End of an era but Kenley’s Wattenden Arms gets a reprieve – Inside Croydon

Recovered: The Battle of Britain pub, Wattenden Arms, reopens on Thursday 20 June

Historic Battle of Britain pub Wattenden Arms in Kenley has been given a reprieve.

In April, Inside Croydon reported how the pub’s owners, Stonegate, were looking for a new tenant to manage the premises for five years at a rent of £40,000 a year (Stonegate believes the pub can generate an annual turnover of £600,000).

The pub was closed yesterday, but only for a quick redecoration and refurbishment before reopening for business on Thursday (maybe a football match that night…).

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

The future of the pub has not been fully resolved. Stonegate continues to advertise for a manager (the most recent announcement was posted on social media a week ago), and after some difficult times for the hospitality industry in general, 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 real ‘country pub’ … popular with walkers”.

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

Tucked away in a quiet lane, the pub oozes charm and character. It was built around 150 years ago, but in ‘their finest hour’, the Battle of Britain in the Second World War, Wattenden gained a glimmer of glory. The Pug was commissioned by the RAF and served as an auxiliary mess for Fighter Command at RAF Kenley, just down the road. That is why the RAF flag still sometimes flies outside its entrance.

Inside the Wattenden, it has many original features such as decorative ceiling roses and coving, as well as a rifle cartridge display case. It even, unusually, has Two cellars, the deepest in which beer is stored in barrels.

Upstairs, there are three rooms for management accommodation if desired. “It’s a superb opportunity in a wonderful location with everything available to be the busiest pub in the area,” says Stonegate.

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