The Load of Hay, Staines Road, Bedfont

Jul 31 2008

The Load of Hay

With six children, the new landlord of The Load of Hay is never short of staff.

Ronald Hopper, 50, bought the pub in Staines Road, Bedfont, a year ago after moving from Ashford.

He said: "We owned a pub there but it wasn't making enough money, so we moved here and bought The Load of Hay, which is doing a lot better. I want to retire early."

The pub underwent a major refurbishment only two months ago and as well as having its decor updated and new toilets installed, now boasts a new landscaped beer garden, where locals can enjoy weekly barbecues and a purpose-built smoking area complete with heat lamps and lighting.

Ronald said: "We have also just started doing Sunday lunches. They are lovely and have been a real hit with families. Our customers are a really friendly bunch, there is a real family atmosphere.

"I have six children so a few of them sometimes help out, collecting glasses and the like, when they want pocket money. It would be nice if they followed me into the pub business."

Opening times: Mon-Thurs, 11am-midnight; Fri-Sat, 11am-1am; Sun, noon-11pm.

Drinks: Usual range of wines, spirits and lagers.

Food: Sunday lunch. Adult: £5.95, children: £3.95.

Entertainment: Three plasma TVs with Sky sports. Karaoke every Saturday, from 9pm. Band or soloist every Friday, from 9pm.

Tel: 020 8890 7629