London Borough of Hillingdon currently have a public consultation open for comments on the proposed local listing of The Orchard in Ruislip.
We encourage everyone to contribute to the consultation, submitting responses by 12 February.
Submit your response nowHistory of The Orchard
We have an article about the long history of The Orchard in Ruislip and how the historical building reflects the village’s transformation from a rural retreat to a modern suburb. Originally a tea garden opened in 1905, it evolved from a popular destination for day trips and outings to a meeting place for RAF personnel, particularly Polish airmen stationed at nearby Northolt Aerodrome during World War II, into a Beefeater pub and Travelodge hotel. Its Polish wartime connection is commemorated by a Spitfire memorial on the site, with the memorial already being locally listed in its own right.
Printable consultation feedback response forms
Ruislip Residents’ Association are distributing printed copies of the consultation (both the Eligibility Criteria for Inclusion in the Local List and LBH’s own Statement of Significance) to residents on Sharps Lane, Church Avenue, Ickenham Road, Wood Lane and Kingsend to give everyone the opportunity to comment on the proposal that The Orchard is “locally listed”, even without internet access.
If you can submit your comments online, go to www.hillingdon.gov.uk/listed-buildings-consultation, otherwise you can call LBH on 01895 277038 and say you’d like to complete a survey over the phone, or print this form and post it to the address shown at the bottom.
Text from LBH’s Consultation Document
Statement of significance:
Authenticity: Score 1
The Orchard is a good surviving example of the facilities development that took place during the first half of the 20th century thus helping understand the development of Ruislip and in particular military links with RAF Northolt during WW2.
It survives well at upper floor level which are particularly visible from the street.
Internally it is unclear.
Architectural Score 2
The Orchard is a two storey building with the principle elevation facing Fiveways roundabout. It has a symmetrical façade of three bays with a substantial central gable. The left and right bays have a planted timber framing painted black with rendered studs between generally comprising of vertical studs with decorative central features and straight brace to each end of the bay. They are punctured by symmetrically set windows framed in brick with the gable projecting above the eaves, The central gable is substantial with a predominance of horizontal studs and a decorative diamond pattern of framing at eaves levels to the flanks. The windows to the upper floor are generally cruciform timber with to the flanks 12 small panes above. The roofs are hipped and of red/ orange clay tile. To the right hand bay the wing stretch back to the modern rear extension. To the left original core there appear to be two pavilion type elements now subsumed in later kitchen extensions. At ground floor level there are a number of post war single storey extensions.
Townscape Score 2
The Orchard contributes to local character in particular the Fiveways Roundabout and Rusilip Village Conservation Area.
The building is prominent at the entrance to the conservation at this area due to its scale and design. At the key points of the roundabout there are other notable buildings listed white bear, locally listed Fiveways and of the period number 57 Kings end.
Historic/Archaeological Interest Score 2
The Orchard Bungalow was constructed in 1905 to provide a refreshment stop/ tea garden for visitors enjoying the fresh air and countryside using the metropolitan line traveling from the crowded city centre. This became very popular and a second storey was quickly added as was a pavilion which could accommodate 500 people. As it was teetotal it was particularly popular with Schools, Sunday Schools and Works outing.
In the 1930s the business had to change as it was now in metroland rather than the open countryside. The new residents wanted sophisticated facilities and the Ansell family transformed it into a restaurant and hotel with space for the Dinner dances and cabarets which were particularly popular during the period.
It was particularly popular with the RAF in WW2 in particular the Polish airmen from Northolt. Hence the adjacent memorial. It was later extended to the rear with extensions of lesser merits but was in use up until recently.
Total score against the criteria: 7
Recommendation: Inclusion in the Local List and recommend for Statutory Listing to English Heritage
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