Transport back in time: The Windrush Front Room at your local
There’s history in every home. And now, thanks to Greene King, Unity, and historian-curator Tony Fairweather, that history’s pulling up a chair at your local.
This October, we’re proud to open the doors to The Windrush Front Room — a travelling exhibition honouring the resilience and community spirit of the Windrush Generation. These were the pioneers who arrived from the Caribbean in the late 1940s, answering the call to help rebuild post-war Britain, bringing their skills, ambition, and a rich culture that would help shape the nation for generations to come.
This year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” couldn’t be more fitting. Curated by author and activist Tony Fairweather, The Windrush Front Room is a celebration of that strength. It’s a reminder of the families who built new lives, the traditions they carried across oceans, and the warmth that turned houses into homes.
Hosted in Greene King pubs across the UK, the exhibition invites you to step inside a lovingly re-created Caribbean front room — complete with familiar sights, sounds, and stories. Think patterned wallpaper, the scent of polish, and a record player spinning reggae and soul.
Homely history in the pub
Imagined and executed by the brilliant Tony Fairweather, The Windrush Front Room is a living, breathing snapshot of the post-war Caribbean home. It’s a place where pride and personality burst from every patterned curtain and china cabinet; where fruits become ice buckets; and where the spirit of community grew stronger with every cup of tea (or rum).
Back in 2024, Greene King pubs did something a little different. They turned a corner of the pub into history. We invited customers, communities, and colleagues to pubs across the UK so they could experience first-hand what a Caribbean living room looked and felt like.
It was the first collaboration of its kind, and we’re proud to have helped bring this vibrant piece of heritage to life. From a time when some pubs weren’t always welcoming, to now being spaces where stories of the Windrush Generation are celebrated, Greene King pubs are proving that history, community, and a good pint can all sit happily at the same table.
You can expect an in-depth session with Tony as he beautifully explains the artefacts he has found, the meaning behind them, and his personal accounts of what these objects mean to him. His flamboyancy and traditional Caribbean charm are something to behold, and we’re proud of how committed he is to this cause.
As you walk and look around, you’ll see objects that have taken years to find, things you may have forgotten about, or artefacts which make you remember about your own living room. The overlap of cultures, intertwining of experiences, and shared stories of how sofas were covered in plastic may surprise you.
By teaming up with Greene King and Unity — our employee-led inclusion group that celebrates ethnic minorities — Tony’s bringing history into the heart of the community: the pub. Together, we’re creating a space for conversation, reflection, and a fair bit of nostalgia, too.
See it live at The Moorhen, Harlow
We’re delighted to welcome The Windrush Front Room to The Moorhen, Harlow. Here’s everything you need to know...
Dates:
27 – 28th October, 3-7pm
29th October, 4-8pm
Entry is completely free, but we’ll be raising money for the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT). And because it wouldn’t be Greene King without a few creature comforts, here’s what you can expect at The Moorhen:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Coaches accepted
- Car park
- Waterside views
Only a four-minute drive or 10-minute walk from Harlow Town Station, the pub is perfectly located, so it’s a stress-free commute.
Donating to the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust
History is priceless, and so is your company! You don’t need a ticket to visit The Windrush Front Room. Just pop in, pull up a chair, and enjoy.
We will be accepting donations for the ACLT, which can be made via the QR code online or around the venue.
This fantastic charity saves lives through stem cell, blood and organ donation within the Black community. Therefore, we are extremely dedicated to supporting them and any donations are greatly appreciated.
*All donations will go to the ACLT, a registered charity 1119516.