Forum Topic

Brentford Pub signs...a story behind each one?

Following on from that huge list of pubs...from Neil,Mark and Keith etc...in pursuit candy or crisps or real ale...it might be worth taking some pictures of those pub signs..before they disappear for good!Apparently that grand place the Queens Head in Heston is to be pulled down for developement..so maybe a tour of some local venues would be appropriate...before its too late!

Jim Lawes ● 7189d68 Comments

Did you know Pub signs came about because the people who lived about the time the Boozers first appeared couldn't read the words The Red Lion or The Black Horse, so pictures were put up instead.

Harley Buckner ● 6291d

Try the Magpie. Great beer and very nice Thai food.

Neil Chippendale ● 6304d

I could really use a decent local. I know I've complained before about The Royal Horse Guardsman closing. Now Captain Morgans is getting re-reveloped as a Bar/Restuarant, could be good. I would like something with original features and good food like The Greyhound on Kew Green.

Justin Anderson ● 6304d

Thats what I said!

Iain Muir ● 6304d

I understand The Bricklayers Arms is going to be auctioned off.

Mark Welland ● 6304d

Bump, site not reloading

Iain Muir ● 6305d

Currently listed for auction by Athawes,Guide Price £490k+Redevelopment potential.....

Iain Muir ● 6305d

I surely do Kevin !

Mark Welland ● 6375d

Surely you mean going WEST Mark?

Kevin Farnan ● 6375d

Yes Jim,as I understand it The Coach and Horses is the last pub in Brentford going East.As like a lot of pubs they were Coaching Inns at one time obviously this one gives it away by the name !!!

Mark Welland ● 6376d

Did you ever notice that child in the pub sign before? Nor me!-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The stagecoach look-out?-----------------------------------------------------------We left this pub off the list when touring round the 20 odd pubs in Brentford.  It's good for music too these days I gather. It's the beer at the Magpie that gets people mellow!

Jim Lawes ● 6376d

Jim Lawes ● 6376d

JimHow about taking some pics of the re-vamped Magpie & Crown.

Neil Chippendale ● 6622d

Thanks Jim for the photo of the Lord Nelson pub. It has bought back lots of memories of growing up in Brentford. After my Dad's Sunday morning gardening session, he sometimes sent me to the Lord Nelson with a jug to purchase "two pints of old and mild", then across the street to the tobacconist for some St. Julien Tobacco. Then he would sit in the garden and rest from his labours drink the beer and have a cigarette rolled himself from the tobacco.  I do not know how old I was, probably about twelve at the time.     Today I'm sure that children would not be allowed to purchase beer or tobacco for fear that they would be tempted to drink the beer and smoke the tobacco!

Doris M. Lediard ● 6622d

Michael's picture of the Lord Nelson pub sign was really good...and much better than I managed when I visited the area yesterday.Was Michael standing on a ladder to get such a good angle?It's such an attractive looking building in Enfield Road and the twitching odours of fine cooking had me calling in!Look there's Nelson himself!----------------------------------------------------------Over the years there have been many good reports about the food and especially the Sunday Lunches at this Fullers Pub..and I can confirm the food..having polished off a steak and chips with Bernaise sauces for just £8.The interior decor is most attractive in my view. Anyway  it was to post a picture of the outside of the building thatcame to my mind..so here we go!

Jim Lawes ● 6622d

There is a great website called 'Thames Pilot' at http://www.thamespilot.org.uk which explains the reason for the introduction of pub signs:"Compulsory inn signs -We can thank Richard II for the growth of inn signs. His statute of 1393 required ale houses to identify themselves to the ale-conners who tested the measures and quality. Most people could not read and therefore pictures were painted and carved. The "White Hart" was the armorial bearing of Richard II and many pubs began by taking that symbol."Also in the pub tour in the 'Riverside Pubs' section on the site, it has details and images of the London Apprentice at Isleworth.

Duncan Walker ● 6660d

Thanks for those Michael.Isn't it intersting to see the detail on these pub signs.  One never notices such matters when one is flying by on the bus or in a car.Indeed, it's not till you have a camera in your hand that you appreciate what the artist has achieved. I've never been to the Lord Nelson up on Enfield Road....but recall all the "family friendly" and good food recommendations posted by others.  So, one day, must give it a whirl. I like eating!

