Looking like a cross between Betty Paige and Geri Halliwell, Caroline of Brunswick has been reinvented as a saucy, rebellious minx in her new role as pub mascot.

Winking cheekily at passersby, her brightly painted portrait signals the arrival of the hostelry formerly known as the Leek and Winkle.

“Queen Caroline was married to the Prince Regent, and by all accounts was “a bit of a goer,” says landlady Debora Parr. Despite being disliked, mistreated and eventually disowned by her husband, she was in fact very popular with the masses, had numerous lovers and certainly knew how to have a good time.

All this makes her the ideal candidate to represent the pub, which should appeal to a young student and alternative crowd.

Debora and her partner Cliff, who left careers in senior management and IT to take over the pub which overlooks The Level, have spent the past few months renovating and refurbishing it.

They have transformed the space at the back into a “boudoir”, replete with furry, leopardprint fabric on the walls, comfy leather Chesterfield sofas and chandeliers.

Breadcrumb chicken goujons
and garlic mayo with mash

The walls are decorated with fun, kinky pictures and some interesting artwork which “give it a slightly glam, decadent feel,” says Debora.

“It has been hard work but it’s great being your own boss,” she says. “We just wanted to create a really good atmosphere where people can come and eat, drink and enjoy themselves.”

Describing the atmosphere as chilled out and elegant – “more than just a place to shoot down cheap drinks” – Debora says: “We’ve got a new chef and offer a full daytime and evening menu of fresh home-cooked, quality pub grub with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.”

Enjoy feasting on dishes such as Mexican bean pot with lime and chilli cous cous or veggie bangers with creamy leek mash and onion gravy, as well as all-day breakfasts and Sunday roasts. Bottled beers, real ales, traditional ciders and organic wines are all available.

Caroline of Brunswick offers a good programme of events, including quiz night, open mic, acoustic gigs and DJ nights (Who could resist Friday night’s Sleaze and Cheeze?), a pool table, a beer garden, and an upstairs function room for hire.

Review by Xenia Gregoriadis
Pictures by Jim Holden