932 FOCUS
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
932 FOCUS.qxp_Layout 1 03/12/2019 11:37 Page 8
8 Focus
NEWS
It has been a hectic few weeks at the Brewers Arms. Ben, the owner and chef says, “Every day is so unpredictable; we will
have a few booked in for lunch or dinner in the mid-week then 30 people turn up completely out of the blue. However, we
are now turning away more people as we are fully booked, its heart-breaking but it’s a nice problem to have. We have had
a couple of nice events recently, there was a surprise Birthday party for Frank Bruno, which he knew nothing about and was
told by my dad (his agent) that he had a job in South Woodham Ferrers but to pop into the Dragon to sign some books
first. We took him up the back stairs so when he came down into the restaurant we obtained for all the Guests a Frank
Bruno Face mask and he was really surprised to see his old boxing friends John Conteh and Charlie Magri, along with his
pal for many years, Cas Pennant actor and author along with various charity workers and family and friends. Entertainment
was provided by Harry Cambridge, who is selling out theatres all over the UK with his Luther Vandross show. We had the
1st of our sporting dinner shows with West Ham legend Tony Cottee and this sell out night resulted in us booking another
West Ham former player now a Sky Pundit Tony Gale for Feb 19th 2020.
With Christmas drawing ever nearer it’s time to start thinking about Christmas parties, Christmas lunch (fancy letting
someone else do the cooking and washing up for you?), Boxing day lunch and of course New Year’s Eve. Well the Drunken
Dragon can take care of all of those for you. All the menus are on the website and Ben laughed when we asked him about
New year’s Eve he said, “Well I’m doing my bit in the Kitchen with a 6 course banquet and I’ve told my Dad to dust off his
headphones and mic and he can do a selection of music for dancing to see the new year in”. Dave says, “I djayed as a
profession from 1979 to 2006, I stopped when the music really changed House, R&B was not my thing! My background
was as a personality DJ playing party music from 1960’s to the 90’s. But New year’s Eve was always one of the easiest nights
to DJ, however I never enjoyed it as when midnight came everybody was kissing and greeting all their family and friends
and there I was standing on my own. When asked what was his favourite event of his career? David said, “I worked it out
the other day for a book I am writing; I hosted approximately 16,000 events all over Europe from audiences of 8 up to
15,000, but a special day was my favourite Charity, the London Taxi drivers for Disabled
Children Annual New year’s party at Grosvenor house in London and 1 year I had to
introduce Princess Diana as she was the patron the Taxi charity. This year my wife and I were
invited to Buckingham Palace for the Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea Party with Camilla
Duchess of Cornwall, I have a great story about that but maybe another time!”
We asked Ben “What’s in store for the New Year“. He replied “Well if there is
enough interest in a wine tasting evening I would like to try that.”
Also talking of Christmas; a number of customers have asked about vouchers
for Christmas presents. No problem, give us a call or pop in.
Then we have been asked to do a Psychic Night on Monday 27th Jan.
Valentines Night 14th February, book now don’t leave it too late!
Tony Gale West Ham on the 19th February
“We are so lucky at the moment that without
having to put on too many events customers are
supporting us which we are eternally grateful for.”
FOCUS