Long Live Hooky Street - Kent pub transforms garden into Only Fools tribute
The Chequers in Darenth have recreated classic moments with Reliant Regal, Chandeliers and even a Hang-glider, writes Marijke Hall
It’s time to stick a pony in your pocket and head down to Hooky Street at The Chequers in Darenth.
It may not be the Nags Head, but licensee David Clack has done a pretty impressive job of recreating many of our Only Fools and Horses favourites.
The publican, who has run the place for 10 years, has transformed part of his beer garden into a feature dedicated to the much-loved British comedy.
There’s the iconic Reliant Regal Trotters Independent Trading Co van as well as Del Boy and Rodney’s market stall.
Then there’s that famous chandelier smashed by the bungling brothers at the end of series two and who can forget the hang-glider mishap. Well there’s one of those in a tree at the Chequers, too.
Clack runs the pub with wife Dillys and the couple have even got themselves a puppy called Trigger, named after the not-so-bright mate of the Trotters.
“It was during lockdown that I was thinking about what I could do with that section of the garden,” Clack said. “I’ve always been a lover of Only Fools and Horses and so I thought we could create something based on the show.”
He found a fibreglass outer shell of the three-wheeler van, had it welded, tyres put on and spray-painted yellow to look like the famous vehicle.
He then got hold of a jet ski and hang-glider and added those to the display.
There’s also a Hooky Street sign - a nod to the theme tune - and Del Boy’s suitcase, typically stuffed with knock-off gear in the series.
Clack, who has three pubs in the area, says customers love it, with some popping in especially to have their picture taken in the display.
“We’ve never actually advertised it though, it’s all word of mouth,” he admits. “People bring their friends and relatives, others come in for a roast and go ‘what’s this all about?’.”
Next in Clack’s sights is an auction offering original Only Fools and Horses props from the show, which he’s hoping to get his hands on.
That will no doubt make a lovely jubbly addition to his display.
