by John Henwood and Alan Bateman
This post is very much a ‘work in progress’ and is by no means comprehensive. Readers are actively encouraged to contribute their memories and we eagerly anticipate these. In particular any further factual information would be most gratefully received and can be added to the post.
Before the late 1960s, Latimer Road took you all the way from North Pole Road, southwards until it joined with Norland Road and then Shepherd’s Bush. The building of the Westway and A3220 combined with slum clearance led to wholesale redelopment of much of the area with old road patterns disappearing as well. Latimer Road was truncated under Westway and then reappeared renamed as Freston Road. From the fourteen public houses along the route, only one remains as a functioning, working pub with the others demolished, used as flats, offices, and a supermarket.
1.THE NORTH POLE
13-15 North Pole Road, sited on the South east corner of Latimer Road was originally known as ‘The Globe’ when it was built in 1839 as a single storey inn. It was close to the north western edge of the Hippodrome racecourse and fronted Counters Creek which had yet to be culverted. With the Hippodrome closing in 1842, North Pole Road began to be developed. The pub was rebuilt c1872 as a three storey building forming the end of a short terrace on the south side between Latimer Road and Calderon Mews and renamed ‘The North Pole Hotel’. The first recorded reference to the new name appears in 1874 when James and Elizabeth Rutter are named as licensees. In 1844 the railway appeared running from Willesden to Kensington Olympia following the line of Counters Creek which in 1867 was incorporated into Bazalgette’s sewage system. The name change seems to have come about in a curious way; the original pub sign depicting a globe had weathered away leaving only the North Pole visible! For reasons currently unclear, the pub was rebuilt in 1892, confirmed by a date on the chimney and at this time it was referred to as the ‘New North Pole’. In the 1920’s a few doors along at 298/300 Latimer road the ‘Globe House Laundry’ was established, a clear reference to the original name.
In 1888/89 QPR had begun to play at the nearby gun club ground situated behind where Burlington Danes School now stands. Anecdotal evidence suggests that their opponents changed in the North Pole with the home team changing at the Latimer Arms further along Latimer Road. In the summer of 2012 it was bought by Riding House Properties who quickly closed it, leasing the ground floor to Tesco and converting the upper floors to residential flats.
2. THE BRITISH VOLUNTEER
274 Latimer Road, sited on the North east corner of the junction with Latimer Place.
First referred to in 1881 when the ‘beer retailer’ (landlord) was Joel Brown. It’s status as a ‘beer only’ pub, as dictated by it’s restricted license, remained until the 1950’s when a full license was granted. This restricted license was common among London pubs in the 19th century as pubs sprang up everywhere that new areas were developed. It was owned originally by Whitbread who at that time were the biggest brewery in the world, but was sold off in the 1990’s to Enterprise Inns. Between 1996 and ’98 it was occupied by squatters. It then became a pub/restaurant styled as ‘Latimer Place’ with the restaurant on the first floor, a venture which though reasonably popular ultimately failed after a few years. In July 2012 an application was made for conversion to a five bedroom family dwelling. In support of their application the owners cited the fact that the next door property, which had been a popular fried fish shop since the 1920s, had been granted residential planning on 3rd Nov. 2009, having been closed since 1987 due to diminishing turnover precipitated by the degeneration of the area in the 1960’s.
The pub appeared in the 1976 TV thriller, ‘Kill Two Birds’ starring Dudley Sutton.
It now cannot be accurately described as a pub and enjoys a ‘mixed’ reputation operating as a ‘Greek restaurant/bar’, opening spasmodically at the whim of leaseholder, Dimitri Kotsakis and is known as ‘Ariadne’s Nektar’ which I think it’s safe to say is unique among ‘pub’ names. It is currently the subject of an enforcement order relating to an exterior structure extending onto the Latimer rd pavement and it’s day’s as a pub look numbered.
3.THE LATIMER ARMS
1 Walmer Road, changed in 1966 to 198 Latimer Road.
The pub is sited on the north westerly tip of what was previously the Hippodrome Racecourse and the entire curve of Walmer road follows the line of the Racecourse palisade.
Built c1869 as a single storey inn and rebuilt later toward the end of the 19thcentury, it served as the match day H.Q of QPR in 1888/89, when they played at the Gun Club and again in 1901/2 when they played on a pitch where St. Marks Memorial Park now stands, before moving back to Kensal Rise prior to their eventual move to Loftus Road in 1917. The first recorded landlord is John Henry LeFevre whose tenancy was registered in July 1870. Unsurprisingly given the criminal nature of Notting Dale generally, The Latimer is connected with nefarious activity throughout it’s 100 odd years history, none more so than when it was centre stage for a succession of altercations that led ultimately to the murder of regular customer Billy Smith (real name James Hannington) on May 9th 1960 in Evesham street close to the pub. The feud between the victim and his assailants, Georgie Baker and members of the notorious Bell family, had been running for some time but matters started to become really serious following an incident on Friday April 22nd in the saloon bar between aged Irish barman Mick O’Donovan and Billy Smith and his friends resulting in Mick being floored by a punch to the jaw. Georgie Baker and Markie Bell who had been present, sided with the barman (who was sacked because of the incident) and the violence escalated on Sunday May 1st when in a packed saloon bar with the band playing, Ernie Bell held a handgun to Billy’s neck. As drinkers ducked or dived for the door Bell pulled the trigger but the gun failed whereupon Billy produced an ivory handled blade lashing out at Bell cutting his shoulder and groin, narrowly missing Georgie Baker and finally sinking the knife into the arm of Bell’s younger brother, Markie. Both victims wounds were stitched at St. Charles Hospital. When interviewed there by police Markie declined to give details of the attack but advised the officer that he would be returning the knife to it’s owner without his arm in it! Eight days later in Evesham street Ernie Bell fatally shot Billy Smith with a rifle receiving 7 years for manslaughter, the charge reduced from murder as Bell’s defence claimed Smith had attempted to throw a sledgehammer at Bell prior to the fatal shot being fired… though of course Smith was unable to refute this.
Whilst being a regular haunt of the criminal fraternity things were usually more convivial and in the 1950’s/60’s and music featured regularly. This consisted mostly of a two piece makeshift band with George on piano and Danny McDermott on even more makeshift drums (hard seat chair and two beer bottles), with the duo accompanying various singers drawn from the crowd. Danny was quite the musical virtuoso as he was famed for playing the spoons (same hard chair) when he wasn’t ‘drumming’. Rumour has it that a customer took a horse into the pub on one occasion in the 60’s/70’s.
