Bunjies folk cellar coffee house

Subject: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: GUEST,Jim Clark London England
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 06:13 AM

I have been posting some of the videos I made in the late 1990's at Bunjies folk cellar/coffee house that was situated in Litchfield Street near Cambridge Circus just off the Charing cross road and I was wondering how many of you Mudcatters had visited or played at this celebrated venue over the years. It was until its closure in 1998 (the last I heard it had been turned into a middle e3astern restuarant)possibly Londons oldest open mike venue and all manner of later to become big stars such as Bob Dylan and Paul Simon had played a few tunes there while they were cutting the teeth. I only visited it a few times in 1997 during which time I managed to video a few of the performers there at the time.

If any others have memories of this place it would be very interesting to read them if you would like to share them here at Mudcat.

As I said I have posted a few videos I made at Bunjies which you can find under my youtube name of vidlad.

Heres a link to my profile page at youtube..

Jim Clark original acoustic music videos at youtube

Acousticaly yours

Jim Clark

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 06:18 AM

I did in the mid 1960s. In fact I worked there for a while helping Lou Hart with the accounts and am therefore astonished that it wasn't closed down till 30 years later. Don't suppose this helps in the slightest.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 06:45 AM

Hello there,

Yes...I remember Bunjie's...I played there too...It was always an interesting experience!

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: GUEST,Jim Clark London England
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 07:19 AM

It would ne nice to read any reminiscences you might have of performers you saw/met at Bunjies.

Acousticaly yours

Jim Clark

Live at Bunjies folk cellar on youtube

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: Scrump
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 07:41 AM

I vaguely remember seeing Al Stewart there late at night - could that be true? I didn't go there much, but I think they had late night sessions. I expect the amount of booze I had might have clouded my memory. Or could I be thinking of somewhere else? Who knows? :-)

Pretty sure it was, though - I remember where it was, just off the Charing X Rd.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 07:45 AM

Was I there that night, Scrump?
Whaddya mean, you can't remember?

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 07:52 AM

I first went to Bunjies in July 1966: Jo Anne Kelly was the main performer. I was a big fan of Dave Ellis who played there in the early 70s(?). I even got up and sang a few times! I remember being in Bunjies one lunchtime around 1980 and being served coffee by Russ Shipton ( he of the authorship of dozens guitar tuition books).

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: Scrump
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 07:58 AM

Well, I think I went there a few times for late night sessions that started after the pubs closed - but am I thinking of Bunjie's or somewhere else? Did they have late night sessions in the early 1970s (about 1970-71 would be my guess)?

The problem is, my memories of going there are vague because I think I only ever went there with friends after we'd been drinking in pubs in the area.

I think I saw Al Stewart there on one occasion, but I'm just not sure if my memory is playing tricks. Or whether I'm thinking of somewhere else. Were there any other clubs in that area that were open late at night?

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 08:05 AM

Well. it might have been the Cousins in Greek Street (just off the Charing Cross Road on the other side). There were all-nighters there where musicians dropped in after doing gigs elsewhere. Al Stewart had a residency there on certain nights (I forget which), though pre-1970.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: GUEST,Jim Clark London England
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 08:32 AM

Yes Al Stewart did play in Bunjies in his early days he shared a flat with Paul Simon who actualy lived at one time in Litchfield Street(dunno if it was the same flat though)

Their is a realy nice little booklet about Bunjies called "Nights in the cellar" by singer songwriter Peter Cadle(he apparently wrote one song that well known,cant recall what its called now,I think Christy Moore covered it)

Its surprising who had played at Bunjies over the years.Bob Dylan apparently got shown the door after insisting on playing more than the 2 songs permitted to floor spotters (you had to be a headler to play for longer unless it was a slack night without many players waiting to perform) I believe Rod Stewart had played there in his acoustic blues days.

What brought me to Bunjies was a tape a musical mate had got me listen to an amazing performer called Dave Russell,Dave had been playing on and off at Bunjies since 1962 I had never heard anybody like him or seen anybody play the guitar like him I was and still am that anybody who could mix music with poetry like he does is a genius. A lot of folks who are into bog standard conventional acoustic perfoance dont ubderstand what Dave is all about. Dave plays guitar and performs songs and poems from the blues through folk to popular and classic and his own original poems and songs,but he does so with his own Merlin like wizardry here he is performing his beautiful almost ye olde English folk take on the Madonna song "This used to be my playgound"

Dave Russell at Bunjies

I am interested in hearing about any performers Mudcatters can recall seeing at Bunjies,but does anybody have any memories they can share about seeing Dave Russell or Bottleneck Bill (Who told me Joanne Kelly had been very kind to him helping him with getting gigs. I have recorded Dave Russell since first meeting him at Bunjies in 1997 in some detail at qiute a few sessions at my home and other venues. I have recorded Bottleneck Bill at over a dozen sessions at mine and his home and at a few gigs and filmed him walking and talking around Central London where he used to play and in Eastbourne his home town in Sussex.

Acousticaly yours

Jim Clark (vidlad at youtube)

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: GUEST,Wayne
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 09:15 AM

Just went there once, (on a pilgrimage I suppose). It would have been in the early nineties. I had an excellent vegetarian meal and listened to some superb music. Some fine floor singers followed by an excellent duo called Sister Wicca. I still have (and play) their tape. Great music. I thought they were going to be huge. They disappeared, of course. Happy days.

Diolch

Wayne

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: Scrump
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 11:40 AM

Ah, I remember Les Cousins (I think that was the bloke's name who ran the club - I'll get me coat later), but I think it was Bunjie's I'm thinking of as I remember the sign and the location, even though I don't really remember any details. I used to go to a lot of folk clubs in thos days, nearly every night of the week, so I sometimes find it difficult to recall who I saw where and when, although I think I saw most of the artists gigging in those days (in London anyway).

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: David C. Carter
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 01:45 PM

Used to go to Bunjie's,Les Cousins,the Scots House off Cambridge Circus,all those places.Georgie Fame,The Downliners Sect,Yardbirds,Zoot Money and The Big Roll band and The Pretty Things.Can't remember the the rest,for some strange reason!
The Marquis,The Flamingo and the 100 Club,which I think was on Oxford Street.
Happy Daze!

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: Girl Friday
Date: 09 Feb 07 - 09:39 PM

Tunesmith.. Dave Ellis plays every year at my Folk Club, with singing partner, Boo Howard. I believe the website to be Dave and Boo.com. Yep. Just checked it out. You can listen on it too.
listen to dave and boo

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 10 Feb 07 - 06:46 PM

Gosh seems a million years and miles away from where I am now, but in the late 60's 1967.......... to around 72 when I left for Yorkshire I went all over the London clubs. Bunjies was a great place to go. Saw Al stewart, Bert Jansch, a young Martin Carthy (? Not the young, but seem to remember seeing him there as well as C S House)John Martyn ? Used to go to Les Cousins.The Marquis,The Flamingo and the 100 Club used to go to all of them and the Soho Beer cellar. The really were good times, when you could wander about pretty safely (Only ever saw one act of violence) stay up all night. Go to the Golden egg in Leicester square at two in the morning. The cafe des artistes and the ship in Old Brompton road. So many places..that's 40 years ago ! Where has the time gone?

