Local publican back in the spotlight
John Haley, who attended the recent royal wedding, is now preparing to attend the UK premiere of a film he inspired
A WEST Berkshire publican who was personally invited to the recent royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is now in the spotlight again, preparing to attend the UK premiere of a film which he inspired.
The debut feature-length film Love's Kitchen, is directed by London-based James Hacking, whose parents, Chris and Caroline, live in Brimpton. The plot was inspired by landlord, and friend of the Middletons, John Haley's move from a pub in London to The Old Boot Inn, in Stanford Dingley, 15 years ago.
Love's Kitchen is a British independent film, which is out on general release in the UK on June 24, and stars Dougray Scott as talented chef and restaurateur, Rob Haley, who moves to a pub in the countryside after receiving a damning review from a food critic.
The romantic comedy also stars Gordon Ramsay, who plays himself, Simon Callow and Claire Forlani as leading lady, Kate Templeton.
Mr Hacking said: “I met John at The Old Boot Inn a few years ago. He and my father were both members at Bradfield Golf club. He told me about how he was a publican in London and moved to the country to run a pub in Berkshire. I thought it was a great story then when I went back to Los Angles I was watching Hell's Kitchen and I thought I could put the two together.
“The reason why John moved to the country and why the character moved to the country are very different but John was the inspiration.”
Mr Hacking, who directed his first short film Airport Ride in 2007, said working with the cast of Love's Kitchen was one of the greatest experiences of his life.
“I don't know how I got that cast - it was a miracle,” he said. “The two actors I really wanted were Gordon Ramsay and Simon Callow who were both fantastic.
“Shooting the film was one of the greatest experiences of my life. It's such a enormous amount of work. It's long hours and stressful. It's an 18-hour day, sometimes more, and six days a week.
“So many people have given so much, so I hope it's a success.”
Mr Haley, who attended the royal wedding of Bucklebury's Kate Middleton to Prince William in April as Miss Middleton and her family were regular customers at his pub, will now attend the UK premiere of Love's Kitchen at the Charlotte Street Hotel, London, on June 21.
He said: “It's amazing to be the inspiration for a film
“We've been lucky enough to get to know the Middletons and go to the royal wedding and then I meet James and I'm invited to a film premiere. I don't know what's going to happen next. My life will probably be back to normal in a couple of weeks.
“James has told me bits about the film but I didn't want to know too much, I wanted to see it for myself.
“It's a pity I didn't have a starring role, perhaps I will in his next movie!”
Love's Kitchen will also be screened at the Corn Exchange in Newbury on June 26, 28 and 29. For tickets call the box office on 01635 522733.