In 1966 the whole of the western end of Walmer Road, except for the pub and adjoining building, was demolished to accommodate the West Cross Route and A40 extension. (see separate post ‘1966 and all that – The demolition of Walmer Road’) The original address was 1a Walmer Road, No1 being occupied by the adjoining Bible mission house which held two services a week; see extract from Post Office directory: file:///C:/Users/J%20Henwood/Downloads/p16445coll4_30257.pdf
Scenes from an episode of ‘Steptoe and Son’ were filmed here for which it was styled ‘The Skinners Arms’ and an advert for ‘Courage Best’ was filmed here in the 1980’s with Chas n’Dave playing over it, though ironically by the time it was screened the pub has ceased to sell cask ale. In common with most pubs in the area, the Westway demolition program (which obliterated most of the surrounding streets) precipitated a exodus of customers signalling their inevitable terminal decline.
It closed in the mid 1990’s when it was initially used as offices before being converted by Thames Reach, an organisation providing accommodation for the homeless.
4. THE FORESTERS ARMS,
Originally 1 Hatfield Terrace, later (c.1880) redesignated as 271 Latimer Road when Hatfield Terrace was absorbed into Latimer Road. Believed to be built in the 1850’s and by 1892 it was closed.
5. THE BRITANNIA
217 Latimer road, north west corner of junction with Bard (formerly Wharfe) road. Built 1859/60 closed c.1966/7 and demolished as part of the general ‘slum clearance’ making way for the Westway/West Cross Route. Remarkably, at one time Kensington boasted four ‘Britannia’ pubs, the others sited at Golborne Rd, Clarendon Rd and Allen St.
6. THE SIR CHRISTOPHER WREN
191 Latimer Road, opened c.1862 around the same time as the nearby Latymer Mission Hall was built (opened 1863). It was short lived and in the late 1890’s it was acquired by the next door Harrow Mission (Harrow Boys Club) and converted into an associated ‘Mens Club’. For many years after it’s closure it was referred to by Harrow club regulars as ‘Chris’s building’. In 1951 the premises were sold by the club. The building remains to this day largely preserved in it’s original state.
7. THE BRAMLEY ARMS
Formerly ‘The Robin Hood’ sited at 1 Bramley (formerly Bromley) Road and fronting Latimer road. The present building was constructed c.1870, the first recorded tenants in 1871 being John and Rose Empson licensed victuallers, however it is marked on Wylde’s 1846 map as ‘The Robin Hood’ strongly suggesting a tavern or inn existed at that date. It would almost certainly at that time have been a single storey inn
Featured in more films than any pub in the UK, including The Lavender Hill Mob, The Blue Lamp, Betrayal, Leo the Last, and more recently Quadrophenia and in 1986, Sid and Nancy – possibly it’s last film appearance as a pub. It closed in late 1988 and was converted to a mix of residential and office use.
8. THE TRAFALGAR
At 2, Bramley road, formerly ‘The Victory’ and known universally locally as ‘The Flag’. Situated diagonally opposite the ‘Bramley’ and fronting Latimer Road.
The first recorded landlord in Nov. 1854 was William Rogers however it existed in 1846 as it appears on Wyldes 1846 map of the area as ‘The Victory’. It seems logical that it opened sometime after the battle of Trafalgar (1805) and before Wyldes 1846 map was made however this may be a dangerous assumption as it could have existed prior to the 1805 battle and subsequently been renamed in honour of the flagship ‘Victory’. A glorious beginning maybe…but a somewhat inglorious end as sometime soon after closing in 1977 it became ‘The Notting Dale Community Law Centre’ when taken over by squatters and was finally boarded up in 1979 prior to demolition to make way for the ‘Frestonia’ rebuilding program.
9. THE VICTORIA
At 61 Latimer Road, sited on the south west corner of the junction with Hunt Street. The Victoria was first recorded in the 1871 census naming Joseph Bethell as the landlord. Probably built c.1870 to serve the Victorian cottages being constructed at the time along that part of Latimer rd. It featured in the 1968 film ‘Secret Ceremony’, starring Elizabeth Taylor. In 1979 it was demolished when it was absorbed into the ‘Frestonia’ rebuilding programme marking the southern end of that development with the rebuilt Hunt Street becoming Hunt Close which stands broadly on the same site but not occupying precisely the same footprint.
10. THE DUKE OF SUSSEX
27 Latimer Road, sited on the north west corner of the junction with Poynter Street (formerly Clifton St. changed c.1945)
Believed to have been built c.1854, a substantial and rather handsome white stucco building, the first recorded landlord in 1855 is S. Williams when it was owned by The Isleworth Brewery (St. Johns rd Isleworth est.1726) When in November 1923 this company was liquidated it was acquired by Watney Mann in whose ownership it remained until it’s closure. It was a very popular hostelry in the period before WW1, a fact highlighted in evidence given by the pub manager at an Old Bailey trial of a customer (William Frederick Jones of nearby Bomore road) on charges of fraud and deception involving jewellery:
HENRY DAWSON . I am a clerk, of 20, Bomore Road, North Kensington—I first met Jones on December 23rd, 1905, when he came to my room—he was living in the same house—I had seen him a month or six weeks before that, but had not known him—I have not seen him with Wilson before December 23rd; I have since—the day Jones came to my room he was brought by a woman who lived in the back room, whose husband is in the asylum, and who is living with another man—Jones then told me he had pawned a chain for £3 10s.—he showed me the pawn-ticket in the name of De Vere—he showed me another chain in tissue paper—I went out with him that evening—he had the chain then—he was wearing it the latter part of the evening—we went to the ‘Bush Hotel’, ‘The Telegraph’, and several houses in the neighbourhood of Shepherd’s Bush—at the Telegraph I saw Wilson and two others—Jones and Wilson talked together—on Christmas Day Jones and I went out—we had no money—Jones asked if I had got enough money to pay for a drink, and he would pay me back if he could sell this chain—we went into the Duke of Sussex, but the house was too full—Jones said he could not see the man he wanted to—he asked if we could get two dinners from the landlady, and he would pay me when he got money on the chain—between 1 and 3 o’clock we came out and went again to the Duke of Sussex about 6.30 or 7 p.m.—Jones handed the chain over the bar—we came out and walked up Latimer Road and came back, and I waited outside……..
