The Hare and Billet

Across the street from The Hare and Billet, a pond shimmers. It’s known as Hare and Billet Pond. It’s said to be the most natural of the four ponds on Blackheath, teeming with wildlife. But the real story lies within the walls of The Hare and Billet itself. This pub, overlooking Greenwich Park, is more than just a place for a pint. It’s a place steeped in history, dating back to the 1600s. The Hare and Billet started its life as a coaching inn. Imagine weary travelers stopping here for respite on their journeys along Watling Street, the old Roman road to Dover. In the 18th century, this road was notoriously dangerous, frequented by highwaymen. The Hare and Billet offered a haven from the perils of the heath. The pub’s history isn’t all pints and coaches, though. A chilling tale whispers of a ghostly figure. It’s said to be the spirit of a woman from the 18th century. She hanged herself from an elm tree after her lover failed to meet her at The Hare and Billet. Even today, some say her restless spirit wanders the area. More recently, The Hare and Billet found itself at the center of a comical parliamentary debate. In 2014, a local MP, Jim Dowd, unknowingly tasted Henderson’s Relish instead of Worcester Sauce at the pub. He later accused the relish of being a “parasitic copy” in the House of Commons. This sparked an uproar among Henderson’s Relish fans, a phenomenon dubbed “Hendogate.” The pub even saw a surge in visitors from Sheffield, the home of Henderson’s, after the incident. The Hare and Billet continues to serve its community and visitors. It boasts a range of cask ales, including the house beer, “Hare of the Dog.” It’s a place where you can enjoy a meal, soak in the history, and perhaps, catch a glimpse of the past.