There was a thread a couple of years agoabout folk clubs in London in the 60's. I quite believe some of us, must have rubbed shoulders in som of these places. Anyone ever know a bloke called Brian Flax, hung about with another guitarist called Trevor? something? (Trevor got some sort of deal with EMI)

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 11 Feb 07 - 04:04 AM

Old thread about Les Cousins.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 11 Feb 07 - 05:08 PM

dave and boo sound fantastic!

do they come oop north?

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: Scrump
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 07:33 AM

David Carter - yes, you're right, the 100 Club was and still is at 100 Oxford St (hence the name).

I can also vouch that Dave Ellis & Boo Howard are well worth seeing (having seen them a few times last year), but I don't think this Dave Ellis is the same one referred to by Tunesmith (I could be wrong, but I don't think he's old enough to have been playing in the early 1970s, is he?). Anyone know?

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 07:43 AM

Well from their web site


Dave Ellis came to London from Liverpool in 1970. He released a solo album in 1973 which gave him nationwide exposure including appearances on the Old Grey Whistle Test and In Concert.
Dave became a regular at the Marquee and played some unusual concert supports - such as the Edgar Broughton Band at the Rainbow and Rod Stewart at Reading Festival.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: Scrump
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 10:01 AM

Thanks Kevin - I should have checked before posting. Looks like I'm wrong, apologies to Tunesmith.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 10:53 AM

To be honest he doesn't look old enough to be the Dave Ellis I recall from the early 70s :-)

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: Scrump
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 11:35 AM

That's what I thought. Although I may not have looked at him properly - I was probably looking at Boo more than him :D

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 12 Feb 07 - 12:23 PM

But then again Scrump I probably don't look like the Kevin Sheils you may have seen around London in the early 70's

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: GUEST,Timothy in Boston
Date: 05 May 07 - 09:19 PM

I am looking for someone who used to work at Bunjies in the late 50's and 60's... John Arthur... do any of you remember him or have any idea how to contact him
Thanks
T
PS Visisted the middle Eastern restaurant now there 2 weeks ago.... same Bunjies lay out, even have the bar in the same spot.... but such a long way from where it was re its current usuage and atmosphere!!!

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 09 May 07 - 09:49 PM

Does anyone remember Howard Bragen who helped run this venue for a while?

sal

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 10 May 07 - 04:23 AM

they used to do iced coffee - Ithink it was made with Camp bottled coffee.

thats all I remember.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 09:42 PM

Refreshing this cos i found it had gone to sleep

And so should i at this time of night.

Sal

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: Lanfranc
Date: 29 Sep 07 - 11:07 PM

I played there as a floor singer several times between 1967 and 1969, and even managed a brief spell as "resident" when someone (can't remember who) was away on holiday (or were they off playing McTavish's Kitchen (?) in Oban - memory is hazy. Wonder why?). Another name not mentioned above that I associate with Bunjies is Amory Kane - whatever happened to him?

If I remember right, there is a video extant of Al Stewart playing at Bunjies that was included in the BBC "Folk Britannia" TV series.

Once I moved up to London in Autumn 1968, I tended to base myself on the Troubadour and visits to Bunjies became rare.

I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now!

Alan

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 30 Sep 07 - 05:50 AM

Found this anybody throw any light on it, or the player?
Giok

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: GUEST,Shirley Simpson
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 10:44 AM

I loved Bunjies, went there from 1966 to 67 when I lived in Bourne & Hollingsworth's staff hostel in Gower Street.

Wish I knew how many famous names I heard playing there.

They did a mean steak, chips & tomatoes, for 4 shillings & 6 pence.
I tipped a whole plate in my lap once.

Feel very nostalgic thinking about it, lump in the throat time!!

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar cofeee house
From: theleveller
Date: 17 Jun 08 - 03:30 PM

I not only visited and played there from time to time, I worked directly opposite for a couple of years. I think I probably spent more time in the local pubs, though - The Two Brewers, Green Man and French Horn, The Sussex and, before it burnt down (while I was in it), The Trafalgar.....but that's another story.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,sophie harris
Date: 28 Jun 08 - 04:49 PM

Hi
I'd love to see your videos of Bunjies in the 1990s, but the youtube link does not work. (I see your original post was about 1 1/2 years ago!). I hope your youtube account was not suspended because of copyright issues.

Is there anywhere else I could watch your videos?

Kind regards

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Dave Bebbington
Date: 14 Jul 08 - 03:04 AM

I visited Bunjie's numerous times in 1969 and 1970, as I recall there was a guy called Hratch (approximately, never saw the name written down) with whom I had a nodding acquaintance who was I believe of Greek origin and was resident singer there for some time. I certainly recall seeing the late great Jo-Anne Kelly there several times. A unique venue which would have been even greater if it had had a toilet!

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,David
Date: 05 Aug 09 - 08:20 PM

I worked there 1967-1968 when Chris and Carlos were managers. We got half a crown an hour. Other employees were Jamie, Florence, a girl from New Zealand. Lou Hart was brilliant. Hratch was Armenian.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: Will Fly
Date: 06 Aug 09 - 04:02 AM

I used to grab a slice of apple pie and a coffee downstairs at Bunjie's before heading off to the Cousins. Jo-Ann Kelly was indeed a regular down there - sometimes partnered, or in tandem, with a guitarist/singer from Canada called Mike Absalom.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,David
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 03:58 AM

I was there in 1980-81, did a few floor spots and saw lots of good musicians, Chris Pearson being one I still listen to, nobody at the level of Al Stewart or Paul Simon but I do recall one excellent duo who did a great version of Stewart's "Roads to Moscow." I don't remember their name, sadly.

I stayed in touch with then owner Russ Shipton, and his wife, Terry, until she passed away several years ago. A lovely couple. Russ is the creator of The Complete Guitar Player series of books and such, and I think he has recordings of us all that he compiled awhile back but I never heard them myself. He's still in London so you might be able to reach him if you're persistent - I've lost his e-mail address but it's around the Web.

Those were amazing times, hard to believe it was nearly 30 years ago.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,David
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 04:00 AM

BTW, I can be reached at [e-mail], if anyone remembers Chris Pearson or knows the name of the duo who did "Roads to Moscow" and would like to reminisce. Maybe we even met!

DwC

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Steamin' Willie
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 04:11 AM

Yeah, played it with a small band some time in the late '80s I seem to remember. A friend had a broken arm and I stepped in for a few when I was spending time in London for other work reasons.

I do recall buying an album of local talent playing there, and seeing this post had me searching through my old LPs but I can't find it.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 05:46 AM

It wasn't my link I'm afraid, so don't know why it was removed.
In my day, Theo Johnson, and Roger Evans used to do nights at Bunjies, neither of them are with us any more I'm afraid.
Anybody remember the Barge Club at Kingston on Thames, which Theo Johnstone also used to run.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 03:35 PM

A colleague at work, who knew I was involved in folk music, introduced me, in the early 1980s, to another fellow employee who played at Bunjie's (Simon Prager).

