Red Lion, Barnehurst - Jazz History

Subject: Red Lion, Barnehurst - Jazz History
From: DMcG
Date: 24 May 02 - 10:30 AM

I've just come back from the local library where I browsed through a book about the history of the local pubs/inns. According to it, my nearest local (The Red Lion, Barnehurst) is famed as the birthplace of the English Jazz Revival in the 1940's and George Melly unveiled a plaque there in 1985.

Now, I'm no jazz fan but I've lived a few hundred yards from this place for about 7 years and wasn't aware of such a thing.

So, two questions. To what extent is it true? I'm sure there are other places that would make the same claim. Secondly, what surprising musical history is within shouting distance of where you live?

Subject: RE: Red Lion, Barnehurst - Jazz History
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 24 May 02 - 10:50 AM

Yes, it is true. There used to be an article giving quite a lot of details framed on the wall in the bar. I've also heard it mentioned on a BBC programme about British Jazz as well. Many years ago I used to sing folk music in there quite regularly, but the last time that I looked in, it was rather changed.

I still don't live that far away at Mottingham. What clubs do you frequent in the area ? - Dartford must be your nearest nowdays.

Subject: RE: Red Lion, Barnehurst - Jazz History
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 24 May 02 - 11:08 AM

Hang on - I think you'll find that the name of the pub is the "Red Barn" not the "Red Lion".

The band that made the venue famous was George Webb's Dixielanders which at one time had a young player called Humphrey Lyttelton.

Subject: RE: Red Lion, Barnehurst - Jazz History
From: DMcG
Date: 24 May 02 - 11:14 AM

Just shows how often I go in, doesn't it? (or maybe just how often I bother to read the name!) You are quite right, it is the Red Barn