parties having their Christmas bash. The menu is fairly extensive and will cater for most tastes and changes every few months. Well served drinks. There's always plenty of atmosphere in this pub, can't explain why but its there. Now that winter is upon us there is also a welcoming fire. If like my husband your are over 6' tall you will have to duck in the bar/fire area. All the staff are helpful and friendly except one guy who always comes over as a bit surly but he doesn't detract from the ambience of the place.

Good food/drinks from this highly recommended pub. It is one of a chain but that for once isn't a problem, it shares the same group as the Ferry Inn Cookham and another pub in Wargrave whose name escapes me.”


An Aylesbury Duck (without orange sauce)

So let’s hope the owner’s are able to resurrect this much loved local pub phoenix like from the ashes of this disastrous fire and our community once again has this hostelry as a meeting place and centre of village life. In the meantime we won’t be able to savour old English cider in the garden this summer whilst watching Mrs. Duck lead her little ducklings across the road so the search for a replacement is on! In the meantime expect more sober offerings from your Blogmaster!


The resurected Woolpack?