Kitty

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 04:02 PM

Oh yes, I remember Simon.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: Suegorgeous
Date: 03 Dec 09 - 09:18 PM

Anyone else know or heard of the above-mentioned Dave Russell? I used to know someone of that name (though he lived in Surrey then), always wondered what happened to him, and wondered if it might be the same guy...

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Vivi-Ann
Date: 26 Feb 10 - 03:19 PM

I loved the cellar, -the music, the coffe and cheese-cake. I often visited the place in 1967 and sometimes in -69.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Morgan
Date: 08 May 10 - 12:31 AM

I was the Omelette Chef at Bunjies in the years of Joe Ann Kelly, Sandy Denny, Mike McCann. Lou Hart was the Boss then. We the staff were all young hopeful Musso's, seeking the fame that touches some and seems always to be just beyond the grasp of others. I came out og the Kitchen for a smoke one evening and a girl came to me and asked "Is Cat still at work? He's the dishwasher." "Cat who?" I asked. "Stevens." She replied. "He's gone home" I told her and that was it. We were all mussos, we all shared what we had. Bunjies was like a birds nest with a perpetual house full of fledglings: And when they learned to fly they left the nest. It's a busy life once you take off: But you never forget those mates who buoyed you in the days you were battling.

I got my name Morgan in Bunnjies one night, about 66. I was waiting tables and a friend remarked, "I've got just the name for you Twelve String."
"Oh!" I said "What is it?"
"Morgan" he told me "I've just seen a movie called 'Morgan a suitable case for treatment." I like it I told him and went to the cellar to door a floor spot with Sandy Denny: The first time I stood up as Morgan.
I'd been thinking about this 'Morgan' character and thought he must be a pretty cool dude.
"Tell me about Morgan" I asked my friend.
"Well" he replied, "He's this dude who dresses up as in a gorilla suit and races round town mowing people with an Uzi!"
Too Late!! I was Morgan and have remained so.

Noel Murphy, my mentor, used to introduce me on his show as Morgan a suitable Treat for Casement.

Nice meeting you all.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Gez
Date: 08 Jun 10 - 06:23 PM

The duo who played Al Stewart's "Roads to Moscow" was Brackenwood.. Clive Buckingham and ... er... me... Gez Wenham :-)

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,john mc
Date: 15 Jul 10 - 03:48 PM

Bunjies was wonderful. I used to go there regularly on a Friday night and saw a variety of very good people, but best of all was Al Stewart. And I am so old that I saw him BEFORE he released his first LP Bedsitter Images in 1967.

Jo-Anne Kelly (best white woman blues singer) also sang there - generally on a Sunday.

There was a particularly good singer / guitarist called "Hratch" - who just seemed to disappear - despite being so talented.

In the mid 60s the Apple Strudel with cream was legendary - accompanied by a cup of coffee in a glass cup and saucer - and of course the ever present halo of cigarette smoke.

A couple of friends of mine worked there for a while - a very cultured Indian guy called "Rizvi" and an American lady from california called susan popovic.

A thoroughly wonderful place which was so right for its time.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Steve Martin
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 10:37 AM

I first played in Bunjies when I was thirteen in 1967 and continued playing there often for the next five years. Hratch was the person I remember the most; an excellent singer and willing to lend his Gibson (which he said was on HP) to a young feller. I particularly remember him crying while singing "Swiss Cottage Maneuvers" and still wonder what it meant to him. Al Stewart had long gone by then but his ghost lingered on. I also remember Amory Kane really well together with many of the people who have posted here. Patrick, who did a good rendition of Gordon Lightfoot songs, was also a favourite.

I was pleased to troll through the memories here-thanks!

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Jenny Itzcovitz
Date: 13 Sep 10 - 07:52 AM

I was just telling my daughter about Bunjies. Is it still open? Or has it moved elesewhere?

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Keith Willson
Date: 11 Oct 10 - 09:12 AM

Many memories of Bunjie's from the 60s to the 90s. Dave Russel playing his seminal poem/slide piece "Nobody ever gets off at this bus stop" and "Bicycle boy". I still have a copy if his incredible poetry entitled "The Exacting Modality of the World Web" (that was written long before the Internet).

My contribution was occasionally backing Raggy Farmer, doing one or two gigs alone, playing in the "Brockley Brothers" with Les French and in late Saturday night blues sessions.

Russ Shipton released an album of 12 performers "Live at Bunjies" in 1980. May still be a few copies around somewhere.

Other people I remeber were Phil Swallow, Sippy, Brackenwood, Hratch, Dave McGowan....

HRATCH is living in East Sussex and doing a Gig at the White Horse Folk Club, Bodle Street Green:::...................
Monday 1 November. Hratch Garabedian and Tom Collison plus floor singers. Hratch and Tom were here recently on our "first song" night. Hratch is of Armenian descent and was a key part of the London music scene, appearing regularly at the legendary Bunjies Club in Soho. (He also once opened for Cat Stevens at the Royal Albert Hall). These days he lives in Sussex and will be accompanied tonight by his fine guitarist friend Tom. Don't miss this night, it will be really special!.   
http://www.whitehorsefolk.co.uk/

Long way from Litchfield Street and 1966 I know!

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,LAT
Date: 15 Oct 10 - 05:14 PM

I worked there serving drinks etc on Thursday evenings in the mid 70's. Lou Hart was the boss. A lovely man, he used to tell really long jokes. The ending was hardly ever worth waiting for but you did, just in case it was a good one. He was tiny, barely 5 ft tall. He came to my wedding in 1978 too. We served great omelettes (I can say that as I didn't make them!)a pretty mean spag bol and endless cups of coffee of course. And the house speciality which was lemon cordial in coke. The singer then on Thursday was Simon Ma - an accountant by day I believe.
Aah, happy days. I have really enjoyed reading all of this.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Peter Brown
Date: 25 Oct 10 - 08:28 AM

I remember Bunjies with affection. I was in Henley-on-Thames playing in the back bar of a pub with a girl singer and another guitarist (we called ourselves the Highroaders, very cheesy) when a passing stranger invited us to Bunjies. We were all about 18 and had hardly ever been to London, 30 miles away. It was around 1966.
   We went and did three numbers. No restriction - hardly anyone was there. Al Stewart had the residency and was singing amazing stuff, including Paul Simon's The Sound of Silence, which we loved. I remember getting the words and chords from him during the break. He was friendly and kind with a great smile. In the corner sat Meg Ryan, the street busker. The place smelt of coffee and undergroundness.
That evening led me to the Cousins - but that's another story - and a lifelong interest in folk and blues, fostered by the feeling that I'd been involved almost from the beginning.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 25 Oct 10 - 09:26 AM

I think you mean Meg Aitken, Peter.
Lovely lady, she used to pop into Les Cousins, Friday all nighters, on a regular basis.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 25 Oct 10 - 11:29 AM

