The Broad Face public house is at the junction of Bridge Street and Thames Street. The building was erected in 1840 but there are records of a public house called the Broad Face as far back as 1734 (Inns and Alehouses of Abingdon 1550 – 1978 by J.Carter and J.Smith).
Many will remember the iconic sign which stood above the pub for years and which has been rediscovered by the current owner. It needs a little restoration but the big question is after that … Should it become the pub sign again?
Was there not an intermediate broad face sign, there for many years, more iconic yet to me? (or was it the one you show, but a bit grubby?) Either way, something like the one you show adds a certain character to the place and I’d vote for its return – were it subject to a vote 😉
A yeah from me also…..
Its nice to see a return to the tradition of pub signs.
It’s a yes from me.
I didn’t like the sign when I was a little girl. It scared me for some reason after someone told me the man had a fat face because he’d been hanged -presumably in the Old Gaol.
I like traditional signs, especially when they tell a story.
I feel the old sign should go back up too,
The Boundary house changed thier sign and its a shame to loose these old signs as it takes away the character of the pub.
Yes, yes, we enjoyed a great dinner at the Broad Face in August when I was last in Abingdon
Yes, bring back (or keep) the old signs and stories associated with them.
It is a great sign, and the design has stood the text of time well. Given the name of the pub, and the relation to the old gaol I would imagine it would make a great talking point.
Yes, absolutely
i too recall the picture – bring it back!
Bring the old sign back…absolutely!!!!
No, Alvin Stardust simply does not sell food or drink.
Obviously, no contest.
Please put the sign back It was there when we first moved in to Abingdon and it added character to the place. We like the Broad Face very much.
Yes – bring it back!
Yes, bring back the old sign.