FAREWELL TO TWICKENHAM’S FOUNTAIN BEEFEATER
Many local residents were saddened this week by the closure of The Fountain Beefeater on Sixth Cross Road, Twickenham.
The pub/restaurant had been a landmark site for family Sunday lunches but has now closed as part of operator Whitbread’s plan to close 106 Beefeater restaurants and focu on its Premier Inns.
The Fountain dates back to 1939 as an inter-war roadhouse, named after the two circular fountains which once stood outside. The first landlord was George Simmons.
One Facebook post said: “End of an era for Twickenham. It’s a sad day for local history. The Fountain Beefeater on Sixth Cross Road has permanently closed its doors today, September 10th.
“The closure is part of a massive UK-wide move by its parent company, Whitbread, which is shutting down all 106 Beefeater restaurants due to rising hospitality costs and taxes.
“For so many of us in Twickenham, The Fountain has been a landmark and a go-to spot for family Sunday roasts, birthdays, and catch-ups over the years. Sending so much love to all the wonderful local staff affected by the closure today. Thank you for taking such good care of us!”
Another wrote: “My parents took me & my brother as a treat for dinner in the 70’s. I had my first date with my now husband in the 90’s. Fond memories of this place.”
And another said: “I am so gutted this has gone I used to love going there on a Sunday with my family for dinner.”
The future of the building is unknown.