I think he means Meg Aikman, thought to have been an influence for Ralph McTell's Streets of London.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Dan Robertson
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 05:30 PM

I am too young to remember Bunjies or Cousins, but my dad John Robertson used to play at both during the late 60's. Im trying to track down some early photo's of the place as a present for him and would appreciate any help. I know that there was a book called 'Bunjies coffee house - nights in the cellar' by Peter Cadle, but it seems impossible to track down a copy.
He used to hang out with Maureen (Mo), Brian, and Hratch. He did a cracking version of Leonard Cohen's Suzanne.
I can see that many of you have fond memories of Bunjies and hope some of them were captured on film. Cheers.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Dan Robertson
Date: 06 Dec 10 - 05:34 PM

Sorry, I forgot to include my contact details:

[e-mail]

Thanks, dan.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Guest - Lin
Date: 07 Dec 10 - 12:46 AM

Bunjies was my favourite folk music place to visit when I was in London. Great, great memories of Hratch (still in touch) at Christmas, Brackenwood, Sippy, Russ Shipton and Mike Lee. By the way does anyone know what Mike Lee is doing these days? He was a really good singer and did justice to covers of Ralph McTell songs.

I remember Brackenwood. It seems like I kind of recall that one of them or perhaps both worked at the airport (not sure where) in the cargo area. Anyway, they were great and the audience really loved them too.

Also, does anyone remember a girl that hung out there (I don't think she was a singer) but she was very tall, long black hair and from Hawaii? We always used to chat about the music but don't know if anyone would remember her. This would have been in the mid 1980's to late 1980's. She was always there when Brackenwood played and when Mike Lee played there.

I remember always ordering the lasagne which was really good!

Is Bunjies still there or is there some other veune/restaurant there now? I don't live in England so I have been out of touch with what happened to Bunjies.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Clive Lebozer
Date: 08 Dec 10 - 03:19 AM

I was a teenager in the 80's and me and my friend Mark went to Bungies every week just to see Brackenwood play Roads to Moscow and the Ellan Vannin Tragedy - I love that song and every time I play it myself, I remember those fantastic nights at Bungies - thanks Gez! I have always wondered what happened to Brackenwood - tell us, please Gez

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,KH Shaw
Date: 14 Dec 10 - 10:33 AM

GEZ WENHAM replied to this thread re: Brackenwood. I really need to contact him but lost touch years ago and have no fwding info for him. Can anywone help??

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Smartlady
Date: 24 Dec 10 - 04:47 PM

My memories of Bunjies go back to the early 1950s - no regular performers in those days - frequented by out of work actors, students (medics mainly), nurses and office workers (me) who wanted a bit of the boho scene.
Someone composed this song which we sang lustily to frowns from the management:

Old poppa Beethoven wrote this little song
To keep us contented and happy all day long
Sitting in Bunjies my heart began to throb
For one Cappuchino would set me back a bob (5p!!!!)
And for a sandwich, I`d have to sell my soul
For six weeks I`ve saved up to buy a sausage roll.

The medics would often bring in their skeletons and put the skulls over the wall lights, making the cellar look even more eerie. Someone would bring a guitar, someone else bongos and off we would go. Am I the only mother who taught her sons the words to rugby songs when they began to play?!!!!

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Hawken
Date: 03 Jan 11 - 03:11 AM

I remember Sippy and her bosomy Persian girlfriend who fancied me.
So exciting.
I played a few times there, in the early 70's.
Hot blackcurrant juice :)
Nice times.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Kevin in California
Date: 13 Jan 11 - 03:08 PM

Hratch now has a few videos on YouTube ... still sounds terrific!

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Sippy
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 05:24 PM

I was a Bunjette from the late 60's to the late 80's. I had a residency on a few different nights from the early 70's.
I actually grew up at Bunjies, and was so sad to see the cellar door closed. It is sorely missed by me and countless others who came for a coffee and cheese cake to there home from home.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 05:32 PM

Hi Gez, good to see ya here. I used to sing the occasional song with Brackenwood.
Those were the days! (my friend)

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 05:40 PM

Hawken, Sippy, alive and well. and hope the winds of time have been good to you.
I remember Mr Northwind.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Jan 11 - 05:47 PM

Dan, I have a copy of Nights in the Cellar. I'm happy to send you some photos.
I started going down to Bunjies in the late 60's and hold very fond memories of it.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,balladeer
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 01:52 AM

I was in London June 64 to Dec 65. Played Bunjies enough that I'm in their archives. My name was Joanne Hindley-Smith in those days. I'm coming over (from Canada) in June and want to find out where the clubs are (all over the country) that encourage floor singers. Appreciate any help.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Jan 11 - 03:32 AM

^What kind of music do you play? There are loads!

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Maja
Date: 17 Feb 11 - 05:13 PM

I was an Au-Pair in London in 1972/73. Usually Thursday was my day off, so whenever possible I went to listen to Simon Ma in the evening. I'm so happy that someone else remembers him!! Wish I knew what became of him! I had moved to Hong Kong later, and the last thing I heard of Simon was that he had gone back to Singapore.

If anyone is still in contact with him, please let me know! Thanks!

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Andy Parker
Date: 24 Jun 11 - 05:35 AM

I was the dish washer, and later manager, of Bunjies (promotion was swift in those days) in the late-70s, when Denis and Ron had the lease. I was a local Covent Garden boy and my sister had worked there before me. I later went back to play a series of gigs with Steve Lake, not long before it closed. The floor had been levelled! No more 'dip' to help the taller musicians avoid scraping their heads, but an opportunity to play one of London's legendary venues was not to be missed...


If Sippy, Hawken, Phil Swallow, Tom Pamintuan, Hratch and Brackenwood are still around: love to you all.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: Musket
Date: 24 Jun 11 - 02:21 PM

Many years ago, I was involved in hospital radio. Every year we had a conference of our national body and in the delegates pack one year in the early '80s was a double album of Bunjies Folk Cellar.

I loved listening to it and as a result once my work took me to London occasionally, I managed to get there and listen to some wonderful music.

Dead jealous to read above that my mate Willie got to play there!! Didn't know that.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Guest - Lin
Date: 25 Jun 11 - 01:40 AM

I used to go there a lot during the 1980's and purchased the Bunjies LP. I think there was only one album released of folk singers who performed there. It was a great place to hang out and also enjoyed the Greek food before the concerts.

Some of my favourite performers were a duo called, Brackenwood. They had a regular spot there. Also. a great singer/guitarist called, Hratch used to perform regularly during the 70's and 80's. Another guy called, Mike Lee who was a hugh Ralph McTell fan, used to cover many of Ralph's songs. Not sure if he had a regular spot there but he was very, very good!

These are some of the guys I remember seeing the most.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Andy Parker
Date: 26 Jun 11 - 09:03 AM

Just a little side note to Ian Mather's piece about hospital radio: the bass player in a later band of mine worked for UCH hospital radio as a DJ for a stint and, browsing their record collection one night, I found the only copy of the Bunjies double-album that I've ever seen...

