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Picture source: Russell Judge
The White Bear was situated at 56 The Burroughs. This pub was rebuilt in 1932 and closed in 2008. It was known at time of closure as The Footman & Firkin, then a bar/restaurant called Fernandez, which closed in 2010. The building has now been demolished.
I was at Hendon Police Cadet School 1974/75 over the hill in Colindale. Saturday nights were spent in the White Bear with other Cadets who did not go home at weekends. Mainly lads from N.Ireland where I was from and a couple of Scottish guys. I admit we were under age by several months, but the landlord didn't seem to mind. When I became 18 and still drank in there it took the edge off the drinking slightly, in a good way.We always started with lagers, then went onto the shorts, Irish Whiskey or Vodkas, with a drop of Lemonade or Line. The landlord was Irish at the time. When we went back to Northern Ireland on holiday leave, as the school had term breaks like all other schools, we would inevitably come back with some Rep Of Ireland coins in our change. At that time the Irish Punt (Pound) was on equal par with the Pound Sterling and was used as legal tender in Northern Ireland, so you had two currencies in your pocket and wallet. The landlord was great, he would accept the Rep of Ireland coins and notes as legal tender over the bar in the White Bear, so saved us having to go to the bank and change it. Had my first ever toasted cheese sandwich in the bar. Sounds odd, but they didn't do it in my locals back in N.Ireland. It became a staple part of Saturday evening sessions with us all. Landlord and a lady we believe was his daughter, were always accommodating to us guys, as were the local regulars. Loads of craic and banter. Never saw or heard any problems in the pub on Saturday nights, a great place. We'd then head down to the Wimpy Bar near the tube station and Cinema, have a burger and then walk back to  Colindale. Yes, The White Bear, a great pub back then, a great Landlord & staff and great locals.
Kieron McGowan (May 2025)
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Other Photos
Picture source: T C
Date of photo: c1920	Picture source: Hania Franek