| Topic: | Royal Horseguardsman | |
| Posted by: | Anthony Waller | |
| Date/Time: | 27/12/10 18:49:00 |
| I looked forward to the reopening of the Royal Horseguardsman and finally got a chance to drop in to the RH with a few pals last week, - and what a nice visit. A proper pub. Not too sure about the decor but warm fires and a nice welcome and well served beer. But I had noticed that within a few days of opening, The 'Royal' letters from the signboard outside have been removed - just days after having been reinstated. An Irish chap sitting at the table next to us told us it was now a 'Republican' Pub and no self respecting Irishman would drink in a Pub that honours 'Queens Men'. The drinker went on to say that local republicans had forced the landlord to comply or face a boycott by the local Irish. Quite unbelievable in this day and age, in this town of all towns. This did not go down too well with my mates, both of whom are serving officers in the British army and both of whom are native Irish catholics. They left in dismay. I ended up feeling too embarrassed to dare ask the staff if this was the case. I really hope this is not true. It is the 21st century and this is tolerant modern Britain which embraces, tolerates but also values tradition- like pubs. There's no place in Brentford for this stuff but the rumours are doing the rounds and it needs to be addressed. And as a second generation of Irish descent, I would not be bothered about a pub having 'Royal' in it's name. Far more important is the atmosphere, the beer and its hospitality. |