We reported in the last issue that the Cross Lances in Hounslow was closed for refurbishment following its takeover by new management. I am happy to report that it has now reopened, with attractively priced real ales still very much on the menu. Owned and operated by Fuller’s for many years, it was taken over by the independent Real Pub Co Ltd in 2012 and is now being run by the management of the Pasa restaurant nearby. Their sensitive refurbishment has freshened up the interior while preserving its traditional features. As before, two to four well-kept real ales are on offer at prices between £4 and £ 5 a pint. Beers have initially been largely from the Fuller’s and Dark Star range but enthusiastic young manager Wilson Maharjan is keen to feature other beers too, including Young’s Winter Warmer and other seasonal brews. He has already put on Twickenham Autumn Red. A wide range of tasty Indo-Chinese, Nepali and Newari food is also available daily (afternoons and evenings). Currently this is brought in to order from the Pasa restaurant and served takeaway style but the management are planning to establish an on-site kitchen in the pub itself.
This welcome rebirth follows a turbulent six months for the Lances, which is pretty much the last surviving small traditional community local in town. Most of the others have been closed down, altered out of all recognition or demolished. It narrowly escaped closure at the end of May, followed by several months of uncertainty and temporary closures. Regulars feared the worst, especially as the pub had been under threat before, when developers tried to acquire it in 2020. They were thwarted by a spirited local campaign that resulted in the pub being listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV). That is exactly what it is. As well as providing a place where people can meet socially and relax in a traditional pub atmosphere or just sit and read the paper over a pint, it has supported a wide range of community activities down the years and has raised funds for numerous charities and good causes. It also provides a venue for local bands and performers (Saturday is rock night, occasionally Friday) and pool and darts are also available. In particular it hosts a welcoming and inclusive fortnightly Open Mic Night on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, MC’d by Elaine Samuels of local band Kindred Spirit and featuring a wide variety of music and performers (including Wilson himself!). There’s also a rear garden, which has had a welcome revamp, and a customer car park (pay for a permit at the bar).
The Cross Lances is also of considerable historical interest. Built in 1838 and named after the insignia of the 12th Royal Prince of Wales Lancers who were then based nearby, the interior has remained almost entirely unspoilt and unaltered for decades, with three distinct areas (including an alcove ‘snug’), wood-panelled walls and an unusual curved etched-glass front window. Happily, all these features were retained in the refurbishment.
So, the Cross Lances has been saved once again and will hopefully go from strength to strength once word gets round. ‘Use it or lose it’, as they say, and Hounslow has lost far too many pubs already. Local CAMRA members are spreading the word about the pub and encouraging people to support it to help ensure it survives.
The Cross Lances is easy to get to. The full address is 236 Hanworth Road, TW3 3TU (corner of Cross Lances Road), a short walk from Hounslow National Rail station and a short bus ride from the town centre and tube stations. Buses 110 and 111 stop nearby and the 281 stops a few minutes’ walk away. The opening hours are 2pm to 11pm Mondays to Thursdays, 2pm to 11.30 on Friday, 12pm to 11.30 on Saturday and 12pm to 10pm on Sunday. Christmas and New Year times may vary (check with pub for details). You can keep up with news, events, upcoming bands, new beers etc via the pub’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/974833069225067.
My thanks to Elaine Samuels for background and historical information and to Giulietta Cinque for the photo.
Graham Larkbey