[Editorial] Pour Me Another! A 5 Horror Film Pub Crawl

As life begins to slowly resemble a shade of its former self, I am sure we are all looking forward to a (socially distanced of course) nice cold pint in a beer garden or a full-bodied glass of red in our local pub. To celebrate being able to raise a glass again, join me in a virtual pub crawl as I look at a selection of the weird and wonderful pubs featured in horror cinema! Mine is a double gin and tonic with a twist of lime please!

1) The Green Man Inn

The Wicker Man (1973, Robin Hardy)

A comforting glow flickers from within and we hear an accordion playing as Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) approaches The Green Man Inn, the social hub of Summerisle. Watering hole and bed and breakfast, the space is simply decorated with white-wash walls serving as a backdrop to the collection of May Day portraits. Owned by Landlord Alder MacGreagor (Lindsay Kemp) and his daughter Willow (Britt Ekland), the self-righteous truth-seeker Howie is far from amused by the jubilant festivities of the locals who are decked out in cravats and caps. Initially, the Summerisles’ are equally as unsure of their visitor when, (in a famous and often imitated scene) his entrance brings all chatter and music to an uncomfortable silence. The tense atmosphere proves to be momentary however, as they swing into a lively rendition of The Landlord’s Daughter complete with bawdy lyrics, provoking a raised eyebrow from the prudish Howie. While the hospitality is welcoming, guests should be warned that canned fruit is served for dessert and they may wake up to find the ominous Hand of Glory on their bedside table! 

2) The Slaughtered Lamb

An American Werewolf In London (1981, John Landis)

Nestled snugly amidst the Yorkshire countryside, this drinking den entices backpackers Jack  (Griffin Dunne) and David (David Naughton) in for a well earned rest. While David is keen to warm his boots and enjoy some refreshments inside, Jack is suspicious of the pub’s uniquely gothic and bloody branding. With its mounted antlers and thick wooden beams, the interior of The Slaughtered Lamb is traditional and cosy. In homage to The Wicker Man, the laughter and frivolity of the room is hushed to a piercing quiet as the two friends ask if they can come in. A sea of faces fixes their gaze upon the travellers evoking a sustained atmosphere of hostility. When no response comes, they find the nearest table and dismount their backpacks before being approached by a no-nonsense barmaid (Lila Kaye). The chatter resumes amongst the locals but at a low, mumbling and inaudible level. Whilst discussing the oddness of their present company, Jack points out a pentangle etched onto the wall, framed by two burning candles. In a moment which seems to seal the fate of the pair, a straight-faced man in a leather jacket (Brian Glover) shouts out ‘check-mate’ across the room before delivering a joke which is so hilarious, it has the locals spitting out their pints. However, the laughter is brought to a crashing halt when Jack enquires about the pentangle on the wall which receives the frostiest reception of all time from a thwarted darts player. Patrons of this pub are advised to drink up their tea quickly and ask no questions!

3) The Wakely Arms

Straw Dogs (1971, Sam Peckinpah) 

A dreary and bare-looking space, there is little joy or amusement to be found at The Wakely Arms. Here, the locals nurse pints of ale which come in a variety of earthy tones, echoing the clothes and interior of the pub, all of which are saturated in brown. American outsider David Sumner (Dustin Hoffman) attempts to fit in and with his chunky coffee coloured knit, he is off to a good start. Drinking here is done quietly and to excess with ageing customer Tom Hedden (Peter Vaughan) at the epicentre of all the comings and goings. His short temper and aggression also make the pub a violence space as he bullies and beats his way to the other side of the bar when refused a drink. This physical act of hot headedness intrigues David who stands in a corner whilst smoking a cigarette, simply observing. Although Tom offers to pay for the newcomer’s cigarettes, this is refused as David provides the bartender with the money himself, but only once Tom has left. David’s role as an outsider is firmly solidified when he orders a double whiskey with ice, rather than a pale ale. Interestingly, he chooses to position himself away from the group of working men who should be his allies and instead aligns himself with local outsider Tom. If you possess a weakness for strong ale and have something brown to wear, The Wakely Arms is waiting to welcome you!

4) The Winchester Tavern

Shaun of the Dead (2004, Edgar Wright)

If you like pig snacks, then you’ll love The Winchester! A pub with a difference, it functions as both a place for friends Shaun (Simon Pegg) and Ed (Nick Frost) to relax over a few beers, and as a hold up for the zombie apocalypse! Despite the drab interior and soulless atmosphere, the friends spend much of their time in the tavern which effectively becomes an extension of their living room. The space also boasts a range of entertainment features such as a jukebox, a fruit machine and a pool table. Unlike the other films discussed in this list, the characters in Shaun of the Dead are the only ones who are not outsiders entering into an unknown pub. Shaun’s girlfriend, Liz (Kate Ashfield) finishes their relationship precisely because she does not want a future that consists of drinking in the pub on repeat. Far from being an imposing or ambiguous figure, here the friends are on first name terms with the landlord. As zombies take over the area, Shaun and Ed are joined by family and friends, taking refuge in their favourite drinking spot. Proving to be more than a dead-end den of iniquity, The Winchester and its fully functioning rifle, protects the group, that is… until the zombies decide they fancy a pint too. 

5) The village local

Calvaire (2004, Fabrice Du Welz)

An uninviting space, the lighting is harsh and clinical, creating a strange aesthetic and with its mixture of dank browns and greens, you can literally feel the grime hovering in the air. Sat at a series of rickety tables, the locals sip from small glass bottles without making conversation. The area from which the drinks are served is a shabby construction tucked away in the far corner, presided over by a Landlord who could benefit from some training in customer service. Bartel (Jackie Berroyer), an ageing man who owns a nearby inn, enters into the pub with a gun slung over his shoulder; unwelcomed by the men, he is clearly an outsider in his own community. As he leaves, a crash of piano keys emits a deadly and frenetic tune into the pub, whilst also acting as an unsettling score. Above the piano sit taxidermy animals, a reminder that what was once roaming around freely has been captured, killed and stuffed. As the pace of the song picks up remaining slightly out of tune, two men partake in a strange, ritualistic dance. Within moments, they are joined by their fellow-drinkers who imitate the bizarre movements by flapping their arms and swaying about from side-to-side. A murky and unsettling place situated in the Belgian countryside, the unnamed pub in Calvaire might have homely gingham curtains but this is where the charm ends!

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