Bunjies folk cellar coffee house

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.

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,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,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
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
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,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,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,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
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: 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,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: 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,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,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,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,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: 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,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: 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
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,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,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,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,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,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,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,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,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: 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,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: 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,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,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,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
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,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: 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,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: 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,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: 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,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,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,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,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,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,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,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,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