Historic Billericay Pub Honoured With Silver Anniversary Award

The publican of a landmark Billericay pub has received a prestigious award to mark her 25th anniversary at the helm.

Cath Thwaites of The Chequers on the High Street was presented with the Dedication Award by the building’s owners – Star Pubs – in recognition of her contribution to the Grade II listed pub and the town during the past quarter of a century. The Chequers is celebrating Cath’s silver anniversary with a long weekend of entertainment stretching from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th February.

Cath – who grew up in Hornchurch – took over the pub in 2000, transforming it from a rundown little-used pub into a thriving local that plays an important part in Billericay life and is known for its warm, friendly atmosphere.

Dating back to the 16th century when it is thought to have been an old farmhouse, The Chequers has a cosy olde worlde feel with low ceilings and wooden beams. Cath has kept it traditional; the pub is football free, there are no screens, and the emphasis is on old school hospitality – providing exceptional service, plenty of conversation and a welcoming community hub. As a result, the Chequers is a popular meeting place for residents, with four generations of some families frequenting it, and there are countless activities to bring people together, ranging from parties for key occasions, such as St George’s Day, Halloween and New Year’s Day, to Italian and Spanish conversation classes. The pub also has a reputation for music and showcases bands from across Essex performing music of all genres. 

Many of The Chequers’ events are fundraisers that help raise thousands of pounds – £10,000 in the last year alone – for good causes like the British Legion, Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Basildon Hospital’s neonatal unit. This year’s plans include a bumper three-day Ale Festival in aid of Help for Heroes starting on 8th May to tie in with the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

With plenty of eateries in Billericay, The Chequers focuses on offering an extensive selection of drinks, spanning coffees to cask ales, with Cath taking pride in serving the perfect pint. On the food front, the menu – available at lunchtimes – features freshly prepared sandwiches (made with bread from the local bakers), jacket potatoes and homemade soup, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. 

Says Cath: “I loved The Chequers from the moment I saw it and that feeling has never left. It’s had a big impact on my life – I even met my husband Jerry here. They say that if you find a job you love you’ll never work a day in your life, and that’s exactly how it’s been for me. The Chequers has fantastic customers and a great team of staff. Everyone supports each other and there’s lots of banter and belly laughing every day. Whilst much has changed in the world over the past 25 years, the need for good pubs where people can gather is just the same. For senior citizens living on their own, their local might provide their only opportunity to socialise. I feel very lucky to have a pub in Billericay; the town has kept its friendly, village feel, and residents are still very supportive of their locals.”

Comments Steve Charlton, Star Pubs’ area manager: “It’s a great honour to present this award. The Chequers is a lovely old pub that really adds to Billericay town centre and it’s all down to Cath and her high standards, hard work and commitment. We wish her many more happy years at the bar!”

One mystery that Cath is keen to solve is further detail of The Chequers’ history: “I’ve been told The Chequers was originally a farmhouse built in 1509 and became a pub in 1856. I can’t prove any of this, though, and I’d love to hear from anyone who knows more about its past so that I can put up its history alongside all the old photos in the pub.”