And how could I have forgotten to list Keith Willson, blues supremo? I hope you are still out there, well and doing your thing...love

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 Jun 11 - 09:52 AM

Anybody list the performers on said double album, please?

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,acoustic archive
Date: 27 Jun 11 - 08:58 AM

Youtube shut my channel down in 2008 the Blighters.Sp just to let you know I am restarting something similar ,but of more modest intentions and have already posted over 50 of my unique archive videos including a couple from Bunjies

Charlie Crow at Bunjies Folk Cellar

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,John Timpany
Date: 07 Jul 11 - 09:09 AM

Bunjies.

I was resident there for a few years with my partner Audrey Smith, and we played opposite Ron Simmonds with Big Theo Johnson doing 3 songs at half time.
Big Theo always needed an accompanist and unluckily Ron, me and Roger Evans had to take turns which meant a shorter break.
The money was rubbish, the venue was fantastic, the atmosphere electric, the audience wonderful, the acoustics superb, and the occasional guests excellent.

I don't think I ever found another venue for folk music in Europe with quite the character that Bunjies had. It's a shame it's gone.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 07 Jul 11 - 09:14 AM

Both Theo and Roger are no longer with us I'm afraid. Roger died some time ago, he was still quite young. It was something like an aneurism or a brain haemorrhage. Roger and his then girlfriend, Jane (lovely lady), lived and worked in Catalunya for a while. I went and visited them over there.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Oct 11 - 05:22 PM

So what did happen to the fantastic Hratch? Bunjiies was a wonderful place, great memories, but he was my main reason for going
Christine, now in France

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Christine in France
Date: 19 Oct 11 - 04:18 PM

Wherre can I hear some of Hratch's music?

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Mark Steinhardt
Date: 09 Nov 11 - 03:01 PM

Here's what I have about Bungies. It's from my biography of Audrey Smith (published 2000) who, as half of "John Timpany and Audrey Smith" had a residency there. The information came from interviews with John and Audrey (deceased).
...Later in 1967, or maybe '68, they started to play regularly in Litchfield Street, close to Cambridge Circus on the edge of Soho. Every Tuesday night a sign on the pavement announced BUNGIES COFFEE HOUSE AND FOLK CELLAR, with an arrow pointing down a flight of wooden steps. Particularly in the summer, large numbers of tourists accepted the invitation, perhaps sensing an encounter with Olde Englande. At the bottom of the steps they found a lit sign, a short, dark corridor and two brown and cream doors with BUNGIES on one. They pushed it open and tipped down a few more steps, passing another sign which read SHUT THE BLUDDY DOOR! Facing them, between the restaurant and the folk club, was the food counter, where Lou, the owner, served spaghetti bolognese and cakes. Behind him, a flight of stairs led up to a tiny office where he did his paperwork and lured the young girls who worked the restaurant—foreigners with little English; cash, no questions. There was a big fan behind the counter and when Lou let rip with one of his tempers he would fling a plate of food at it and spray the candle-lit diners with tomato sauce and finely divided pasta. Or so legend has it.
The folk cellar was a small room under low brick vaults, dripping in wet weather, with hard benches and no tables. Big Theo Johnson, fat, bearded and boastful, took the money. The stage was a four foot quadrant in one corner, raised about eight inches from the floor and there "John Timpany and Audrey Smith" played their songs for the tourists and a smattering of students, folk fans and fellow musicians. Ron Simmonds shared the evening and Big Theo sang the same three songs every night—good songs, mind you, and it didn't matter because there were very few regulars. On busy summer nights with fifty or more crushed in, the air was thick with heat, sweat and smoke and the singers struggled out during breaks to breathe the comparatively pure air of a Soho night.
Bungies became the proving ground for all their material. As they began to get bookings from more discerning audiences, this was important. The Bungies crowd was easy to please but they worked at maintaining a standard—polishing the old songs, trying different arrangements of the new and occasionally working with Ron Simmonds. John, always a quick learner, watched Ron play the guitar, moving his fingers economically round a chord, picking out a melody and harmony or bass line at the same time, and soon mastered his style well enough to deliver a perfect copy of one of his tunes. Ron was furious and ever after practised with a duster over his left hand if John was about.
It was their first professional engagement and a regular commitment and if they couldn't make it they arranged a replacement. The entrance money was split between Ron, Big Theo and themselves. John still hoped to become a full-time professional but did not imagine he could achieve that with this duo. Musically, he was the senior partner and Audrey did not delude herself otherwise, but the important thing was that they were having a very good time, drawn ever closer by working together on something creative. They were also finding themselves a place in the folk music spectrum, between the unaccompanied strict traditionalists and the then nascent folk-rock experiments.
Not long after starting to play at Bungies, John and Audrey gave up the unequal struggle to keep the Nag's Head going. They had lost a lot of their own money keeping up the standard of performer while audience numbers fell. With the folk revival past its first bloom this was the fate of some of the smaller clubs......

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: Hokumsheik
Date: 10 Nov 11 - 12:48 PM

Does anyone remember a guy with long red hair who used to annoy everyone by playing harmonica all the time?

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 10 Nov 11 - 12:53 PM

You're talking about Moxie, a good guy, and he certainly didn't annoy me. I believe he now lives in France

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Ian William Johnson
Date: 25 Nov 11 - 09:27 AM

I worked at Bunjies as cook/waiter for about a year in 1974-75, protecting the young girls from Lou, until he sold up & opened a wine bar just round the corner, I think he'd been dreaming of licensed premises for a long time,probably sick of drinking coffee all day (he'd often pop out to the pub of an evening & come back a little "tired"). I well remember Sippy and Hratch, who I think were both resident at the time, as well as a young Tom Robinson among many others. Lots of fun & I was sad to see, the last time I was in London, that it had become a restaurant.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: David C. Carter
Date: 27 Nov 11 - 06:14 AM

Hokumsheik,How's it going?

Don't forget to Rapé the spuds!

D

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: Hokumsheik
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 12:33 PM

True or False?
Al Stewart sung Bob Dylan's 11 minute epic
(eehh, the title eludes me for the moment)
the day before its public release.

The prize will be a Rhum-Baba & a free walk to Margate.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 28 Nov 11 - 01:15 PM

I would tell you, but who wants to go to Margate?

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: David C. Carter
Date: 29 Nov 11 - 05:01 AM

Would that be Desolation Row?

Or Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands?

I would prefer to go to market than Margate!

Hokum old son,don't forget, a touch of the Bertie Wooster Sauce!

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: Hokumsheik
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 09:58 AM

David
Being the only person(?) to reply
You have won the jar of honey

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: David C. Carter
Date: 06 Dec 11 - 12:45 PM

Thankee very much Hokum.Do I come and pick it up,or can you send it over the Net.


D

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Carl Cape
Date: 07 Dec 11 - 10:16 AM

Dear all, it is lovely to read this thread.

I was fortunate to go to Bunjies, and also to play there thanks to the wonderful Dan Driscoll who ran a night there. What a generous fella he was. He was a great mentor. He even took a lot of acts from Bunjies to the Glastonbury Festival/Golden Moon Stage.

