"After a day's work it's the ideal place to relax in a cosy, sophisticated and friendly atmosphere".

“The Duke” is situated only 5 minutes walk from the town centre. It is a traditional Victorian pub, beautifully restored with cosy leather Chesterfield sofas and real wooden floors. In the winter it features log fires in two period fireplaces and a warm welcome to take the chill out of winter, and in the summer you can enjoy al fresco dining and drinking in the enclosed courtyard garden which can seat 50 people or more. The mood is atmospheric yet contemporary with the emphasis on service. Standards are high and with a great wine list, real ales from 4 hand-pumps and freshly prepared food by our resident Chef, you will not be disappointed.

A Little Bit of History

Built around 1870 it was originally a dwelling and known as 1 Connaught Villas. It was lived in by Charles R. Wilkins who was the son of the Superintendent of Works, John Alexander Wilkins, who lived at 1 Gardener’s Cottages; Mr Wilkins senior was probably in charge of the building of Arthur Road. The Wilkins’ family were from the Islington, Shoreditch and Hackney areas of London.

Kelly’s Directory of 1895 shows Charles Wilkins as a Beer Retailer. We believe that 1 Connaught Villas became The Duke of Connaught Pub around 1891. Charles was in residence until 1928. A rate book of Clewer Without in 1914 shows that Mr Wilkins paid £50 rent P.A. and the rateable value was £40. In 2006 the rateable value is £12,000!

If any previous Landlords of the pub are reading this I am compiling a list! If you can give me the dates you were here the finished article will appear in these pages in the near future! PLEASE E-MAIL ME: MelCollinge@aol.com

And if you have any old photos, drawings or anecdotes concerning the pub please let me know.