London Pubs Group

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

Bridge

Western Avenue,
Greenford,
UB6 8ST

This pub is on CAMRA’s London Regional Inventory of Pub Interiors of Special Historic Interest and the description is as follows: “Opened in 1937, this pub was built as a smart roadhouse to serve the comings and goings along the busy A40. It has changed drastically over the years and now functions primarily as a hotel, although anyone is welcome to use the bar (after they have negotiated the gated access). When the first edition of this guide appeared in 2004 there were still three separate rooms with a common servery running between them. We have retained it for the present edition because the central room is still well worth a look. Lying on the rounded corner of the pub, it is quadrant shaped with counter, bar-back and canopy over being mostly original. There are also appealing wedge-shaped alcoves towards the outside, two on either side of the Tudor-style fireplace (above it a much-darkened picture of Old Greenford Bridge before the A40 was invented). Until recently the alcoves had interesting wedge-shaped tables which have been ripped out in favour of plush seating. On the right the sliding door has also gone but the room beyond still has much of its 1930s panelling. Some also remains in the left-hand room, now much opened towards the hotel. History nearby: Despite the 20th-century roadscape which dominates the area, Oldfield Lane South boasts two old buildings: the Grade I-listed Holy Cross church and the grade II Betham House, formerly a school founded in the late 18th century by the Rev. Edward Betham.” Once you are outside the pub, note also the former off licence (now function room) and the ceramic rams on the exterior of the building.

The Bridge featured on the Style, Substance and E Numbers: Daytime Crawl of Greenford, West Ealing, Acton and Chiswick in February 2009.