World Of Pub – Nostalgia Central

2 0 0 1 (UK)
6 x 30 minute episodes

Brothers Barry (Phil Cornwell) and Garry (Peter Serafinowicz) run East End boozer, The King’s Head – the least successful pub in London – assisted by their pal, Dodgy Phil (Kevin Eldon), a fast-talking wheeler-dealer with an abundance of dubious ideas and an address book full of unlikely contacts.

Whatever schemes they launch to make the establishment a going concern – a sports bar, a combination pub-cum-bookshop, a Michael Caine-themed restaurant – come to a sticky end, often bringing about the destruction of the pub (although, magically, it always rises, Phoenix-like, from the ashes).

Developed for TV from a BBC Radio 4 show of the same name, World Of Pub was surreal comedy, blending sketch-like sensibilities with traditional sitcom plotting.

The humour was out-and-out zany, with the sort of lines and ideas of Police Squad! crossed with Goon Show lunacy.

There were guest appearances from Martin Freeman, Tamsin Greig, Chas & Dave, Germaine Greer, and David Walliams.

Barry
Phil Cornwell
Garry
Peter Serafinowicz
Dodgy Phil
Kevin Eldon

Episodes

Queen | Drink | Bookshop | Sixties | Caine | Ladies