Home > London > NW8 > Heroes Of The Alma Heroes Of The Alma
Date of photo: 1975	Picture source: Timothy Keane
The Heroes Of The Alma was situated at 11 Alma Square, off Abbey Road. The Beatles used to visit, between recording sessions. Closed in 2002 it is now used as a private dwelling.
This was a very local pub to where I lived in Hall Road around 1972, and was a regular for Sunday lunchtimes. There was a rather ‘camp’ barman and his partner who may have been the owners. I’m afraid I don’t recall names. Every Sunday afternoon at closing time he would ring the large bar bell and declare: “Fingers out! Dickies in!” Now outwardly this seems a bit rude and probably unlikely to be announced in any modern day pub! However anyone who recalls the barman would recollect the totally humorous and absolutely harmless intention. It was simply the camp humour of the day. The fact that I recall it with affection after 40 years must say something about 70s attitudes and humour!
John Gardiner (October 2014)
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Name	Dates	Comments
Didier	1980
Bert Hayes	1964-1966	I used to occasionally drink there with a good ex school mate. There used to be an old guy who unofficially collected the empty glasses. The batman/owner? Was a short bald guy. I have happy memories of sitting outside in the summer sun sinking a pint or two. I remember seeing Matt Munro sinking a whiskey there dressed in a camel haired coat. They were happy carefree days with my whole life before me.
Robert Deahm	1972	I lived for a short time in Hamilton Gardens, just around the corner from "the heroes". Being an Aussie I was used to "cold" beer, and the barman would welcome me with: "my little aussie mate" and proceed to drop a small clump of ice in my beer. I tried to tell him that this only diluted the beer. . Nevertheless some good chats were had at the bar.
Sally Smith	1972	I lived in a shared ground floor garden flat on Alma Sq., friends and I have wonderful memories of enjoying many pints here. The community ambiance of this gorgeous London pub was fabulous. Sadly the pedestrian crossing was the closest I go to the Beatles!
Paul Knowler	1978-1984	A regular at the Heroes from my 18th! Benny the barman would add "BAT" to the round which was "Benny's Awful Thirst" and paid of a bottle of Guinness. He would work his way through a crate and could be seen arguing with the post box at closing time. My best spots were Kate Bush enjoying a glass of wine and Boy George who lived locally. Happy days at the Alma.

Other Photos

Picture source: T C