On 27th Aug. 1963 the pub was ‘registered’ by H. M. Land registry and soon after was subject to a compulsory purchase order leading to it’s later closure and demolition in 1964 when the site was absorbed into the ‘Edward Woods Estate’. The original site of the pub is c.20 meters north west of the western flank of Stebbing House. RBKC recognised that with the necessary closure of two other local pubs (The ‘little’ Latimer and The Queens Arms) for the same reason, incoming residents of the new development would be without a ‘local’ so an alternative site for The Duke of Sussex was found at 27 St Annes Road. The new pub opened in 1965 and immediately became very popular with a young crowd however soon it’s customer base rapidly diminished due to the demolition (from 1966 onward) of large swathes of nearby housing to make way for the Westway. With it’s star firmly in the descendancy it was renamed ‘The Favourite’ but it’s brief period of renaissance had passed and it closed in 2011 and was listed for sale for £1.8m by Enterprise Inns (who had acquired Watney Reid Mann) with AG&G, (a specialist agents for licensed premises) in an endeavour to find someone willing to continue with it as a pub. Unsurprisingly this failed to attract a buyer and it’s demise was completed in May 2012 when it was marketed by Goldcrest Land for £2.2m-£2.4m with full detailed planning application for a six storey building comprising 84 student housing studios with one retail unit on the ground floor. It is currently owned by ‘Yara Central, Holland Park’ with rents ranging from £14.2k to £15.3k p.a.
11. THE LATIMER ARMS OR THE LITTLE LATIMER
Formerly the Latymer Arms, also known as ‘The ‘Little’ Latimer’, at 79 Norland Road, sited on south west corner of the junction with Swanscombe Road (formerly Boundary Lane, then Boundary Road).
It is probably the oldest pub in Latimer Road and is one of three pubs marked on J. Wyld’s map of 1846 (The Globe and The Duke of Sussex are the others). A single storey inn on the corner of Boundary Lane is mentioned by ‘The Old Inhabitant’ (whose identity is sadly unknown) in his earliest history of the area (1882 Kensington, Notting Hill & Paddington). In the mid 1830’s the West London Railway was under construction at the western end of Boundary Lane and maybe this inn served the men engaged in the works. When the inn was transformed into a typical Victorian three storey pub the quartered arms of Latymer and Wolverton feature in a prominent high position on the facade above the main entrance. This is in clear deference to Edward Latymer, after whom Latimer Road is named, who before his death in 1626, bequeathed 35 acres of field land north of Shepherds Bush ‘for the support of six poor men and the education of eight poor boys’ in the Charity school he founded in 1624. The precise location of the school remains unknown but the evidence points to it being sited broadly in the area of the Latymer Arms. There further remains the possibility that the Inn existed in the 18th or even 17th century. It is known that in the mid 19th century a large gipsy encampment of some 40 or 50 families occupied a nearby site where later St Clements Church was built, so the demand for an inn was obvious and it may be that this encampment was established even earlier. The first recorded landlord (in1881) is Henry Barwell, possibly a relation of Sid Barwell the owner of the large cafe on Wormwood Scrubs in the 1950’s/60’s. In 1965 the pub closed and was demolished to make way for the ‘Edward Woods’ Estate’. The site where it stood is a few yards north of the western flank of Boxmoor House.
12. QUEENS ARMS
Originally 26 then 49, Norland Road (the numbers changed in the 1940’s). On the south west corner of the junction with Hume Road. The first recorded landlord in 1854 was John Greaves Nicholson with the entry describing Mary Thornton Steele as the ‘outgoing tenant’ thus giving rise to the belief that the pub existed before 1854. Beyond that very little information exists regarding this pub. It is believed to have been demolished c1964/5 when it became part of the Edward Woods estate, namely Hume House which stands squarely on the site of the former pub.
13. STEWART ARMS
Originally at 11, then 26 Norland Road. (numbers on Norland Road changed in the 1940’s)
Sited on the east side of Norland Road, the first recorded mention of a landlord occurs in Feb 1867 when the late Thomas Verry is described as the outgoing tenant and Thomas Smith the incoming thus indicating it existed pre-1867. It is named after Charles Stewart, a wealthy barrister and M.P. who between 1841-45 was the principle developer of the entire Norland estate along with a solicitor, Charles Richardson who in Jan 1839 had purchased the 52 acres of land for £19,990. On New Years Eve,1888 it witnessed a violent robbery when three local young men followed a customer, Edward Savage from the pub into the street where they attacked him, beating him with a stick and robbing him of 5 shillings. At the Old Bailey on Feb 4th 1889, William Green, William Blake and Robert Wilkinson were found guilty and all sentenced to 18 months hard labour with 20 strokes of the cat.
The present attractive building dates from the late 1930’s built in typical style of the period though unusually for London it is constructed of red brick rather than yellow stocks or stucco finish. Originally owned by Courage and now owned by Enterprise Inns, it stands alone as the sole survivor of the fourteen pubs of Latimer road and as such assumes almost the status of an historical monument. It doubtless draws its current customer base largely from the nearby 746 homes of the Edward Woods estate. Recent customer views are positive and it was described by one as: “This not a restaurant but an amazing pub located a stones throw from the Hilton Kensington, it is a great escape from the Hilton world at a fraction of the cost. Happy hour goes on for hours.
The staff and patronage totally welcoming and I cannot recommend this pub highly enough for its atmosphere.”
Unusually for modern times the pub is still a three room pub albeit with openings in place of doors between rooms. Sadly it does not sell cask ale but we live in hope…..
14. THE ROYAL HOTEL
1 Norland Road, sited on the far south western corner of Norland Road and built in the late1840’s as part of the 52 acre Norland Estate development (1841-46). It is worth mentioning that up to the 1960’s Norland Road was home to a thriving market, a fact that doubtless helped support the five pubs within a few hundred yards. It was in fact the original ‘Shepherds Bush Market’ pre-dating the current market (established in 1914) by over fifty years and even pre-dating the arrival of the railway by ten. It was referred to as such by policeman John Searle giving evidence on 24th Oct 1853 at the Old Bailey trial of James Haynes for the murder of his wife (oh no, here we go again!). P.C Searle told the court: ”My beat is at Shepherd’s Bush, in the parish of Hammersmith. On Sunday evening, 11th September, I was on duty at the top of Shepherd’s Bush Market, near the Royal Hotel”. Sparing readers the grim details, Haynes was found guilty of manslaughter (on account of the evidence being circumstantial) and sentenced to transportation for life. The first recorded entry of a landlord appears in 1854 when Francis Edward Steele is named as the outgoing tenant, replaced by John Nesmith. The hotel was demolished in 1966 to accommodate the West Cross route though in the event the land upon which it stood was not used and later in the 1980’s the plot was subject of residential development into a house bearing the original address, 1 Norland Road.