Jim Lawes ● 6822d

Hi JimIt's difficult for me to edit the signs as I haven't full access to software or computing.Anyway I'll follow up your leads re html code

Michael Fletcher ● 6822d

I remember many, many elongated lunches in the White Horse when I worked in Brentford. Shame about the name change and the gentrification. The White Horse used to be the favoured watering hole of Brentford CID so there was rarely any hassle. Nick Lowe was also a regular when he was recording in the area.

John Coxall ● 6823d

In the heart of the High Street..near St Lawrences Church and Brentford Bridge.  Thanks Michael.

Jim Lawes ● 6824d

Thanks for reviving this thread Jim. "The Plough" was my Dad's favorite for many years and I stood outside numerous Sunday morning's waiting for a lemonade!!Don't forget those pubs the other side (North?) of the GWR; Globe, Nelson etc....!

Audrey Walton ● 6918d

A pint or two,pile of crisps and peanuts..listening to trad jazz and blues..in the company of senior citizens...mainly retired Police I believe, tapping one foot to the banjo..and forgetting what one was worrying about!Every Thursday evening!

Jim Lawes ● 6919d

Thanks for the tea and cakes info Sarah..which would be a much more sensible thing for me to partake...rather than get carried away all day..every day at this glorious pub.I can't believe that I paid only my FIRST visit there this week.  Its a gem. Why the surrounding area has been allowed to deteriorate so badly is beyond me. Give it a whirl!ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooThe Express Tavern has a long history..well documented in Gillian Clegg's new pub book.ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooYour comments welcome!Still a few more pubs to do!

Jim Lawes ● 6919d

....just been reading about the Kew Green Fayre - 11 to 6pm on Saturday 2nd September - the day before our Brentford Festival - 12 to 5pm - in Boston Manor Park.  The church on the Green, opposite the pub does a pretty good cuppa and home made cake, Jim.

Sarah Felstead ● 6919d

Although The Plough Pub has been demolished and the area is subject to a possible property developement...the pub sign remains.So whilst it's there..let's have a photo!ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooDo you remember ever having a pint or two there? Odd having pubs side by side too?oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Jim Lawes ● 6919d

I ought to make an effort to complete the tour of Brentford Pub Signs..that I started some time ago.Many pubs signs are likely to disappear as well..as several pubs seem to be sale at the moment etc..or threatened with demolition!We kick off at Kew Bridge..the scene of much revelry in times gone by..with nearby boattrips, the permanent Fairground on the Surrey side, the walk to Kew Gardens..and the sight of the bus numbers 65 to Kingston and perhaps to Epsom..and the 27 to Hampton Court.The Waggon and Horses was there waiting!ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooHow do you rate the Waggon and Horses? What kind of crowd get there these days?

Jim Lawes ● 6919d

what did you want to know about the pottery ?

John Cooper ● 7030d

The Weir was featured in the Guardian Review a few saturdays ago.  Said lots of nice things about it. I'd say its still a little too pricey for Brentford.  But if you want to sit down and have a drink with someone you can hear speak its a great place.  The staff are nice too.

Conal Stewart ● 7046d

People talk about them a lot - but I've not yet come across any - but I'm right on the east coast so that may keep them away.  I think they are a hot (thats a very ironic use of the word hot) weather thing.

Toni Owden ● 7048d

Toni - is Scotland covered in midges - or are they only in some parts and for a few days/weeks?  Can’t find the answer!Sarah

Sarah Felstead ● 7048d

It's now reopened as "O'Briens of Brentford" - quite pleasant, but lacking its previous dingy charm.

Katherine Kaufman ● 7048d

This a good thread for a homesick Brentonian to read (I'm in Scotland).  I suppose that every one knows that The Bricklayers is the The Flying Swan in the Brentford books.

Toni Owden ● 7049d

I understand that this pub is about to re-open with an new "Irish" name.Anyone know anything more.

Neil Chippendale ● 7050d

Hello Neil,""I understand that Gillian Cleggs book on Brentford Pubs is just out. has anyone seen it.""That sounds interesting..I didn't realise she was doing one!I'd better get a move on..I've still got about 10 to see...with my camera!!

Jim Lawes ● 7164d

I understand that Gillian Cleggs book on Brentford Pubs is just out. has anyone seen it.

