Tucked away on Stanmore Hill, the Abercorn Arms has witnessed centuries of comings and goings. This isn’t just any pub. The Abercorn Arms boasts a history as rich as the ales it once served. It started life simply as the Abercorn Arms, named after the Marquess of Abercorn who purchased the nearby Bentley Priory Estate in 1788. Imagine weary travelers in the early 1800s, making their way up the steep Stanmore Hill. The Abercorn Arms would have been a welcome sight, offering respite and refreshment. Twice-daily coaches ran from the Abercorn Arms to Oxford Street and Holborn. This convenient service spurred development, attracting wealthy Londoners to build grand homes nearby. They could enjoy country life with easy access to the city, and of course, a good pub at the end of their journey. The Abercorn Arms even played a role in European royalty. In 1814, it hosted a grand meeting between the Prince Regent (later King George IV), the King of Prussia, and other European dignitaries. King Louis XVIII of France, returning from exile to reclaim his throne, dined at the Abercorn Arms before continuing his journey to London. Picture the scene: a grand procession down Stanmore Hill, complete with hundreds of horsemen, trumpeters, Royal Horse Guards, and six royal carriages. Over the years, the Abercorn Arms even grandly renamed itself the “Abercorn Arms Royal Hotel” to commemorate the royal visit. Later it was shortened again to just “Abercorn”. While the pub is sadly closed now, its presence on Stanmore Hill serves as a reminder of its vibrant past.
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