PUBS – AN OVERVIEW: A VERY BRITISH INSTITUTION, WOVEN DEEP INTO THE SOCIAL FABRIC OF BRITAIN ….ETCHED INDELIBLY INTO OUR DNA…..SOME WOULD SAY THE VERITABLE LIFE BLOOD OF SOCIETY …..AS SOON AS ANY AREA BEGINS TO BE DEVELOPED WE SEE PUBS APPEAR…IT WOULD BE HARD TO FIND A TRUE BRITON WHO HAS NOT BEEN IN A PUB…. SOME OF US HAVE BEEN IN SEVERAL….PUBS – AN OVERVIEW: A VERY BRITISH INSTITUTION, WOVEN DEEP INTO THE SOCIAL FABRIC OF BRITAIN ….ETCHED INDELIBLY INTO OUR DNA…..SOME WOULD SAY THE VERITABLE LIFE BLOOD OF SOCIETY …..AS SOON AS ANY AREA BEGINS TO BE DEVELOPED WE SEE PUBS APPEAR…IT WOULD BE HARD TO FIND A TRUE BRITON WHO HAS NOT BEEN IN A PUB…. SOME OF US HAVE BEEN IN SEVERAL….
PUBS – AN OVERVIEW: A VERY BRITISH INSTITUTION, WOVEN DEEP INTO THE SOCIAL FABRIC OF BRITAIN ….ETCHED INDELIBLY INTO OUR DNA…..SOME WOULD SAY THE VERITABLE LIFE BLOOD OF SOCIETY …..AS SOON AS ANY AREA BEGINS TO BE DEVELOPED WE SEE PUBS APPEAR…IT WOULD BE HARD TO FIND A TRUE BRITON WHO HAS NOT BEEN IN A PUB…. SOME OF US HAVE BEEN IN SEVERAL….
John Henwood and Alan Bateman, 2020.
North Kensington Histories 
Hi, can I just say it was great reading all this and so interesting thank you.
My dads family come from Latimer Road and ive been doing some family research. I just wanted to ask if anyone knows if the house numbers have changed? My nan was born and lived throughout her life at number 232 Latimer Road but after looking at pictures of the house it doesn’t seem to be the same house.
Many thanks
Sarah Higgs
Dear Sarah, Thank you for your kind words – I’m pleased you found it interesting. It seems that some renumbering took place at the time Hatfield Terrace was absorbed into Latimer road, probably c.1880 (see ‘The Foresters Arms’, fourth on the list). My intention was to investigate this renumbering at the local studies section of the library but this has not been possible due to its closure.I will advise if any further information comes to light. If you advise your grandmothers surname I will be able to confirm which number she lived at.
John Henwood
Hi John
Thank you for your prompt reply. My grandmother was born at 232 Latimer Road in 1909. She was one of about 10/13 children. It was the “ Smith” family. Her full name was Lilian May Smith her father was called Thomas I believe. She then went on to marry my grandad Edward (Ted) Neivens think they lived in Avondale Park Road for a bit. I have a picture of the house in Latimer Road but for some reason it doesn’t look like the house that my mum said she could remember. So just thought there was some number alteration when the Westway was built. As the house is/was very near it.
Many thanks
Sarah Higgs xx
Thank you for this information Sarah – I will research around the names and addresses you have provided and come back to you. I don’t think the building of the Westway caused the numbers to be changed- I believe this occurred much earlier – but I will check. It would be nice to see the picture of the house – we may be able to pinpoint the location/number.
John Henwood
Hi John xx
I’ve got some old pictures where shall I send them?
Regards
Sarah Higgs xx
Dear Sarah, you can also post photos or other ephemera by email direct to: northkenstories@yahoo.co.uk
We would love to see any photos you have. They will posted under the relevant sector.
Thanks in anticipation
John Henwood
Hi, very interesting reading this.
I was born in Fowell street Which is now long demolished.
There was a pub at the end of the road called The Canterbury Arms, my mum and uncle used this during WW11.
Also remember the Dolphin in St Anne’s road and the Kenilworth Arms near Henry Dickens Court
The Round House was another but that may have been the Bramley Arms in Latimer Road
An aunt used to sing in there on a Saturday night her name was Annie Hill
Dear Sylvie, I’m glad you found this interesting and thank you very much sharing your memories and providing extra information.Many of the pubs featured singing and I regularly enjoyed it at ‘The Kenilworth’ and ‘The Latimer’ on the corner of Walmer Rd where I lived. I believe George Draper was the pianist at ‘The Kenilworth’ and Jimmy Howles tickled the ivories in ‘The Latimer’. Hopefully other readers will provide some more memories and information on any local performers.
John Henwood
We lived in Henry Dickens court so my family used the Kenilworth quite a bit
It’s so interesting to read your research
I have happy memories of ‘The Kenilworth’, particularly music on Saturday nights when Alfie Fletcher, a good singer and another Henry Dickens resident would entertain, sometimes together with wife, Connie. Their signature duet was ‘Passing Strangers’, a la Billy Eckstein and Sarah Vaughn. Alfie’s brother Johnny was another decent singer who would give a song.
Thank you John & Alan for your wonderful articles on Latimer/ Norland Road pubs. How ‘bitter sweet’ they are. I lived from birth 1947 to wedding day 1968 at no.85 St. Ann’s road. the first little house just next to Mortimer square..sort of carrying on from Coltons oil shop (Embassy cafe.) I remember both the old and ‘new’ (the one that’s now a Co.Op). The bomb debris of the area between the two was our playground. My dear dad sang in both with his friend Georgie Draper on the piano. As a child I used to lay in bed listening to him singing in both pubs.I thank God for these memories as sadly my lovely dad Ted King passed away in 1959 when I was 12. My dear late brother Ron King painted a Frieze of 1950’s customers above the bar in the saloon when the new one was built. I have few photos of my dad during this period or later and am always searching for some. My other great missions are to find a photo of my old home ….not the ones that are there now….. and /or any of the other five before the stables. Photos I have found are further up the road up to Tidy’s. Same goes for coronation street parties. We took our piano out into the street (it was the one from the old Kenilworth ) but no pics. I remember running up and down the stairs inside the Art Decor style glass ‘tower’ to visit my playmate Roger Watts of the new Kenilworth…..Sorry I’m waffling now!. Thank you once again for your wonderful writings.