Neil Chippendale ● 7164d

I have written before how disappointed I was in the name change. At a stroke 400 years of history gone.Regards Turner, Hounslow Library has Turner's first known art work. A book of engravings which he coloured in while living in Brentford.

Neil Chippendale ● 7169d

The pub sign at last. That 1898 date relates to the date of birth of the Watney Brewers and not about the age of the pub. That's right isn't it Neal?

Jim Lawes ● 7169d

Thanks for the notes Patricia.Interestingly the Brentford,Chiswick & Isleworth Times this weekend..page 8..features The Weir too..together with some historical notes and a 1911 picture of the White Horse.The BC&T says that The Weir/White Horse was possibly the oldest pub in Brentford..having been granted a liquor licence in 1603!  Did we miss the 400 years celebration?(Boston Manor House is about 400 years old too).There is a weir on the River Brent..behind the pub.I've managed to take pictures of those two plaques:

Jim Lawes ● 7169d

Used to be The White Horse, a pub. Now more a restaurant than pub. Blue plaque for the Turner (artist) connection, I think he lived for a while with his aunt in the house next door to the White Horse. The house is now part of the Weir.

Pat Kingham ● 7170d

There's been much Forum discussion about this venue over the years! From the outside it seems a charming place!Didn't it have another name before..and doesn't it have a Blue Plaque on an outside wall?

Jim Lawes ● 7170d

This pub seems popular and is in good condition..with a sunken garden at the rear. It even has its own website advertising gigs etc...being a music venue.This photo comes from the website:Posh side entrance?Any information  about this distinctive looking pub?

Jim Lawes ● 7171d

The Beehive was built and run by the Beehive Brewery.The brewery and pubs were bought by Fullers in 1910.

Neil Chippendale ● 7179d

Jim Lawes ● 7180d

So this old pub is closed at present..as you can see. Hasn't someone already said that the owner of the Coach and Horses (near Busch Corner) has taken it over?A bit dark when I was there this afternoon! The sign and the name of the pub is obviously linked to the distinguished owner of nearby Syon House and Park.The Northumberland Arms pub has a lovely old frontage..and with the Holiday Inn Hotel across the road..its future could improve greatly. I remember when it was owned by Captain Morgan..at the other end of Town. Irish Folk groups in both.

Jim Lawes ● 7180d

The Albany Arms is an original Royal Brewery Brentford pub. It still has the companys letters etched into the fabric.The best pub for sunday lunch is the Brewery Tap. Cheap food but expensive beer. The pub is a recommended CAMRA pub for both beer abd food..

Neil Chippendale ● 7181d

Heather says that her most popular product is the Jellied Eels...so now you know. Cockles and mussels are the next favourites.She runs the stall for someone else..and I recall that she said that she had been doing that job for 15 years!To her surprise the new Brentford developements have brought her extra business...yes she has posh customers too!She'd never heard of the Forum...until JL arrived. So, hello Heather if you are reading this!Do you ever visit this stall. Its a landmark feature!

Jim Lawes ● 7182d

These are night-time pictures as you can see..I'll endeavour to get some day-time ones soon..unless others have some.Some of us went here after the first Farmers Market..Gerry and Paul Allen etc..Ought to be on the Pub Crawl itinery!Sorry about the poor pictures!Who has some information about this pub?

Jim Lawes ● 7182d

Me and my brother Stewart and all our buddys used to go in here before going out clubbing! We all used to go in the public bar (round the side) and play pool.  I remember they sometimes had live music in the saloon bar.  Its a shame that it is mostly empty now, but well done to BFC for giving it a go!

Andy Gilbert ● 7184d

I seem to remember many a drunken night in the Albany! And I rather fancied one of the Bar staff! lolMy mate Kevin used to live in the flats above the shops so we would go from there to get a kebab at the end of a nights drinking and promptly fall asleep with our faces in them! Happy Days!

Andy Gilbert ● 7184d

This pub seems so cosy..and in past years seemed so popular..that I have been surprised to hear that trade is right down..and perhaps the Bricklayers is struggling.I bumped into the Owner/Licensee whist taking these snaps..and he confirmed that no decisions have been made yet.

Jim Lawes ● 7184d

Unusual building...the fourth of the four pubs bordering Griffin Park.Anyone know anything about this Courage Pub?

