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Pub Preservation
By Mark Hoile
Jack Straws Castle, Hampstead
Jack Straws Castle (below) is probably one of the best known pubs and
landmarks in North London, as it is situated in a most prominent position
at the north western corner of Hampstead Heath at the junction of Heath
Street and Spaniards Road. It is also close to Whitestone Pond, and the
site of regular bank holiday funfairs on Hampstead Heath.
The pub itself is believed to be the highest above sea level in London,
and extensive views can be seen across ‘the Heath’. Now a grade II listed
building it was originally a coaching inn built in 1721, the pub name and
location deriving from Jack Straw, who was a comrade of Wat Tyler, leader
of the 1381 peasants revolt against King Richard II . 'Jack Straw'
addressed groups of peasants on Hampstead Heath from a hay wagon, which
at the time was known as Jack Straw's Castle.
During World War II the pub was extensively damaged after being bombed by
a landmine, and rebuilt for the second time in 1962. There are now several
bars on three floors which are used for functions, including local band
practice sessions. There is also a garden and free car park adjacent to
the pub making it an attractive stop for visitors to Hampstead. The pub
also provides a refuge or quite escape from the nearby busy village pubs,
and as such is often frequented by celebrities from television, music,
and the media.
Jack Straws has very recently been sold to an independent company who
it is believed intend to restore the building to its original status as
a hotel, restaurant, and public house.
The Bull and Bush, Hampstead
The Bull and Bush (above) is just a short walk from Jack Straws
Castle and can be found on North End Way. This exceptionally attractive
pub is Grade II listed, with its origins dating back to the reign of
Charles I. A farmhouse stood on the site when Hampstead was a small
village with the original building dating from 1645. The earliest record
of a licence to sell ale for the farmhouse is 1721. During this period a
number of English painters were attracted to the area by magnificent
local views. One such painter was William Hogarth who laid out the pub
garden.
In 1867 Henry Humphries became the licensee and obtained a music licence,
thereby introducing sing-songs and concerts in the gardens. In the late
19th century the pub became famous for its pleasure gardens and music.
During the Edwardian era the Bull and Bush became a popular venue for
Londoners on a day out to the country. Florie Ford made the pub world
famous with her music hall version of the song 'Down at the Old Bull and
Bush' which reflected the atmosphere of the pub.
A little known aspect of the pub's history is the Bull and Bush Station
on the Hampstead tube. The underground electric railway built from Charing
Cross to Hampstead in the late 19th century was extended to Golders Green
with the new line opening in June 1907. However, during construction a
station was partly built and never completed which is situated between
Hampstead and Golders Green. The station name was originally North End
but was later changed to Bull and Bush. Today the station platforms can
still be seen by careful observation on the right side, from a south
bound Northern Line train between Golders Green and Hampstead Heath. At
street level, in an adjacent road Hampstead Way, is the only visible link
to the old station, an entrance (see photo on page 8) 'disguised' as an
electricity sub station. This is believed to have been previously used in
connection with nuclear defence, and is now a flood control point for the
London Underground.
The present pub dates largely from a reconstruction in 1924 by Ind Coope
when part of the old garden was converted into a car park, and a last
refurbishment in 1987.
As the summer draws to a close, an excellent walk which can be as long or
short as desired, can be made by taking in the following three pubs: The
Spaniards Inn, The Bull and Bush, and Jack Straws Castle before returning
to Hampstead High Street and station. Reference to local maps will provide
a variety of routes utilising Hampstead Heath.
Mark Hoile
Reproduced from the Full Pint, Issue 6.
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