Landlord Ray Johnson (centre) with patriotic patrons

Bexleyheath pub celebrates St George’s Day

Robin Cottle, Reporter Tuesday, April 24, 2012
5:10 PM

A Bexleyheath pub made sure St George’s day went off with a bang on Monday (23).

The Robin Hood and Little John on Lion Road has been celebrating England’s patron saint for 20 years with a range of festivities, which have proved a hit with the patrons.

Landlord Ray Johnson, 65, decked the pub out in England flags with a traditional menu of beef and Yorkshire puddings.

Patriotic music was interspersed with clips of England winning the 1966 football World Cup and the 2003 rugby World Cup and a Winston Churchill speech.

Morris dancers performed in the evening to bring the celebrations to a close.

The landlord’s son, 38-year-old Tony Johnson, said: “We’ve been doing it for such a long time and there’s always a great turnout.

“Every year St Patrick’s Day is rammed down your throat and people aren’t encouraged to celebrate England’s own patron saint.

“It’s a good opportunity for some pomp and circumstance and to celebrate what it means to be English.”

The pub is also up for the Campaign for Real Ale’s Community Pub of the Year award.

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