The Royal Standard of England, a pub that claims to be the country's oldest, was used as a filming location for scenes in Practical Magic 2, starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. The Beaconsfield establishment served as the backdrop for the fictional Thornfield Inn on screen.
A historic country inn
The pub is a historic country inn situated in Forty Green, on the outskirts of Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, renowned for its distinctive character. It features low-hanging ceiling beams, irregular flagstone flooring, carved oak wall panels, and intimate alcoves, and ranks amongst Britain's most celebrated traditional pubs.
Travel content creator Alexander, who goes by @ajmchaletravels on TikTok, recently shared footage of the establishment with his 20,000 followers following a visit. He captioned his post: "Let's get dinner at the cosy pub from Practical Magic 2," while showcasing the venue's enchanting and period interior.
Viral TikTok tour
Alexander also displayed the culinary offerings available, sampling pie and mash alongside an ice cream-topped pudding. In keeping with the film's atmosphere, a black cat could be spotted at the premises, while a crackling fireplace enhanced the autumnal ambience. The post proved hugely popular, accumulating over 58,000 likes and numerous responses.
One person wrote: "I've been here - it is amazing to be fair, the floor is all uneven and you have to duck under things, feels like stepping back in time." Another remarked: "Pub is by Beaconsfield. Food delicious but slightly pricey. Atmosphere absolutely gorgeous." A third chimed in: "Been here and it's lovely, gets busy at weekends though." While a fourth added: "Oh this looks so dreamy."
However, some questioned its status as the 'oldest UK pub', with one writing: "I always thought 'Ye Olde Jerusalem' in Nottingham was the UK's oldest pub?".
Claim to the title
While The Royal Standard of England proudly declares itself England's oldest pub - with records on the site stretching back more than 900 years to Saxon alehouse origins and an official reference in 1213 - whether it genuinely holds this distinction remains disputed. Previously known as Se Scip (The Ship), it received its current name, The Royal Standard of England, from King Charles II following the English Restoration in the 17th century.
Multiple other establishments throughout England lay claim to the "oldest pub" honour using varying criteria (including oldest continuously licensed premises or oldest structure), among them Ye Olde Fighting Cocks in St Albans and Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham. Beyond Practical Magic 2, The Royal Standard of England has also appeared in productions including Hot Fuzz, The Theory of Everything, and Ricky Gervais's After Life.
