The Nonsuch Inn

In 1937, a grand cinema graced this very spot where The Nonsuch Inn now stands. It was the Granada, opened by the dazzling Jessie Matthews. The Nonsuch Inn carries a legacy far older than the Granada. It takes its name from Nonsuch Palace, Henry VIII’s extravagant creation. Henry VIII built Nonsuch Palace to surpass the French King’s palace at Fontainebleau. He declared it “none such like it,” a boast that gave the palace and eventually this pub their name. The Nonsuch Inn occupies a space steeped in history. The original Nonsuch Palace was a marvel, adorned with gilded stucco and painted panels depicting Henry VIII and his son, Prince Edward, among classical gods. Sadly, it was demolished in the 17th century by Charles II’s mistress, Barbara Villiers, the Duchess of Cleveland and Baroness Nonsuch, to settle her debts. This area also housed the Brock’s Fireworks factory in the early 20th century. Known for its Crystal Palace displays, the factory employed mainly women. They adhered to strict safety measures. Black-clad workers handled powder while white-clad workers packed and dispatched. Despite precautions, explosions occasionally occurred. The Brock family Rolls Royce would then ferry the injured to the hospital. Inside The Nonsuch Inn, you’ll find remnants of this rich past. Displays showcase the history of Nonsuch Palace, the grandeur of the Granada cinema, and even the explosive tales of Brock’s Fireworks. So raise a glass at The Nonsuch Inn, not just to a good pint, but to the echoes of kings, queens, movie stars, and firework displays that resonate within these walls.