I wish I could find some more information about the Canterbury Arms in Fowell street
The Landlord was a Mr Amos
Thank you for your interest Sylvie, I’ll try to find more information on the Canterbury Arms, Fowell Street
There was a Roundhouse pub in Lancaster Road,at the junction of several roads once known as “Lancaster Circus” just by the (now demolished) Silchester Road Swimming Baths.
The Lancaster Arms known locally as the “Roundhouse”. Demolished when they redeveloped the area.
I came to this area in 1961 and to North Pole Rd in 1962. My pub life was restricted to The North Pole pub and the Pavilion. However my fish and chips came from Maudie and her husband, in Latimer Road which were the best ever. But her husband died and she shut up shop and that was the end of that. She was a very nice lady and everyone missed the chippie, but they understood.
There was a good time when Mick McKenna became the landlord of the North Pole and he was woven into the fabric of our locality and was probably the most popular landlord ever in the North Pole.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this research by John into the local pubs. It seems to me that this is a network of villages with a pub at the center of each. Now I believe that many of the pubs are no longer, as our way of lives have changed , maybe forever? Who knows.?
It is good that there are good people like John recording all the changes,
Thank you John Henwood!
Thank you Audrey for your memories and kind words. The post was a joint effort between myself and fellow history group member Alan Bateman who must be equally credited. I think everyone liked Maud’s – it was virtually an institution and it is sad for us all to see these loved places disappear. Alan and I mourn the passing of the pubs particularly as we were both such confirmed habitues! As you say, our way of life seems to have changed resulting in many pubs seeing their trade diminish followed by closure There are many factors effecting the high number of pub closures, TV and similar media, availability of cheap alcohol in Supermarkets, social media and land values/redevelopment being chief among them. We must patronise and cherish those that remain!
Hi John,
It was a very interesting article.
I wonder if you knew my brother Ray Bloomfield, he was friends with a Ray Bateman when we lived in testerton street my brother was a professional footballer when we were there playing for Arsenal first then Aston Villa before spending some time playing in America.
We have very happy memories from those days
Regards Ann
Dear Ann
Both John and I pleased that you enjoyed the article and that it brought back happy memories .I am the younger brother of Ray Bateman and can well remember your brother
Ray coming to our house in Calverly Street when they were great mates.I am very close to
brother Ray and see a lot of him as we both live in East Acton so we have not ventured too
far fro our original roots.I know brother Ray would love to know how Ray is and how is getting on ?
We both send our very best wishes to you, Ray and Families.
Alan Bateman
Dear Ann I have just found this web site, I am another Ray I went to school with your brother at North Ken , we became very good friends Ray had a nick name then he was known as Podgy, we used to go camping together there was a few of us from North Ken that went, we once went camping at Southend on sea, i also think I went with Ray to a relation may be your uncle farm, hope that’s right, there are so many memories my name is Ray Munn and I lived in Latimer Road also a good friend of Ray and Alan Bateman.
Please give my regards to Ray and I would love to get in contact to him.
Happy Days, Ray
Dear Ray, Thank you for sharing your memories. Alan (Bateman) will shortly reply to you in full. I knew Kenny Bloomfield who was my age and a good swimmer. I remember having a photo of Ray Bloomfield in a Football annual looking good in the Arsenal strip. With thanks for your contribution, John
Hi Ray,
Thanks for your reply, I shall pass on your messages to my brother Ray and get back to you
Ann
Dear Ray
it was good to read your email to Ann Alexander and her response.You will have noticed
that I wrote to Ann in August ( Ignore omitted words) and did not receive a reply.I know my
brother Ray would also like to make contact with Ray as they were great mates for quite a
while.Whilst writing I thought you would like to know that I have in my possession many
photographs relating to the Harrow Club some of which you are featured in .If you would like to phone me on 0208 749 1273 or email me at alanbateman1966@yahoo.co.uk we can discuss how I can get them to you.In the meantime Ray and myself send you our best
wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy New Year.
Hi Ray
Spoke to Ray he would like to get in touch said you were know as mumbo !
I have his email address if you would like it
Is it ok to post on site or is there private messaging
Regards Ann
Thanks Ann good to get your reply. Yes I was known as Mumbo ,great memories. Would be great to get in touch with Ray after all these years we are a couple of old men now. My email address is H1Mun@hotmail.com,
Be good to see how we have both changed
All the best Ray Munn
Hi Ann
I have noticed your reply to Ray Munn’s email .
I am sure my brother Ray would also like to make contact with your brother Ray if at all possible.In the meantime let us both wish you and your family a happy and healthy New Year !
Hi Alan,
I will pass on your message to Ray.
Happy new year to you all
Ann
Hi Alan,
Have had chat to Ray today I’ve said for him to join forum, he was pleased to hear from you and the two Rays your brother of course I remember well coming to our house in testerton street
I’m sure he would love to catch up
Best regards Ann
Hi Alan
Hope it’s ok passed your email address to my brother Ray yesterday
Ann
Thanks Ann
that it is absolutely fine .
Hi
I was chatting to Ray yesterday and saw you had put your email on a reply to Ray Munn so thought it would be ok but thought after. I really should have asked first.
I’m sure Ray will be in touch soon
Ann
Hi Ann,
Happy memories indeed. I remember Ray Bloomfield ( Podgy ) Well.
He was our magical centre forward and captain at St. Clements junior school, Sirdar road.
I played centre half. 1955/56 We won the league & cup mostly because of Podgy’s skill. We never lost a game and each player received a medal which I still have, also a great photo of the team. I’m happy to forward a copy to you Ann. We had a write up in a local paper but I mislaid the cutting, I know but we are 77yrs young eh !
However, I do remember the names of the team. If anyone interested.
Our teachers names were Mr Bush & Mr Allen.
I lived at Henry Dickens Court, my nickname was Kennel. Would love to be in touch with my old team mate Podgy. It’s thanks to my young brother Graham’s research, that I am able to contact you. Toodle Pip! for now. Nigel
I was very interested reading your comments regarding St Clements school
I attended the school from 1952 until 1958
And remember Mr Bush and teacher Mr Jones well
I am 75 now so two years younger and unfortunately wasn’t interested in football in those days
The headmistress was a Miss Frawley
A bit of a tyrant if I recall
I also lived in Estella house in Henry Dickens court
Such nice memories
I was very interested reading your comments regarding St Clements school
I attended the school from 1952 until 1958
And remember Mr Bush and teacher Mr Jones well
I am 75 now so two years younger and unfortunately wasn’t interested in football in those days
The headmistress was a Miss Frawley
A bit of a tyrant if I recall
I also lived in Estella house in Henry Dickens court
Such nice memories
Hi Sylvie,
The name, Norris rings a bell. Life was so different at Henry Dickens Court, back in the day.
