Famous Pubs From TV and Film

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the local pub is a great British institution. It’s therefore not surprising that we see its position at the heart of the British social scene reflected in our most popular films and television shows. Here are just five of the most famous examples…

The Winchester – Shaun of the Dead

The eponymous hero of zombie comedy Shaun of the Dead seems to think that his local pub, The Winchester, is the answer to all his problems. It’s even there for him when his relationship breaks down because of his attachment to it. So when the residents of Britain start turning into zombies, he heads for the one place he knows will keep him safe – The Winchester.

The pub was based on lead actor Simon Pegg’s favourite haunt, The Winchester on Archway Road in North London, but the exterior scenes used Bermondsey’s Duke of Albany pub. Sadly for film fans, it’s since closed and been converted into apartments.

The Nag’s Head – Only Fools and Horses

Frequented by Del Boy and Rodney, the Nag’s Head in BBC comedy classic Only Fools and Horses was supposedly set in Peckham, London. However, the scenes set in the Nag’s Head were actually shot at a number of pubs in towns and cities as diverse as Brighton, Bristol, Hull, Ipswich, London and Salisbury.

The Leaky Cauldron – Harry Potter

Wizards have pubs too, and their most famous one is The Leaky Cauldron. Located on Charing Cross Road in London and invisible to Muggles (non-magical people), it serves as a guest house and a gateway to wizarding shopping street Diagon Alley as well as a pub.

It has provided a place of refuge for Harry Potter himself, as well as all manner of strange magical folk which inhabit the much-loved books of J.K. Rowling.

The Mother Black Cap – Withnail And I

Supposedly in Camden, the Mother Black Cap was the pub in which Withnail (Richard E. Grant) places the famous order: “Two large gins. Two pints of cider. Ice in the cider.”

In reality it was filmed on Tavistock Crescent in Notting Hill, and following the release of the movie it saw a number of relaunches which were all unfortunately doomed to failure. Fans of the cult film will doubtless be sad to learn that it was finally demolished at the end of 2010.

The Turf Tavern – Inspector Morse

Fictional detective Inspector Morse is often seen mulling over a case in an Oxfordshire pub, and The Turf Tavern is one of the most famous. This 17th century gem is a real pub in the heart of Oxford, concealed down a narrow alleyway once known, somewhat forebodingly, as Hell Passage.

It remains immensely popular with both local residents and students of Oxford University, offering plenty of room to languish in the summer sun with a pint of real ale. In the winter its outdoor fires are a big Oxford attraction, when guests can toast marshmallows or enjoy a glass of mulled wine.

Rachel is a keen blogger on a variety of topics, from film and TV to pubs for sale.