I played at Bunjies as 'Lord Cape' (I'm now 'Carl Cape') and had the pleasure of seeing some great acts in the cellar including: the amazing Zou Lou, Jaki Windmill, Dan Driscoll, J. Owen Williams (J Eoin), and so many more. Jeff Buckley use to come and play there as a warm-up for his tours; what an amazing place.

And I must mention the genius of 'Sam and Mano': a wonderful mix of humour, pathos and chanson.

Best wishes to all
Carl Cape, aka Lord Cape/singer with 'The Age', and performer at Bunjies in the 1990s. Website: www.chevstar.com

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Jennie.....regular wednesday night person 19
Date: 14 Dec 11 - 06:36 AM

I remember Martin ??? and his friend ??? The resident musicians...

I played few times....


I just bought Al Stewart "Indian Summer"....and was amazed to find out above he was resident at Bungies...

Great venue, great atmosphere....great memories....

and the "sea shanty" we all joined in with to close the evening....

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Sippy
Date: 26 Jan 12 - 04:32 PM

Hi Andy it was great to see you in November, a big surprise! What ever happened to Polecat? I remember those days so vividly. I remember one night making chicken soup with vermicelli, and the pot was empty in record time. was very different to the beef (gristle!!) stew. or was it curry? I dunno!

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,anon
Date: 09 Feb 12 - 09:34 PM

I first went to Bunjies in '66 after I got chatting to a busker called Bob in the Tottenham Ct Rd. subway.He took myself and a pal down for a coffee.At the time I thought it was the epitome of bohemian cool.
I played there a few times as an accompanying some of the acts during '68.
Sadly the whole enclave of Charing X Road which included Dobells,Studio 51 ect is charmless these days.
Does anyone remember Don Crown and his Busking Budgies who performed in Cambridge Circus?

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Eamon
Date: 09 Mar 12 - 02:58 AM

Keith Christmas used to play there most weeks, his song Robin Head still stands up to examination today

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Andy
Date: 12 Apr 12 - 09:06 AM

Hi Sippy - it was fabulous to see you, as well - the time just slips away...

Polecat is still around, I see him from time-to-time though he's way across town for me, but then he turned up unexpectedly at a show of my paintings in Islington, a week or so back. After various detours he is back playing guitar seriously again...

As for the Bunjies food, he could tell a few stories about it, as well: the tinned 'stew' stuff, the beans that well, frankly...bubbled mysteriously. In the tin. The powdered mash that took great skill and perseverance to turn into something edible...apologies for shattering any illusions for those who might have enjoyed the late-70s cuisine there.

The cakes were easily the best (and possibly safest) bet, though the omelettes were decent, too...

Good to see Clive from Brackenwood,as well as catch up with Gareth (we go back to primary school days together) at your birthday,

take it easy xxx

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Susannah (expat, now living in Sydney)
Date: 27 Apr 12 - 07:10 AM

I used to practically live at Bunjies in the mid '70s. My boyfriend at the time played in a band called Archer, who were regulars on a Tuesday night. They weren't strictly acoustic, much to Dennis's annoyance! He was always telling them to turn the noise down! I remember Sippy, Keith Christmas and a guy called Nigel Wesson (my favourite song of his was the Bakerloo Scrum). I also remember the coffee was crap, but the place had such a good atmosphere, nobody cared. Happy days!

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Guest Stuart
Date: 03 May 12 - 06:38 AM

I used to go there in the late 60s and also did the occasional song. I remember Nigel Wesson well; I'm sure he was the resident at that time. I recall songs of his included Scrawling Letters and Way of the World (at least I think they were his). Good times

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Will Williams
Date: 13 Jun 12 - 01:27 PM

Is that the John Robertson that I used to share a flat with in Hilldrop Crescent, Camden, in the mid 60's?
Everyone played Bungie's, even John Martyn God rest his soul.
I've got a copy of the Bungie's book, I designed the cover.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Sippy
Date: 12 Aug 12 - 01:11 PM

Hi Andy, I'd love to get together with you and chat about 'the old days!' I didn't get the chance at my do.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 12 Aug 12 - 02:46 PM

Yup, I remember Don Crown and the budgies. they were great.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Linda
Date: 13 Aug 12 - 01:41 AM

I really loved reading all the threads. So many memories - of my favourite place to hang out when I was visiting London from California. Most people planning a trip to UK from USA would be planning out all the top tourist spots to see in London. I could hardly wait to get myself into my hotel after a long flight from Los Angeles and as jet-lagged as I was after being up so many hours with my flight and travel to London from the airport, getting to my hotel, etc. all I could think about was getting to Bunjies that night or at least by the next night I was in London.

I never had a bad time at Bunjies - always had a fantastic time.
Some of my favourites were Hratch, Brackenwood, Mike Lee, Sippy, Russ Shipton. Still in touch with Hratch & his wife every Christmas with card and letter. I think I first met Hratch there in 1969 and in my teens and was hooked on his music - such a great voice and guitar player!

Does anyone know what became of Brackenwood, Mike Lee, Sippy, etc.
Are they still involved with music at all or ever release a tape or CD's?
I did have the one LP of Bunjies Folk Celler that I bought one year while there in the 1980's.

I don't know if anyone would remember me? - I wasn't a singer but went there during the 1980's a lot. I am short, about 5'2" and had long reddish auburn wavy thick hair. Of course I would have had an American accent but being born in UK I would pick up a bit of an accent while there. :-)

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Aug 12 - 05:23 AM

For what it's worth, here is my contribution. Friday was my night to go to Bunjies, because I had my wage packet in my back pocket. I worked nearby and was already strumming and singing folk songs. My first night coincided with Al Stewarts first gig as resident, which he shared with Peter Bellamy. Al's first song was "Pretty Golden Hair"
and his guitar playing was excellent. Peter sang his Norfolk inspired songs, I loved his "German Musicianer Ballad.(all full of double meaning lyrics!) Peter also strummed an old guitar back then, played concertina and tin whistle. Meg came in to sing when the cinema queues had disappeared, Theo Johnson sang. Mox on harmonica. Sandy Denny, Shirley Abacaire, Noel Murphy with his Irish Ballads.`Jackson Frank singing "You never wanted me babe" and many other self penned songs. (He was brilliant!) Gordon Giltrap guitar wizard,Lovely songs from Doris Henderson. Hratch who first began by singing "Deportees"
Al took a room in Lyall Street, Soho for 5 pounds a week, and we used to go back there for coffee and he'd try out new songs.
Paul Simon arrived unexpectedly one friday night (Summer 65) and sang nearly all the songs from (Paul Simon Songbook) his first solo folk album)He was playing a fine Guild guitar and at the last song he called out to Art Garfunkle, who was standing at the back wearing a long cream raincoat..."Hey Art...Come a sing this with me"...And they both sang together, "Sounds of Silence!" That was a very special Magic night. Afterwards, we sat in the coffee bar section and Lou served up coffee...and paul Simon told us what his favourite book was. (Ulysses by James Joyce) Many magic memories come back to me of those friday nights between Early 65 'till about 69. So many fine singers,and friendships made. (I'm still strumming at 66yrs.Check out utube) Best Wishes to all you Bunjies fans from Cliff Wedgbury.(Cork, Ireland)

