Tom Holland's father has revealed he can no longer get a table at his favourite pub because it has been overrun with Spider-Man fans. Comedian Dominic Holland, 59, wrote on his Substack blog that he was left "shivering" outside despite arriving for an early evening meal.
Tom, 30, praised The Cocoanut in Kingston-upon-Thames during a media interview in July, leading to increased interest in the pub. Arriving at the pub, which is known for serving Thai food on a Saturday night, Dominic wrote: "Little did we know we would need to eat in the sodding garden because the place was already packed."
Pub packed at 7pm
Dominic added: "At 7pm! Getting a table in a restaurant is one of the big markers of success. I have never reached such dizzying heights, but I would always back myself at the Cocoanut. Not now, however, since people are travelling far and wide to dine where their heroes eat."
He noted that one reason his son and his A-lister wife Zendaya can eat at the pub is that they avoid being hassled by fans. Dominic wrote: "I hope that its newfound popularity continues, and that its relaxed atmosphere continues. also. Part of its charm is that no one bothers them."
A family favourite
Tom was said to be "thrilled" to hear his father was "shivering" outdoors while being delighted the place was busy. The Cocoanut's popularity has grown since Tom named it as a place he would pick to eat during an interview with the New York Times.
Tom said: "There's a pub in Kingston called The Cocoanut. It's a Thai restaurant. You can bring your dogs there. And people just let their dogs off, so it becomes like a dog free-for-all. Wally is the lady that runs the pub, and it's like a bit of a family favourite of ours."
Pubs under pressure
Dominic wrote that he is aware of the challenges pubs are facing. He said: "Two pubs close every day in the UK, thanks to our hapless politicians, most of whom have never run a business. Because of taxes and regulations, alcohol is ruinously expensive in pubs and comparatively cheap in supermarkets. Go figure."
He added: "A crying shame, and why I am excited that Tom's stardust can help draw local business, though I might draw the line when it means I can't get in myself." Dominic and wife Nikki live in Kingston, south-west London, in the home where Tom and his three brothers grew up, while Tom bought a £2.5 million semi-detached townhouse near Richmond Park in 2018.
