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In North London, it's an infamous celebrity haunt frequented by those for whom sleep comes after breakfast. Little wonder then that the residents of the Cotswolds are recoiling in horror at the notion that Sadie Frost and Kate Moss want to bring the Hawley Arms to the countryside.
Despite having retreated to the Cotswolds for its tranquillity and seclusion, it seems that Croydon-born Moss wants the best of both worlds, and is planning to set up an equivalent to her London local near her Oxfordshire mansion.
The Camden pub is a favourite of that particular set of well-off North Londoners who like to live fast, drink hard and stay out late.
"Kate and Sadie have been talking about funding a new Hawley Arms in the Cotswolds," claimed a report this week. "If Kate and Sadie are involved the Cotswolds won't know what's hit them."
It would certainly mean a change of pace. For the Hawley is not only a favourite of Moss and Frost - the actress and ex-partner of Jude Law. Also spotted there have been Kelly Osborne, Noel Gallagher and Peaches Geldof. The singer Amy Winehouse was even chucked out with a group of friends one night.
Should such North London nightlife crop up in the Cotswolds, it may heighten tension between countryside traditionalists and the new crop of celebrity invaders. The Cotswolds is already home to such big names as Hugh Grant, Ruby Wax, Jilly Cooper, Sam Mendes and Kate Winslet.
Helen Jones, mayoress of Lechlade, the nearest town to Little Farringdon, where Moss lives in a multimillion-pound mansion, said: "I think they better keep their ideas in Camden. A pub like that would not be in keeping with the Cotswolds at all."
The mayoress added: "If Moss and her cronies like to cause trouble in Camden then it's up to Camden, but not here."
In keeping with many traditionalists in the region, Mrs Jones expressed her concern about the example that Moss might set to a younger generation if she owned a pub. "I'm not a young person, but I don't think young people need a pub of that type here," she said.
But not everyone greeted the prospect with hostility. Local councillor Sandra Carter, who lives in Lechlade, said: "It would give the blue rinse brigade a shock, but I would welcome it with open arms. If I ever want any life I have to go all the way to London," she said.
- Independent
