Page 21 - Bray Celebrity Cricket Programme Final

Sir Michael “Parkinson
The Hinds Head remained one of his favourite places to dine with his family or to laugh and
“
occasionally set the
world to rights
with his friends
The Hinds Head has throughout its life in many ways been a place of hospitality, right from its origins in the 1400’s when the original building was a manor house; here diners would have sat at long tables in the great hall, enjoying lavish buffets.
Over the years the building has seen this hospitality extended in several guises, as a hunting lodge,and as lodgings for the vicar of Bray. We know for certain that In 1801 the building was converted to a coaching house and inn, and since then it has evolved into the pub so many enjoy today, creating its own place in the centre of the
Bray community. Many unique characters have added to its history; including several royal visits; most notably hosting an ‘unofficial’ stag do for HRH Prince Philip.
Sir Michael Parkinson also had a long and colorful association with the pub before and following Heston’s arrival in October 2004. It is rumored he decided that Bray was the perfect place for him to live while enjoying a pint in the pub following his first game at the local cricket club. Whether true or not it is a fact that for over 50 years he lived in a house within walking distance of both places and the
Hinds Head remained, right up until his last days, one of his favourite places to dine with his family or to laugh and occasionally set the world to rights with his friends.
The Hinds Head were immensely proud in 2023 to have hosted Sir Michaels wake, an occasion that saw his nearest and dearest celebrate a man that had such a close association with the village and especially the impact he made through his passion for cricket.
A man of great integrity, humour and kindness, Sir Michael was a pleasure to serve, and we loved to see him enjoying time with his family and friends at the Hinds Head. It is a privilege for the team and extended Fat Duck Group family to be associated with this magnificent event today.
Peter Gray, Executive Head Chef, The Hinds Head, Bray.