I visited and stayed at the above pub on a number of occasions in the mid-seventies. At that time, it was owned by a couple who had previously lived on Canvey Island (he was a civil engineer) and they bought the pub. During Edward Heath’s years in office as PM, the pub was designated a ‘safe house’ by the security services. Mr. Heath wanted a small pub, close to Chequers, where he could escape for a quiet pint. The owner built an extension with rooms and many important meetings (cabinet, TUC) were held there. It was also used as a quiet day for a State Visitor (The Emperor of Japan was one, I believe). As soon as Heath left office, it was no longer used for that purpose.

I had many most interesting conversations with the landlord when he described how he was first approached and how, over a period of time, he became more and more trusted and he preserved the ‘safe house’ status with no leaks.

I am sorry to hear that I will not be able to pay a return visit.