I too have fond memories. My sister June drove past recently she said it is very up market now. Tropical plants everywhere and no central play ground. The school was relocated some time ago I believe. Thanks for your memories Silvie.
Best wishes Nigel
Hi
Yes I remember St Clemente very well
In class one Mr Jones was our teacher and do you remember Father Arthur from church and church Tuesday mornings I was there in56 I think
Like you say such happy memories
Best regards Ann
Hi Ann
I remember Father Arthur and attending the church on a Tuesday morning as well
The school held a ‘school journey’ to Devon we stayed at Swanage for two weeks Mr Bush and Mr Jones were in charge of us
Such good memories
I remember carol Bond and Victor Mathew also being on the trip but others I have now forgotten
Hello Nigel,
Lots of good memories
I will forward your comments on to my brother Ray, and I shall be seeing him next week as well for a catch up
Best regards Ann
Good to hear from you Ann, If you or Ray, would like copies of photo’s, names and info, let me know. Its wonderful to think of being in touch after 67 years. Not sure how we can connect directly. Hope there’s a way but I’m afraid Technology is not my forte.
Very best wishes Nigel
Hi Alan and John, thank you for a fascinating read. Most of my first 10 years were spent walking the length of Latimer Road – we moved out in 1960 so I remember a great many of the pubs. We lived in Highlever Road, my Nan lived in Stebbing Street, my Great Nan lived in Norland Gardens. My father’s family lived in Latimer (Road) Mews and Fowell Street. I have often wondered why there were so many pubs along Latimer road and the surrounding area – I guess these were the people servicing the “rich” people in the surrounding districts (Royal Crescent, etc). I vividly recall Norland market where I apparently ate pigs trotters and chestnuts from the stalls and “cream” buns from Tomlins(?) the Bakers.
I remember the Victoria had an Off Licence which I visited (I believe alone) to buy a quart of beer in a bottle from my Nan!
Thank you Sid for your memories – and yes it was Tomlin’s the baker. They had a few outlets in the area including one close to Latimer Road station, opposite ‘The Station Hotel’ in Bramley road. Many of the pubs back then did ‘off’ sales, either from a dedicated ‘off license’ counter or simply over the bar. Also there was no age restriction on buying alcohol from off licenses so you were legally able to buy for your Nan! I think you were in my class at Oxford Gardens primary (1956-60). Back then Norland road market was a thriving hive of activity. Pigs trotters figured weekly on the menu in my house along with my favourite, bacon and onion pudding!
John Henwood
Fantastic stuff John and Alan, really interesting. My only experience of Latimer Rd pubs has been The North Pole in the 90’s when it was still a neighbour hood pub and then became a bit gastro. Which was quite welcome as the eating opportunities round there then were quite limited.
Thanks Dave for your kind words. And a shame the North Pole couldn’t attract sufficient business to remain. Support your local!
John Heenwood
I’m originally from White City Estate but my wife is from Oakworth Road, off Barlby so North Ken is my adopted neighborhood. Found this fascinating, spent many a good night in “The Vol” especially queen’s silver jubilee. The Pavilion must be one of the biggest pubs in the area and could almost be a Latimer Road boozer by default.
Hi Martin I am pleased you enjoyed the blog.I also enjoyed some good nights in the ‘Vol’but most of my drinking and socialising was done in the Latimer. Interesting to me is that your wife came from Oakworth Road as most of my friends. were also from the Oakworth Road area.
Alan and John, thank you so much for this very interesting dissertation, it’s not just a review of lost Pubs, but that of a lost way of life. One I should add, easily romanticised but in reality, they were very tough times for many.
My great grandfather was a policeman at Notting Dale Station (they always walked 2 to the beat up Latimer Rd) & my grandfather lived for a short time in Hunt St after retiring from the service in the 50’s.
The areas destruction was very two edged and can be characterised as the last death throes of the now infamous 1960’s social improvement building boom, which in the late 70’s was condemned for replacing slums with slums. Many of which, we are now demolishing.
The area was also incredibly important in local politics.
Kensington being a Tory held Council and the LCC in the main having strong Labour representation. As the LCC held the redevelopment cash it refused to allow the clearance of the area which had been condemned pre-war as it felt it would lose safe seats in both domains.
I also went to Oxford Gardens, school (1954-60) and lived in Kelfield Gdns, until going to Latymer Foundation in Hammersmith, then overseas.
I hope the following anecdotes are of interest and help to you.
The North Pole.
It also had an off licence attached (Bus stop side of the Tesco entry) and was home to a shellfish barrow, on the pavement on Sundays (as did many, another lost part of London life). The Kensington Canal was to be built along the Counters Creek, up to the GU Canal, but as you probably know it only got to the back of Olympia, before the railway came along.
Worth a mention, I think.
The Volunteer
Interesting and sad to know about the F&C Shop, we used it each week, ordered, then went in the Vol for a pint with my dad (I was about 13 at the time).
Your Pic shows what I recall as being the best Pub Sign in the road.
But more importantly in the 70’s I was a member (as many in the area have been) of the Princess Louise Kensington Rgt TA, (PLK) based at 190 Hammersmith Rd, opposite my old Latymer school.
One of the Officers was an area manager for Whitbread and when a new sign was required, he arranged to have a Kensington figure in Grey & Red Dress Uniform replace the original.
It was a very smart sign, but I would still love to know the origin of the original.
If you could obtain a pic of the PLK sign it would be an interesting addition.
The Latimer
I spent many a night in the Latimer in my teens, mostly in the company of members of the Corny Family, some of whom were also responsible for much of the demolition in the area.
One quiet lunchtime the owner pointed out 2 bullet hole in the celling and then demonstrated his self defence kit. The handle of one of the beer pumps lifted of to become a cosh. They were interesting times.
It is also worth remembering that up until the mid 60’s, The Latimer was an important and integral part of a homogeneous local shopping precinct serving a residential triangle hemmed in by the LMS Railway, the Metropolitan Railway, and the combined lengths of Oxford Gardens School and the St Quintin Estate, the south part of which, it also served (our Butcher, News agent and Grocer).
Although I visited several other Pubs in Latimer Road, I feel only the above comments warrant relating.
I would be interested to know how the two spellings for Latymer came about or were applied, do you have any idea?
All the best
Martin Smith
Canberra ACT.
