I run Britain’s most festive pub with 55 trees & £6 pints… we face near-disaster every year but it’s worth it
BRITAIN’S most festive pub’s landlord has told how he comes inches from disaster every year.
The Churchill Arms in Kensington spends thousands of pounds transforming the boozer into a magical grotto, complete with glittering champagne bottle sculptures and a towering 16-foot tree.
But every year James waits with bated breath for the hundreds of lights to turn on.
He told The Sun: “It’s not easy, we put a lot of planning and money into it, our contractors work very hard and start as early as 4am to avoid traffic.”
“We’ve even had a few scares, where we’re all ready to go and the lights stop working or something goes horribly wrong.”
The pub, in Notting Hill, has become a must-visit destination during the holidays, with its over-the-top decorations drawing crowds from across the globe.
Over the years, the pub has hosted famous faces like Amanda Holden, Harrison Ford, and the Game of Thrones cast, who’ve all stopped by for a drink.
The pub’s manager, James Keogh said: “We’ve had had football stars, Jamie Redknapp, the entire Australian rugby team, famous actors and even the Game of Thrones cast stop by.
“Amanda Holden posted about how magical it was.
“We even get wedding parties coming here just to take photos in front of our display.”
Managing the transformation is 60-year-old James, who has run the pub since 1997.
He starts planning for Christmas as early as summer.
James said: “We love Christmas, we actually start planning our decorations in summer.
“It takes five to six weeks just to set up, with contractors working from 4 a.m.
“By mid-November, everything is ready, and it’s magical.”
Each year kicks off with a grand light-switching ceremony in November, attended by hundreds of locals and tourists.
Guests are treated to free mulled wine and mince pies as a thank-you for their support.
This year’s centrepiece features a 16-foot tree at the main entrance with over 300 LED light fixtures.
The display also includes festive ornaments like reindeers, snowmen, and a floating champagne bottle pouring mid air, and a letter box for children to post off their letters to Santa.
Since its first Christmas tree in 1990, the pub’s festive lights have become a London tradition.
In previous years, the pub has gone as far as putting 100 trees on the roof.
And it’s not just the trees that have increased in number.
When James started at the pub, a pint would cost just 87p – now, you’ll pay £6 for the same drink.
He said: “People come for the atmosphere, and it’s priceless seeing the joy it brings to everyone, especially families.”
Despite the soaring costs of the display, which run into the thousands, James claims the magical experience makes it all worth it.
He said: “The lights aren’t cheap, that’s for sure.
“I’m nervous to see the next electricity bill, but the return on the business is unbelievable, and we have a tradition to uphold.”
The spectacular display isn’t just outside.
Inside the pub is loaded with hundreds of lights and quirky Christmas decorations.
Visitors can also find the pubs strange yet impressive historic chamber pot collection strung across the ceiling.
For those looking to soak up some Christmas cheer, the Churchill Arms is the perfect place to raise a glass and take in the magic.
Other pubs are catching on too, with James receiving calls from fellow landlords seeking advice on how to recreate the Christmas wonderland.
But he’s confident The Churchill Arms is above the rest.
James said: “We’re easily the most festive pub in London, you won’t find anything like it.”
Visitors have until January 5 to experience The Churchill Arm’s Christmas display.