Royal Oak, Purley

I used to be a regular at the pub back in 90-92 before I moved to Caterham. It was primarily a working man's pub though the lounge side was fairly busy on weekend evenings. George and Mary Prince were the publicans at the time and did a great job with what clientele they had to work with! If anyone that reads this post knows their whereabouts I would be grateful if they would post it as I would like to get in touch with them. And if any of the other regulars managed to hear about the internet (let alone learn to read-Darren, Nick and Ali I'm thinking of you!) drop in a line and I will check back.

29 Jan 2007 03:17

The Maple Leaf, Covent Garden

I worked at the ML from 88-90 and can absolutely attest that the success of the pub during that era was due almost entirely to the Manager, Noel Healy. Although an Irishman himself, Noel took the time to travel to Canada on a number of occasions to learn something about the culture and people, as well as to collect authentic memorabilia for the pub. He also hired staff who, while not exclusively Canadian, had a good attitude and appreciated that it was a Canadian pub. The ML was probably the busiest in the West End during that era (perhaps matched only by TGI Friday's down the road) yet the service remained excellent and the atmosphere terrific. I visited the ML while on business in 2004 and am sad to say that, even factoring in a personal bias, the atmosphere was just not the same. So for anyone that worked or patronized the ML during that era, I intend to contact Noel in Ireland and see if a 20 year reunion can be planned for around Canada Day 2008. I know I would make the journey in a flash, and expect that a lot of other proud Canadians (and those English Canadian wannabe's we knew and loved - you know who you are) who frequented the 'Leaf' during that era would make it too. And I would personally guarantee that Noel would be there for such a reunion. In closing, someone on this thread said that it was the people that make a pub. I wholeheartedly agree. However, Noel Healy managed to make the Maple Leaf the whole package-the people, the food, the beer, the atmosphere, the decor. They say you can't go back but if Noel would take the ML over again I would seriously consider give up practising law and get back "behind the jump".

28 Jan 2007 19:28