Reprieved: Battle of Britain pub the Wattenden Arms re-opens on Thu, June 20

The historic Battle of Britain pub, the Wattenden Arms in Kenley, has been given a reprieve.

In April, Inside Croydon reported how the pub’s owners, Stonegate, were seeking a new tenant to manage the premises on a five-year lease with £40,000 per year rent (Stonegate reckon the pub can generate a £600,000 annual turnover).

The pub was closed yesterday, but only for some rapid redecoration and renewal before it is open again for business from Thursday (there may be a football match on that evening…).

Saturday night saw a big party for regulars and locals, to mark the end of an era, the final night in charge of the Wattenden for the long-term manageress. Some drink was taken.

The pub’s future has not been resolved entirely. Stonegate continue to advertise for a manager (the latest ad was posted on social media sites a week ago), and after some rocky times for the hospitality industry generally, the future of the company itself remains uncertain.

But for now, at least, the Wattenden Arms has had a reprieve.

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, describes the Kenley pub as “a true ‘country pub’ … popular with walkers”.

As well as being a good base for local walks, the Wattenden has huge historic and sentimental value.

Tucked away down a quiet lane, the pub oozes charm and character. It was built around 150 years ago, but it was during “their finest hour”, the Battle of Britain in World War II, that the Wattenden earned a touch of glory. The pub was commandeered by the RAF and served as an auxiliary mess for Fighter Command at RAF Kenley, just up then road. That is why it still, on occasion, flies the RAF’s ensign outside its entrance.

Inside the Wattenden, it has many original features, such as decorative ceiling roses and coving, as well as a display case of shotgun cartridges. It even has, unusually, two cellars, the deeper one where the cask ale is stored.

Upstairs, there’s three rooms as accommodation for the management, should they want it. “This is a superb opportunity in a lovely location with everything available to be the busiest pub in the area,” Stonegate say.

From our archive: Follow Kenley’s yellow brick road for a high-flying ramble

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