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.