Only Fools and Horses celebrates 40 years
Incredibly, it’s been 40 years since the first episode of Only Fools and Horses, so to celebrate our good friends at UKTV decided to open an East End pub (OK, to rebrand an existing one) and call it the Nags Head, and it was a treat to be at the launch party.
There seemed to be very little to celebrate in 2021, but when an institution like this one reaches a landmark that makes us all realise how quickly four decades have flown by, and when the TV channel these days most associated with the show invites you to share the moment you just have to say “we’ll be there… Mange tout”.
Pubs are an integral part of many a classic British TV show, from EastEnders to Coronation Street and Minder. So UKTV’s Gold channel decided to celebrate the show’s fortieth anniversary by recreating the Trotters’ iconic local boozer and inviting aficionados of the show to visit. There were plenty of fans of Rodney and Del Boy wanting to make a pilgrimage to The Nag’s Head.
The pub opened its doors for just two days – September 3rd and 4th. Punters were given the opportunity to take part in a quiz with special prizes or just to soak up the atmosphere of the much-loved sitcom. Albeit not in Peckham, but Farringdon.
As well as us offering some quintessential ’80s delicacies from our van – like Scampi, chicken goujons and the eternally popular mushy peas, gherkins and pickled onions, there was an equally big treat in store…
1981 prices? Lovely jubbly!
Best of all, the recreated Nag’s Head were offering some seriously retro prices! A pint was available for just 83p, and Crème de la Menthe was an absolute bargain by anyone’s standards in 2021 and guaranteed to have you falling through the bar with joy!
And look who popped in to celebrate with us… Gwyneth Strong, who played Rodney’s wife Cassandra. She was joined by Philip Pope, who played Tony Angelino on the show, and Andree Bernard, who played barmaid Nervous Nerys.
The Nags Head was lovingly recreated down to some minute detail, from the striped wallpaper and chequered floor down to the framed pictures, stuffed rabbit, horse bronzes and trinkets which adorned Del and Rodney’s local. Patrons were also excited to see the Trotter’s 1972 Reliant Rebel Supervan III parked outside.
The backdrop to a number of memorable moments from the show, including Rodney and Cassandra’s wedding reception and Uncle Albert’s infamous birthday party, fans were able to live out their favourite scenes whilst sipping on a cocktail complete with umbrella.
