Our History

The Clissold Arms holds a special place within its community and is brimming with local history. We are proud to call ourselves the  'Birthplace of The Kinks' being the venue where brothers Ray and Dave Davies held their debut performance. We have a huge array of Kinks memorabilia on display in our aptly named Kinks Room, which welcomes fans from all over the world throughout the year. Among them is a signed copy of the Kinks' first single, a cover of Little Richard's Long Tall Sally, a wall of photographs and other Kinks treasures and a brass plaque which reads: Site of the 1957 performing debut of Ray and Dave Davies. Founding members of the Kinks.  In Dave Davies's song 'Fortis Green' he sings: "Mum would shout and scream when dad would come home drunk, When she'd ask him where he'd been, he said Up The Clissold Arms, Chattin' up some hussy, but he didn't mean no harm". 

The Kinks were all local boys to this pub.

The Clissold Arms is a family owned local Gastropub. We have a wonderfully loyal local clientele and take pride in rewarding them with a reliably warm welcome and our delicious menus designed around our “Food Comes First” philosophy. From our famous Greek specialties to our lighter bites and fish dishes, fresh from our local fishmonger, our Chefs are always challenging themselves to create new, inspired dishes. Our varied A La Carte menu offers a wide choice of starters, main courses and desserts, carefully put together by our kitchen team. Our large selection of beers, ciders and wines change regularly to compliment both the menu and the season. All can be enjoyed in any of our five unique spaces within the pub. An inviting place where you instantly feel at home.