Eliana Silver
Guest Reporter
Britain's 'strictest pub' doesn't allow punters to use mobile phones, swear, or drape their coats on chairs, in a bizarre set of rules.
Kevin Moran, 84, might well be Britain's strictest pub landlord, ruling over The Nags Head in London's Kinnerton Street with an iron fist for the past 42 years.
The historic establishment, built in the 1800s, was once a favourite among stable hands and footmen before experiencing a revival in the 1950s.
Today, it stands as a testament to traditional pub culture, where patrons must follow Moran's unwavering rules or risk being shown the door.
Among Moran's strict policies is an absolute ban on mobile phones, which he believes could be "an invasion of privacy" for his customers.
Children are strictly forbidden, with Moran demonstrating his reasoning through a loud wailing sound, declaring "no one wants to hear that".
Other cardinal rules include no coats draped on chairs - with hooks provided - no swearing, and no entering the premises whilst drunk.
A £15 minimum card payment is enforced, sending many customers to nearby cash points.
Moran's disciplinarian approach stems from his varied career, starting as a Durham miner at age 14, where he frequented working men's clubs free from mobile phone interruptions.
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His military service during the Cold War, stationed in Germany and Scandinavia, reinforced his belief in strict discipline.
"I make the rules and I don't have to give you a reason. It's my rules and my pub," he told The Sun.
The Nags Head's interior reflects Moran's military past, with war memorabilia covering every wall.
Two narrow wooden staircases lead to an upstairs bar and a downstairs seating area, maintaining the pub's historic charm.
Moran takes pride in The Nag's Head's independence, stating: "It's about independence. I think I've done well to achieve that in central London."
He contrasts his establishment with chain-owned pubs, noting: "You go to Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham and the pubs are all big company owned so you get the same thing."
Visitors to The Nags Head largely embrace Moran's old-school approach.
"I think he's very old school, very very old school," said Leigh, a visitor from Kent, after being instructed to hang up her coat.
David, a Scottish tourist, noted: "It's quite unusual nowadays, with the phone thing, and there's no TV but it's good though, I enjoyed it."
Local worker Emma praised the establishment: "We just respect and appreciate the fact they have the rules and we adhere to them."
"If you don't like it, go somewhere else," added Imi, a local customer.
Despite his age, Moran shows no signs of slowing down, firmly stating he won't be retiring anytime soon.
There are hints at succession planning, with mentions of his sons potentially taking over the mantle of London's strictest pub.
For now, Moran continues his mission of preserving what he calls the "real English pub", drawing on his worldwide travels to declare: "You don't get them anywhere else."
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Kevin Moran, 84, might well be Britain's strictest pub landlord, ruling over The Nags Head in London's Kinnerton Street with an iron fist for the past 42 years.
The historic establishment, built in the 1800s, was once a favourite among stable hands and footmen before experiencing a revival in the 1950s.
Today, it stands as a testament to traditional pub culture, where patrons must follow Moran's unwavering rules or risk being shown the door.
Among Moran's strict policies is an absolute ban on mobile phones, which he believes could be "an invasion of privacy" for his customers.
Children are strictly forbidden, with Moran demonstrating his reasoning through a loud wailing sound, declaring "no one wants to hear that".
Other cardinal rules include no coats draped on chairs - with hooks provided - no swearing, and no entering the premises whilst drunk.
A £15 minimum card payment is enforced, sending many customers to nearby cash points.
Moran's disciplinarian approach stems from his varied career, starting as a Durham miner at age 14, where he frequented working men's clubs free from mobile phone interruptions.
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His military service during the Cold War, stationed in Germany and Scandinavia, reinforced his belief in strict discipline.
"I make the rules and I don't have to give you a reason. It's my rules and my pub," he told The Sun.
The Nags Head's interior reflects Moran's military past, with war memorabilia covering every wall.
Two narrow wooden staircases lead to an upstairs bar and a downstairs seating area, maintaining the pub's historic charm.
Moran takes pride in The Nag's Head's independence, stating: "It's about independence. I think I've done well to achieve that in central London."
He contrasts his establishment with chain-owned pubs, noting: "You go to Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham and the pubs are all big company owned so you get the same thing."
Visitors to The Nags Head largely embrace Moran's old-school approach.
"I think he's very old school, very very old school," said Leigh, a visitor from Kent, after being instructed to hang up her coat.
David, a Scottish tourist, noted: "It's quite unusual nowadays, with the phone thing, and there's no TV but it's good though, I enjoyed it."
Local worker Emma praised the establishment: "We just respect and appreciate the fact they have the rules and we adhere to them."
"If you don't like it, go somewhere else," added Imi, a local customer.
Despite his age, Moran shows no signs of slowing down, firmly stating he won't be retiring anytime soon.
There are hints at succession planning, with mentions of his sons potentially taking over the mantle of London's strictest pub.
For now, Moran continues his mission of preserving what he calls the "real English pub", drawing on his worldwide travels to declare: "You don't get them anywhere else."
Find Out More...