29 Market Street, Tamworth, B79 7LR
Albion Road, Marden, TN12 9DT
Riviera Centre, Torquay
11-13 April 2025
23 Haltwhistle Road, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5ZA
Unit 11, Valley Point Industrial Estate, Beddington Farm Road, Beddington, CR0 4WP
Argyle Place, Love Road, Lowestoft, NR32 2NZ
116, Foregate Street, Chester, Chester, CH1 2HH
This Pub is Closed Long Term
The pub closed sometime in early 2023. The current operators are STAR Pubs & Bars (Heineken UK).
Now on the property market, courtesy of Fleurets, as reported by the News Shopper:
https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/24703041.old-jail-pub-biggin-hill-sale-closure/
Previously, STAR reported the following on 11/12/23:
"... can confirm we were aware of the flooding earlier this year. As a result of the flooding, the pub sustained some damage on the interior which we are keen to repair. Some work had already been carried out ... however we have had to ‘down tools’ on request of the listed buildings officer as they had to grant permission for any further works to be carried out. Although we submitted a full schedule of works to the listed buildings officer, we are still awaiting a decision before we can continue any works."
"Furthermore, we are also aware of the overall condition of the property. It is for this reason it is taking some time to start work on preparing the pub on re-opening, not helped by the fact the building is listed."
"There is extensive works required to re-open the property including the ‘making good’ of works completed by the previous tenant which they did not have any planning permission or listed buildings consent for, and a complete new fit out of all fixtures and fittings."
If anyone has any further information, then please send in your feedback.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A weatherboarded 2-storey Grade II listed building whose history stretches back around 200 years. Inside, the low beams mean that taller visitors must take note of the "duck or grouse" signs, but the pub is otherwise surprisingly spacious.
It is believed that the building was not a long-term prison, but more likely an overnight stop for prisoners being transported from London to Maidstone. The pub is located close to the Battle of Britain airfield, and contains various porcelain items and other memorabilia.
The pub name is unique within Great Britain.
Walking to the pub down Jail Lane from the main road through Biggin Hill is not recommended because the road becomes narrow without a footpath - use the R8 bus instead.
Historic Interest
Originally two Kentish cottages dating from the 18th C, this served the rural locality as a beer-house. The origin of the name is uncertain but it is believed that prisoners transported from the London courts to Maidstone Prison may have been lodged here. There is evidence that French prisoners of war were held there during Napoleonic times. In the 19th C, this was also referred to as the "Old Gaol". Later owned by the Oak Brewery in Green Street Green, this sold their Fox & Sons Ales until 1909, whereupon the premises had to be sold at auction due to financial problems with the brewery. It was then owned by Truman, Hanbury & Buxton, then the Westerham Brewery before being passed to Ind Coope. During the Second World War, this was a popular haunt for RAF pilots from nearby Biggin Hill aerodrome. Grade II listed in 1973 by Historic England (entry 1064387), which states: "C18. 2 buildings. Slate roof. 2 storeys, Weatherboarded 1st floor and brick ground floor painted over. Right side C19 chimney. Left side has 1st floor stable door."
This Pub serves no changing beers and 2 regular beers.
Old Jail, Biggin Hill
Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals
Garden
Family Friendly
Disabled Access
Parking
Dog Friendly
Function Room
Games
Real Fire
Wi Fi
Real Ale
Quiet
Love Cask Beer?
Join CAMRA to support the campaign to access more features plus access to a range of different benefits.
Become a member
