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Inns and Public Houses

The Jolly Friar: 118 Whitmore Way, Fryerns


The Jolly Friar, Fryerns The Jolly Friar, Fryerns The Jolly Friar, Fryerns
Location: Whitmore Way
Year of photo: 15/11/2006
Photographer: Bix
Copyright: Basildon History Collection
Comments: The Jolly Friar before the ban on smoking in enclosed places was introduced the following year.
Location: Whitmore Way
Year of photo: 15/11/2006
Photographer: Bix
Copyright: Basildon History Collection
Comments: The Jolly Friar sign and side garden.
Location: Whitmore Way
Year of photo: 13/11/2006
Photographer: J.C. Photography
Copyright: Basildon History Collection
Comments: The entrance steps and shops.

The Jolly Friar is a public house located in the Fryerns area of Basildon.

It opened in 1955 and was the second public house to open in Fryerns after the Crane; opened the previous year, being built to serve the then new housing estates erected either side of Whitmore Way on behalf of Basildon Development Corporation.

London architects Stewart and Hendry of 90 Fenchurch Street, EC3 were responsible for its appearance with a design that included a separate clubroom for private functions, upper floor living accomodation, and an off licence incorporated into the main building.

Mann, Crossman & Paulin brewery Co. provided the ale. For many years after opening a large Manns sign adorned an outer wall.

At the time of opening there were just eight shops at the adjacent neighbourhood sub-centre, though this would increase to thirteen following the completion of an extension in 1959.

There is also a large garden area, part of which borders Whitmore Way, for outdoor use during the warmer months. This proved an asset following the introduction of the 'smoking ban' in 2007 as a permanent canopied area with tables was soon established.

In 1972 the saloon and lounge bars were combined to form a larger lounge bar by which time the pub had become a Watney Mann House and part of St. George's Taverns pub chain. Other later changes include a conservatory style extension to the side wall facing the car park and the omission of the word 'the' on the pub's signage. The in-house off licence would also later close.

The name Jolly Friar relates to the 15th century character and English 'legend' 'Friar Tuck', a member of Robin Hood's Merry Men whose appearance is often depicted as that of a fat, bald and jovial monk with a great love of food and ale!

Though not a noted venue for live entertainment many bands and solo artists have performed there over its many years of service.

Notes:

1) Stewart and Hendry firm of architects later becoming Stewart, Hendry and Smith designed many public houses on behalf of Mann, Crossman & Paulin.

Page added: 08/05/2023

Text researched and written 2023.
Copyright © 2023, B. Cox - Basildon History Online. All rights reserved.

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