Jim Lawes ● 7184d

The Albury Arms had a particularly good flower display this year..so this snap is 2 months old! Did I hear that they did great Sunday lunches?

Jim Lawes ● 7186d

Kevin,Keith and Neil..thanks for your messages.The Griffin looks good..but I've never ventured inside! Soon perhaps.It looks a very "mature" pub..if that's the word..and must be a Fuller's favourite. Is it?Aren't Brentfordians lucky to have all this choice?Any history notes?Is it the most popular of the Griffin Park Four?

Jim Lawes ● 7186d

KeithI think you'll find that there was two pubs, The Magpie & Crown & also The Magpie & Stump according to the old poem of Brentford's 51 or so pubs!

Kevin Farnan ● 7187d

The last posting from me was supposed to go under Jim's about the noble Magpie & Crown.

Keith Iddon ● 7187d

I think it's on the site of the old 'Magpie and Stump'.The Magpie as is dates back to 1925 I think and is the only pub in England(possibly Britain,therefore the world)that is named thus.

Keith Iddon ● 7187d

THe pub in now run by Brentford Football Club. They are hoping to pick up extra income from it.Most people, I read the Griffin Park Grapevine, say that it is empty most days. Only gets full on match days.

Neil Chippendale ● 7187d

Isn't she pretty...I'm quite taken by her charms! To think that she has had her life and died over 100 years ago. Next time I  travel up Ealing Road I'll think of her..but the pub sign doesn't do her proud does it?

Jim Lawes ● 7188d

The side entrance in Braemar Road...There are some interesting window engavings ..new?The new Brentford Football Club shop is adjoining..sounds like a good partnership.

Jim Lawes ● 7188d

The New Inn used to be affectionately known as "Maggie Watson's". She ran a friendly pub; after she retired (or died I don't know!) her son and daughter took it over. So many years ago....

Audrey Walton ● 7188d

The Princess Royal seems to have become the pub HQ for the Brentford Football Club..and the Club shop is in adjoining premises (the old beer barrel store?)The pub sign picture is followed by a picture of the Princess Royal..who was..I believe Queen Victoria's first daughter (1840-1901)(died in the same year as her mother?)

Jim Lawes ● 7188d

Kevin and Neil..Thanks for the responses..you're experts at these establishments.With others, I joined Neil at the Magpie & Crown one evening when he came over last..and the ale range was large as you say.The Magpie appears in the Good Beer Guide 2005 p314 and it says that the Magpie introduces new beers regularly..and in the past 7 years there have been some 1200 tasted!!It was local CAMRA Pub of the Year in 1999.

Jim Lawes ● 7188d

Perhaps there was no room for the second "m" on the pub sign!but the pub certainly looks attractive. Any information about this one?Perhaps its larger inside than one expects?How old would this place be?

Jim Lawes ● 7188d

Used to belong to my inlaws before Steve & Charlie took it over.Steve still has the pub & as Neil states it does indeed serve the best real ale & a very good selection of foreign beers.Spent many a good night in there sampling what was on offer at the time before falling out into the High Street (Neil knows what I mean).Too many beers to chose from, ''it's like a kid being in a sweet shop''.Happy (hic) Days!!

Kevin Farnan ● 7188d

My ex local.Still sells the best range of real ale in Brentford. Needs a little bit of a wash and brush up though.

Neil Chippendale ● 7188d

Position just at the entrance to Johnson's Island. The Brewery Tap hosts regular jazz night (blues/trad?) and is a rare Brentford establishment with many regulars.Its history...and any comments?

Jim Lawes ● 7189d

I need to find a picture of the "1898" pub sign. This pub sells vast range of real ales. I gather that Neil is the expert!  Any comment about this venue?

Jim Lawes ● 7189d

This clean and tidy establishment has its own website advertising its accommodation facilities.I believe it has restricted opening hours..but its very worthy of a visit. Probably busy at lunchtimes. Any information out there?  I recall that 30 years ago the owners of THE ROYAL, (further north and prior to it being a Harvester) moved to the Kings Arms.

Jim Lawes ● 7189d

There's certainly room for a party of 50 souls in here!Once upon a time Pottery Road extended to the pub from the High Street..with a parallel road called Distillery Road.Anyone know anything about the Pottery?

Jim Lawes ● 7189d