The Jolly Friar is a public house located in the Fryerns
area of Basildon. It opened in 1955 and was the second public house to open in Fryerns after the Crane; opened
the previous year, being built to serve the then new housing estates erected either side of Whitmore Way on behalf of Basildon
Development Corporation. London architects Stewart and Hendry of 90 Fenchurch Street, EC3 were responsible for its
appearance with a design that included a separate clubroom for private functions, upper floor living accomodation, and an off
licence incorporated into the main building.
Mann, Crossman & Paulin brewery Co. provided the ale. For many years after opening a large Manns sign adorned an
outer wall. At the time of opening there were just eight shops at the adjacent neighbourhood sub-centre, though this
would increase to thirteen following the completion of an extension in 1959. There is also a large garden area, part of
which borders Whitmore Way, for outdoor use during the warmer months. This proved an asset following the introduction of the
'smoking ban' in 2007 as a permanent canopied area with tables was soon established.
In 1972 the saloon and lounge bars were combined to form a larger lounge bar by which time the pub had become a Watney
Mann House and part of St. George's Taverns pub chain. Other later changes include a conservatory style extension to the
side wall facing the car park and the omission of the word 'the' on the pub's signage. The in-house off licence would also later
close.
The name Jolly Friar relates to the 15th century character and English 'legend' 'Friar Tuck', a member of Robin Hood's Merry
Men whose appearance is often depicted as that of a fat, bald and jovial monk with a great love of food and ale! Though not
a noted venue for live entertainment many bands and solo artists have performed there over its many years of service.
Notes:
1) Stewart and Hendry firm of architects later becoming Stewart, Hendry and Smith designed many
public houses on behalf of Mann, Crossman & Paulin. | 
)
)
)
