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Picture source: Phil Gaskin
The Spotted Dog was situated at 2 Ivy Chimneys Road. This pub closed in 2010 following a fire and was subsequently demolished. New housing now stands on the site.
Local newspaper review by John Cutting, 1960s
One of the more fascinating aspects of a tour of England is the discovery of unusual place names which are to be found all over the country. Some, like Shipton-under-Wychwood, and Bourton-on-the-Water, are merely descriptive of their geographical location; others, of which Christmaspie and Pease Pottage are classic examples, are delightful sounding names whose origin has so often been lost in the mists of antiquity. Among these must be classed Ivy Chimneys, a hamlet resting on the high ground above Theydon Bois and, luckily, just out of earshot of the traffic on the A.11. The Spotted Dog at Ivy Chimneys was first licensed as a beerhouse in 1881 and there is in the bar a delightful picture of the inn as it appeared in the early years of this century. In the forecourt, seated royally in a governess cart, is a lady who might well have been the landlord's wife, with her child Under the glare of the camera she maintains an air of quiet distinction which her husband finds hard to emulate as he struggles to hold the horses's head and at the same time to quieten a nervous dalmatian. The inn originally consisted of two cottages and when the present saloon bar was added three years ago a zinc plate was discovered which had, at some period, been fixed over one of the outside doors It is still possible to trace the words on the plate, which read:    Jane Hall    Licensed to deal    in Tea, Coffee and Pepper    Tobacco and Snuff. I wonder if there are any other records of Jane? In the past the inn was often the scene of heavy fighting, for it was there that the local residents would muster prior to tackling the poachers from Waltham Abbey and other places who had crossed the forest in search of game. The present landlord of the Spotted Dog is Reg Bevis who, with his wife Bev, have been in residence for over six years. They have won a reputation for serving excellent beer and, for the past three years, have gained prizes for cellar management in Whitbread's tenants' competition. Bev is also responsible for the splendid snacks served both at lunch time and in the evening. Her cheese and onion rolls are in great demand on Saturday nights. There is, indeed, a happy family atmosphere in both the bars, and Reg and Bev are proud that people from various parts of the district come regularly to meet at their inn. The Spotted Dog has no lack of characters among the regulars. Senior member and doyen is 85-year-old Bill Street, who is still known to burst into song during the cheerful parties held in the public bar on Friday evenings Then there is Wally Holland—green keeper at Theydon Bois golf course—who has a very special song which he will occasionally sing but only if suitably encouraged. "Sailor" Austin has seen service in both world wars, but his allegiance has always been with the army and no-one seems to know how he achieved his nautical cognomen. On certain feast days a trumpeter called Len has been known to take on the rôle of a "Pied Piper" and to lead the whole community in a strange and wild conga. The subject of the inn sign was a champion dalmatian known as Winnal Elegance, and a real thoroughbred he looks from his nose to the tip of his tail He is a true example of what Thackeray had in mind when he said, "There is nothing like blood, Sir, in Hosses, Dawgs and Men."
Brewers: Whitbread & Co. Ltd
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Other Photos
Date of photo: c1960	Picture source: Keith Bartram
Date of photo: c1960	Picture source: Keith Bartram