Hi,
I am a coin dealer and I recently took possession of a one penny pub token for the Bramley Arms with the name J EMPSON on it. Through your site I have been able to add very useful information to the token when it is advertised for sale. If you would like photographs of the token I am can forward them to you to include in your book.
Dave Webb
Dear Dave, What an interesting and unusual item. We would love to include it here. You can post a photograph by email direct to: northkenstories@yahoo.co.uk
Thank you very much letting us know about it, John Henwood
Hello Dave,I am another local boy an have a coin and stamp collection my grandfather left to me when he died in 1972,maybe we could meet and you could see them and maybe value them or buy them?
Thanks for posting this, it brings back a flood of memories for me. This was the first place I lived in when I moved from Ireland to London in 1979. There was a pub called the Station Tavern across from Latimer Rd station. The Bramley Arms (Ind Coope) was the most imposing building on the street. I haven’t been there for 40 years, and I imagine much of that world and way of life has vanished. There was something slightly seedy and bohemian, in a pleasant kind of way, about the neighbourhood. I remember there was even a rag and bone man still doing the rounds.
Dear Robert, Thank you for your kind words. Your comments summerise the area very well. The ‘Station Tavern’ still exists and is quite well patronised but sadly the last ‘rag and bone’ man has gone and they are now consigned to history. Alan Bateman advises that around the late 1980’s the very last one stopped ‘totting’ with his horse and cart because his horse, Billy’ was 25 and had to be retired though he continued for a while, pushing a pram around in place of the horse and cart. He wore a distinctive tartan cap but we can’t recall his name. Maybe a reader can enlighten us. In the early 60’s I used to work at Orrige the Corn Chandler on Walmer Road and they would congregate there from c.4.30 to buy feed for their horses. One of my tasks was filling the nose bags for the horses feed. Happy carefree days fondly remembered.
Olly, thanks for your reply. Yes, I was sure I remembered the rag and bone man having a horse and cart, but I didn’t say so because I thought my memory must be faulty – horses had all but disappeared even in rural areas by the late ’70s. Thanks for resolving the matter for me!
Interested to read about the rag and bone man
My uncle Ted Hill was a rag and bone man or what was called a totter in Latimer Road until early 70,s and has a horse and cart which he kept in Latimer Road mews
His wife was called Lil and sang in most of the areas pubs during and after the war.
I have a picture of my grandparents business card for the Duke of Sussex when they ran the pub probably in the 60s but don’t know how to upload it to you?
Thank you Karen for your kind offer of a Duke of Sussex’ business card. This will be a nice addition to the D.O.S. section. I think your grandparents must have been the first tenants of the new ‘Duke’ which soon after opening became the ‘go-to’ weekend place for the younger set. I used it regularly from when it opened in ’65 on and loved it. I will post the business card under the ‘D.O.S.’ section once received.
Hi Karen,
This is Sue the administarator for the blog. You can also attach it to an email direct to the blog email
northkenstories@yahoo.co.uk.
We look forward to it
Sue
Pingback: North Pole Road – shopping in the 1950s | North Kensington Histories
Hello John & Allen,
Congratulations on presenting this valued discourse, together with the excellent images of those wonderful old pubs, many of them known to me. I was born in St. Quintin Avenue in 1945. My father, who was a bit of a lush, when I was aged about 8, he would sit me on the crossbar of his bicycle (quite illegal). We would make off to one of the many pubs you have depicted in your presentation. I would be left outside, clutching a bag of crisps and a cold lemonade. I had plenty of time to take in the area, in particular the pub. After time my father would emerge, never knowing how many drinks he had consumed, put me back on the crossbar then head for home. By this time it would be dark. We would race through the night, the wind rushing through my hair, blurring my vision. My fathers breathing would quicken the faster he peddled. I would be engulfed in the beer fumes of his exhalation. By the time we got home I was quite intoxicated. Gladly, this did not happen too often, but I can certainly remember visiting many of the pubs you have shared with us.
Thank you both so much.
Graham Evans.
22/11/2020
Dear Graham, Thank you very much for your kind words and sharing your interesting memories – I’m sure the thought of the crisps and cold lemonade will resonate with many readers! John Henwood
What is the history of The Earl of Zetland Pub across from St Francis of Assisi RC Church. My father lived about 102 Walmer Rd in 1905 till he was put into a Catholic Boys Home in Kent, then shipped off to Canada when he turned 15. His name was Jim Place. My grandfather, also Jim was a boxer and he and his sons were very active in a soccer club at some nearby athletic club. My wife and I have visited the park across from the brick kiln twice while on holiday from Manitoba, Canada. I very much enjoyed your article. I am the family genealogist so it was of particular interest. We were in the area back to at least 1715.
We are very interested to hear that your family goes back such a long way in this part of Kensington. Can you tell us more?
Your grandfather and sons could well have belonged to the Rugby Club on Walmer Road which had a good reputation for producing good boxers.
See the blog below
Not far away was the Harrow Club – see articles on this blog. Both Clubs were set up by the famous public schools.
I am looking into some more info on the Earl of Zetland pub.
Sue (administrator for the northkenhistories blog)
Very interesting, my family had a butchers in st anne’s road till demolition in early 60’s I seem to remember a small pub near by to no 47, it was more like a 4 ale bar any idea what it was called
Thanks Chris for your question. The answer is ‘The Duke of Sussex’ and details appear in the above blog but I copy below for your convenience;
RBKC recognised that with the necessary closure of two other local pubs (The ‘little’ Latimer and The Queens Arms) for the same reason, incoming residents of the new development would be without a ‘local’ so an alternative site for The Duke of Sussex was found at 27 St Annes Road
I thought I knew all the pubs in Latimer Road, so it was an interesting surprise to find that I had not known about “The Sir Christopher Wren”, also a bit odd as my school, after Oxford Gardens, had the same name!
Although I was born and lived in the area (Kelfield Gardens) I don’t remember using many of the pubs in Latimer Road, I think, because my mates and I were of a slightly younger generation and considered them to be a bit Granny & Grandad like. Especially after going in the Latimer Arms one night during a knees up – you could have heard a pin drop when we walked in ! In saying that, the other end of the spectrum, the “NEW” Duke of Sussex could be a place to avoid on many an occasion. My local was the Pig & Whistle in Bramley Road, which could also be a bit lively at times.
My friends and I tended to drink outside the borough much of the time, The Coach & Horses and The Raven in Chiswick and of course the Birds Nest’s were everywhere (the North End Road one is now a Sainsburys would ya believe) but the Latimer Road pubs I have fondest memories of are the two at either end. The Stewart Arms, where I first met the wife and The North Pole.
