Punters reward Wetherspoons for naming boozer after terrifying ‘Hammer Horror’ star
Wetherspoons claim a lot of effort goes into the naming of their popular pubs – one Kent boozer has won particular praise for being named after a Hammer Horror legend
Pub fans have praised Wetherspoons for naming one of its boozers after a Hammer Horror star.
Despite some of the quirkier monikers given to the hostelries, a lot of effort is said to go into the naming of the popular pubs. In fact a spokesman for the chain has said the brand takes the naming of its watering holes very seriously. He said: “Our aim is to reflect the history or characters of the area or the former use of the building in the pub name.”
And as far as one haunt in Kent was concerned, locals were pretty impressed by the scary movie legend whose name was bestowed upon the tavern. The news comes as the chain is set to make huge changes to its pricing in 750 UK pubs.
It also comes as one pub has banned drinkers from standing around the bar leaving locals devastated.
But in Whitstable punters are more than happy with their inn, which has been called The Peter Cushing, after the Hollywood heavyweight.
As an additional nod to their namesake, the pub is in fact a re-purposed cinema, complete with vintage styled branding in the style of an old picture house.
Despite a whole host of appearances in popular franchises, which saw him playing Sherlock Holmes and the villainous Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars, he is primarily known for his large body of work with the London based film company.
But why is the actor who has killed more Draculas than you can wave a stake at the inspiration behind a popular coastal resort? Simple, he was once a local himself, having first visited Whitstable in the 1940s.
In 1958 Cushing bought a house, initially for weekend use and then as a retirement home, until his death in 1994.
Cushing and his family loved Whitstable, and a beauty spot near the bottom of the High Street has been named Cushing’s View.
And the reviewers are very much taken by Wetherspoon’s decision to pay yet more homage to the star.
One wrote: “What a great idea; turn a cinema which is not in use into licensed premises and, not only that, it honours a ‘local’ actor. Set on the High Street, it is easily found. It’s very airy inside and the staff are very friendly and helpful. Can certainly recommend (especially if you are a fan of the old ‘Hammer’ horror films).
Another said: “Had to be done! If you are of a certain age you will get this place. Peter Cushing lived locally and we think it was a great idea to name this pub after him. Not much to look at from the outside but very nice when you enter. Big picture of the man himself above the bar and a log fire too! Nice atmosphere during our visit and we could have stayed all day.”