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,darryl
Date: 13 Dec 12 - 04:11 PM

it's so cool to hear don crown and his busking budgies aren't forgotten, the bassist was my uncle and i have a picture of them performing on stage at the command house and a single that they released

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jan 13 - 10:34 AM

Mike Lee

I was so delighted to come across this thread Bunjies for me will always have a special place in my heart it truly was a home from home and i was sad to see it close i met lots of very special people there and i learned so much from many of them. Sadly people drift apart and ive lost touch with all of them but i guess memories like those will never die to everyone who remembers those days i hope you are all well wherever you are in the world

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Bob Wilson
Date: 06 Mar 13 - 04:59 AM

Leonore Drewery and myself; Bob Wilson, started this club when I was an art student at St Martin's between 1960 & 1962. Every Wednesday. Entrance fee was four shillings and for that you also got a free cup of coffee.
I have a jpg of the poster we used to advertise and also jpgs of me playing there. How do I get them to you?

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Pied Piper
Date: 19 May 13 - 09:15 PM

Hi Bob,

I would be extremely interested to see a copy of your Bunjies poster and also your photos. If you send them to me by e-mail at the address below, I can make them available publicly to all(if OK with you).

I would also be interested in any photos you may have of Al Stewart performing at Bunjies.

If you agree, please send me what you have at marinlap (at) optusnet (dot) com (dot) au

Thanks,

PP

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Andy Parker
Date: 28 May 13 - 03:17 PM

Hey Sippy,

Apologies for the tardy reply! Get in touch with me on [e-mail] or Facebook.com/paintingtheblues and I can motor on up and see you. Are you still in Finchley area?

love

andy

xxx

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Photoman
Date: 01 Jun 13 - 05:08 PM

I used to go down to Bungies with Hazel - a mod salt from Woodford Green in - 1963/4 on my GS

Correct me if I'm wrong but there was this really grubby scruffy (remember we were mods) little band playing regularly called Them with an even scruffier - more arrogant - singer called Van someone or another - please don't correct me if I'm wrong as I've been telling this story for .........50 years!

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Shay Tochner
Date: 30 Jun 13 - 05:45 PM

I used to hang out and perform there quite a lot in the 80's.

I used to spend in London about 10 days every month...

Does anybody have any video clips or other recordings of this period?

I remember well Sippy, Chris Pearson, Rick Christian, Mike Lee, Terry, Ariella, Robin Willow and many others...

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shay-Tochner-And-Friends/162921773722598?fref=ts

Thanks

Shay Tochner

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: Tunesmith
Date: 17 Oct 13 - 10:40 AM

I haven't read all of the above, but I have a second-hand copy of the 95 page book "Bunjies Coffee House- Nights in the Cellar" by Peter Cadle that was published in the mid-1990s.
Anyone who wants it can have it for £10 ( inc postage).
Send me a private message if you are interested.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,greg
Date: 13 Nov 13 - 03:56 AM

Anybody know what happened to Amory "Jack" Kane? He was a regular at Bunjies in 1969-70. He let me sit in from time to time when I was in the area. Please reply direct to [e-mail]. Many thanks and kind regards.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Clive Noble
Date: 21 Dec 13 - 03:48 PM

Gosh, just reading through all these postings brings back so many memories including smells of coffee, the dampness of the room, and names from 50 years ago. In another thread somewhere I mentioned that I played guitar with a group called Hanearim, we sang Israeli folk songs and appeared at Bunjies on many Wednesday evenings from 1964 through 1966.

Our group consisted of the voices of Nina Young, Johnny Simon, Ralph Rosen, and my brother Steve and I, we played guitars and also provided back up vocals and harmonies.

I remember Theo well, and am so sorry to know he has passed on... I can still hear his strong voice and would accompany him when he sat in on our sessions... Chastity Belt was one of his favourites as were his sea songs... I recently came across his visiting card.. he had been a big number in the navy I seem to remember.
I'd often give him a lift home in my little car... was terrified that he'd break the pathetic front seat with his weight.

One of the bad experiences was having to follow Bert Jansch on one of his early appearances. He was a knock out then, but nice to know he was there as a 'warm-up' for us!

It was always fun counting the takings at the end of the evening then splitting it between the 5 of us..... the average take-home pay was well under two pounds each.

We had a fortunate break at Bunjies, one evening, a talent scout for E.M.I. came and heard us and the enthusiastic crowd who faithfully turned up whenever we played there... Lou called the next day and told us that E.M.I were looking for us...to cut it short, a couple of months later we were in Abbey Road studios making an LP... actually on a day that some of the Beatles were there in another studio doing a mix.

Those were the days my friends....... as the old song goes......

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Penny
Date: 09 Feb 14 - 08:50 AM

Hi - friend Carol and I worked at Bunjies during the mid 60s. I was the cook and Carol a waitress. I remember spilling a bucket of spaghetti over the kitchen floor and Lou telling me to scrape it up and put it back in the buckett for serving....I did get a special mention in 'Look' for the excellent Wednesday night omelettes ! Lou wasn't exactly the nicest person !

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Sally
Date: 22 Apr 14 - 04:37 PM

I remember The Barge and Theo I went there for many years when the club was owned by Jeff and Bobbie. This would be in early 60s good times!

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Chuck
Date: 03 Jul 14 - 09:18 AM

Knew Al Stewart quite during his Bunjies days and was at his concert at the Festival Hall backed by the Philharmonia of London Orchestra. After the orchestra had played the militaristic intro to Swiss Cottage Manoeuvres Al came in on guitar ... with his capo set one fret too high...

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,PiedPiper
Date: 07 Jul 14 - 07:28 PM

Chuck: Ouch! That must have jarred... What happened next? Did he stop? Adjust his capo while singing? Interested to know more. Thanks.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Guest - Lin
Date: 07 Jul 14 - 09:23 PM

I keep hearing that Sandy Denny played at Bunjies? Did she play solo or with anyone? What year or years did Sandy play at Bunjies?

Any information regarding Sandy playing at Bunjies would be appreciated. Did she play there regularly?

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Mo Power
Date: 24 Jul 14 - 10:07 AM

Great little place Me and the love of my life Frank would go there on weds nights. Tony (I forget his last name) used to host it. And play too, Great talent. Ian Peters he could play any instrument put in front of him by ear plus his own compositions. anybody know whatever happened to him? Also heard "Rodger" Aka. Earl Okin there too.And many more Such great memories

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Aug 14 - 07:54 AM

Guest Anne Stewart. When I first started writing and looking for places to read (early 90's), I was told I HAD to go to Bungie's, which I did, and the MC on the night (Frank or John?) said "Don't poets know they're about as welcome at a music event as accountants are at a poetry reading?" - then it was my turn, and yes I worked in accounts, to read! There was a great duo on that night, wish I knew their names, who sang 'I fell in love with my girlfriends' cat'. Been trying to remember the name of the folk cellar for ages. Thanks for making this record. It's a real pleasure to read... Dave & Boo are still regular performers in Covent Garden at Fourth Friday (poetry and music) http://fourthfriday.wordpress.com/ which is co-run by Hylda Sims (City Ramblers Revival) and Liz Simcock.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Guest - Lin
Date: 22 Aug 14 - 12:22 AM

Does anyone have any video of music nights at Bunjies during the 1980's? Especially would love to see videos of Brackenwood, Mike Lee, Sippy and Rhatch who played there during the 1980's.
But any videos of those years would be of great interest to see!