We used to pop in the Pole before going to QPR. It would be interesting to hear if anyone remembers that time in the early 70’s when they made the inside of the pub look like a cave, really weird. They used to have a juke box and one of the records on it was John Lennon’s, I think the Christmas one, but the B side consisted of Yoko Ono just screaming – so just before we left the pub we would put it on – Never found out how long it went on for before the governor pulled the plug !
By the way, thanks for all the fab articles.
Stay safe
Julian Smith
Thank you Julian for sharing your memories,
John Henwood, joint author
Interesting article – thanks!
There’s a great map tool that allows you to overlay old maps over modern ones, or vice-versa. This link shows the Bramley Arms and Trafalgar pubs overlaid on to a modern Bing map.
https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/spy/#zoom=19&lat=51.51160&lon=-0.21777&layers=168&b=3&r=30
You can change the background and foreground maps, and replace the circular “spy” overlay with a blended view of both maps. If you choose the blended view then use the blue sliders to change the opacity of each map.
We lived in the modern building that was built on the site of the Trafalgar.
Thanks very much Peter for the useful infomation regading overlaing maps- I will be experimenting soon! I’d like to overlay the map of the Hippodrome Racecourse over a modern street map.
I’m pleased you enjoyed this article,
With kind regards,
John
Good Day All,
I lived in Saunders Grove, in the basement flat with Mum & Dad, memories of visits to Bobby Ashfords the greengrocers on the corner, down the other end of the street were the totters yards and as a kid we used to jump the gates and get out the back to the railway lines where we would pick rhubarb that grew by the side of the tracks. Steptoe & Sons first yard was down there also.
I recall playing tin-can-tommy. Remember when they used to re-tar the roads – tar first followed by the stones, I still get these memories when I pass a re-tarring roadwork truck.
Friday night would be a walk down to the Duke of Sussex where I would sit outside with a coca cola or lemonade and a packet of crisps with the blue salt packet. On the way there was a toy shop where on good weeks I would get a Dinky Car (or lorry). Stones Bakers left me with a love of fresh bread, even if we couldn’t afford a loaf the smell was filling. Just along from Bobby Ashfords was John in the Oil Shop, all sorts of nails, screws sold by the pound and of course paraffin for the oil fire (which left the ceilings and walls a funny colour ). At five I was taken to a Childrens home for the next 10 years with holidays at home in the Bush in later years. I am writing a book for the grandkids and the information in the article is invaluable to bring back the memories.
Regards
Philip Green ( for some reason my nickname was Nobby)
Thank you very much Philip for your evocative and wonderful memories. And thank you for your kind words about the value of the article to the writing of your book. Good luck with it! I will alert fellow history group member, George Morris, to your post as he also lived in the Sauders Grove area, John Henwood
Great but very sad, I yous to go to all those pubs with a very good friend, And still is Jerry Dealaney and had some great times. But my Favourite was the BRAMLEY , because it was so much a good looking pud , with the Windows right round the front and a great atmosphere, that’s why it’s been in more films then any other film ,
Have really enjoyed the memories, thank you all.
I lived at Henry Dickens Court. My dad was Des O’Connell
Learnt to swim at Latimer road baths. 2d to swim in noddy. 6d for big pool,1d brillcream for the D.A.1d piece of bread and jam. I played junior football with Podgy, Ray Bloomfield for St. Clements school, Sirdar Road. Podgy played centre forward, I played centre half. We won every game 1955/56 League & cup winners. We all got a medal. Mainly due to Podgy’s skill. Had a write up in local paper . I have a photo of the team & teachers Mr. Bush & Mr. Allen. Also I have the name of all the team members. Would really love to catch up with Podgy.
If anyone can help with contact please let me know. Nigel O’Connell, my nick name then was Kennel. I live in Birmingham now.
Many thanks to Nigel, Sylvie and Ann for al your lovely memories,
John Henwood
And keep them coming! Its what brings these posts alive!
John Henwood
The Latimer Arms can be seen in Steptoe and Son: Loathe Story. And there is a good view of Latimer Road in Steptoe and Son: Porn Yesterday.
Thanks Ian for this information,
kind regards, John
What about The Notting Dale Tavern
It’s on Silchester Road Bob. This blog is confined to pubs along Latimer Road. ‘The Barn’ had a garden, unusual for pubs in the locality.
Thanks for your interest .
Hi John
Sorry, got a bit confused. but the last time I was in there was back in 1979.
Do not remember a garden though.
very interesting blog. Really enjoyed it.
Hello John- literally just found your research while investigating my childhood. Brilliant work!
My parents managed The Robin Hood and Little John – a Courage pub at 33 Kensal Rd- corner of Southam Street. Long since demolished! Wondered if you or anyone have any memories/info about the place. Probably 1959-1961?
Would be wonderful to hear!
Many thanks in advance. Sandy Shaw- nee Sandra Flynn
Dave Beattie says
I worked part time at The North Pole pub with Gerry and Paddy Irish bartenders in 1964. There was a portly manager then and his favourite saying at closing time would be ” come on you lot all the good looking ones have gone home”. It seemed to work as the pub soon emptied. Saturday night they sometimes had live music when the pub would get absolutely packed. One special occasion I remember was Tom Jones and his backing group The Playboys, they had moved to London from Wales and were staying in an apartment on the Ladbroke Grove. This was start of their career taking off in a way they could not have imagined then. I remember serving Tom with a packet of cigarettes that night. Magic moment then but sad as it was to become a Tesco Express shop even against protest from locals in the area.
Thank you David for your very interesting article ! How times have changed !
By the way ,what ever happened to Tom Jones ?
My parents used to own the house at 308 Latimer Road. I understand this was previously a post office, then changed to a café: Arrow Café then partly rebuilt with name changed to Sonia’s Café, after my sister. It is now a Thai restaurant
All very interesting Dave . I lived just off Walmer Road and John lived on Walmer Road. We moved when the whole area was redeveloped although we stillhave strong connections with the area. Alan
Hello people who might be able to help me, I’m currently researching my family’s Family Tree – the family lived in and around North Kensington from way back (1880’s onward). In 1891 the family lived at 2 Park Street which I found on an old map, running left off of Latimer Road, quite far up. They later moved to 475 Latimer Road. Does anyone know where Park Street went?? I’ve tried to find reference to it online… nothing. Did it become Snarsgate Street? Any help would be appreciated! Maggie