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Guest - Lin
Date: 22 Aug 14 - 01:23 AM

How can I get in touch (email) with Tunesmith who last posted a message here on 17th Oct. 2013?

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: Tunesmith
Date: 22 Aug 14 - 04:57 PM

Guest-Lin, if you become a member, I can send you a pm ( private message)

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Tinothy Dennehy {Ireland]
Date: 26 Jul 15 - 09:21 AM

I was there in 66/67,it was magic.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Timothy Dennehy [Ireland]
Date: 26 Jul 15 - 10:40 AM

was there in 1966/67,it was pure magic.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,morganandfolk Australia
Date: 14 Oct 15 - 02:03 AM

I used to go to Bunjies in 65 and 66 on a Thursday night. Andy and Dave were playing. They taught me how to play guitar. Andy had the distinction of possibly being the tallest folksinger in London. He had a great version of "Kimby" recorded by Jackson C Frank. I left for Australia in late 66 and lost contact with friends in the UK.
Still playing and making guitars.
I wonder what happened to Andy Reese and Dave (Evens?)?
Any one know?
Great times Morgan

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Joe Moran
Date: 14 Oct 15 - 02:08 PM

I see that Amazon UK have got a copy of the Bunjies book for sale.



Amazon Link

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Nora
Date: 25 Oct 15 - 01:16 AM

To Will Williams who posted re John Robertson. Will, please contact me if you read this [e-mail].

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,John (Shropshire)
Date: 09 Dec 15 - 06:57 PM

In 1973/4, I worked next door to Dobell's Folk and Jazz Music Shop,at 75 Charing Cross Road, where I was always chatting about music with Ray Bolden, and frequently with Doug Dobell himself. My place of work was in what would now be called an Optometrist's practice, an establishment which was named CAPLAN's - and which was owned by the Late Barry Preston. Caplan's and Dobell's had a communal entrance - upon entry into the doorway, one turned Left for Caplan's, or Right for Dobell's. Along with Doug Dobell, Lou Hart was a frequent visitor to Caplan's, as He and Barry were good friends. Lou was a true GENTLEMAN. Doug likewise. I only visited Bunjies a few times, and can add no new core information to this discourse - but recalling my days spent working at Caplan's, and having the good fortune to spend time mingling and occasionally chatting with so many potential musical talents, I have to state that these are now memories which are very dear to me.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: Jim Martin
Date: 25 Jul 16 - 06:31 AM

Interesting prog on BBC4 last night & I'm pretty sure Bunjies was shown:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b07ltm21/arena-1966-50-years-ago-today

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 16 - 10:23 AM

Just a reply to Morganandfolk Australia, that a blues singer called Long John Baldry also popped in now and then to Bunjies, he was at least 6'7" and had the longest fingers I've every seen, he played my guitar a couple of times and could produce chords which a normal bloke with normal hands didn't know existed... he had a great voice too and I was sorry to read that he also passed on a couple of years ago.... yet another talent that never got the recognition he deserved

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Man in grouch mask
Date: 19 Aug 16 - 04:13 AM

Oh, I don't know. He had a hit with Let the Heartache Begin and he kickstarted a career for his pianist, Elton John.

Odd, I was listening to my Bunjies album only the other day, having rigged up my old turntable and dig out some of my old vinyl.

Listening to Russ Shipton, his guitar lesson books have overtaken the Bert Weedon ones over the years and many singers in the pubs and clubs do the odd pop song as part of their repertoire that curiously enough are in his books....

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Lin
Date: 19 Aug 16 - 11:11 PM

It seems like I recall reading somewhere that Sandy Denny played at Bunjies at some point early on. Does anyone know what year this might have been and did she play at Bunjies more then once? Did she perform as a solo artist or with another musician? If anyone knows for certain of Sandy's playing Bunjies or any other details please post.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,morganandfolk
Date: 26 Oct 16 - 03:53 PM

I used to see Long John Baldry at Kluks Creek. Bunjies used to have some great musicians drop in. It was always a treat to go there.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Feb 17 - 08:13 AM

I'am a french girl I used to go to bunjies regulary in the 83,I was fan of brackenwood . I had a tape of them but I lost it But it is possible to listen an see clive on you tube. I see that sippy is died in 2016 I was fan . If somebody can give me some news about the performers (phil, chris, gordon etc ...) it will be nice
Murielle

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Mar 17 - 06:38 PM

HI, does anyone know if it is possible to buy one of the brackenwood tapes as the one we had is sadly long gone and the music from Gez was priceless.

Regards Ben

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Andy Parker
Date: 04 Apr 17 - 03:44 PM

To Guests, BEN and MURIEL,

An ex-manager of Bunjies in the late 70s, I was fortunate to re-establish contact with Sippy a couple of years before her sad demise and through her to Clive Buckingham of Brackenwood.

He very kindly sent me a copy of Brackenwood recordings on CD a few weeks ago - drop him a line on Facebook or look him up as a performer through Google, he's out there still! It was great to hear the songs again and I'd almost forgotten just how good they could be. My own musical paths have taken a quite different route since those days, but I've never forgotten the people, the place, and the times...

(A big Hello to Keith Willson, if you are still around, from your occasional guitarist!)

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Some bloke
Date: 05 Apr 17 - 07:48 AM

A bit of trivia for you. The vinyl album of Bunjies was a giveaway gift for delegates at a national hospital radio conference (NAHBO) back in 1981 / 2 ish. Still got mine...

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,Jude G
Date: 06 Apr 17 - 09:44 AM

Peter Cadle was such a lovely, special man. It is so sad that he died so soon. He didn't even do any drink or drugs! How many other people after the 1970s would post poems through people's doors? I saw him doing that in my neighbourhood, so unexpectedly. And his album, Hold Me Responsible, is a beautiful piece of work. So sweet and poignant.

Subject: RE: Bunjies folk cellar coffee house
From: GUEST,simon prager
Date: 22 Sep 20 - 05:06 PM

I've only just come across this topic. I started going to Bunjies in the mid sixties when the sunday evening slot was run by JoAnne Kelly who became a good friend. Those evenings were an important focus for the burgeoning British acoustic blues scene. I played there with Steve Rye on Harmonica. Dave Kelly, various members of Brett Marvins and lots of others played there.

Later in the late seventies (I think) I ran the wednesday night slot with a group called the Mobile Moaners. Russ Shipton ran Bunjies at the time. A great shame that the place was allowed to disappear as a venue just because a new landlord came in who was unaware of its importance.