Trans World Travel: History of The Ostrich Inn, Colnbrook

History of The Ostrich Inn, Colnbrook as Seen on Most Haunted.

The Ostrich Inn, Colnbrook. About 1910

The Ostrich Inn dates back some 900 years – it is considered the third oldest inn in England and is a rambling monster of a place. The modern interior does come as a bit of a surprise after viewing the wonky timbered facade, but then a huge amount of money has been spent bringing this former coaching inn up to date, so expect black slate floors, chunky, contemporary wooden furniture, brilliant jewel colors and stained glass, as well as huge, sagging, sand-blasted beams, standing timbers and open fires.

The Ostrich Inn, Colnbrook. As seen today

The foundations of The Ostrich (located near Heathrow) were laid in 1106, when Henry I was on the throne by Milo Crispen. It stands opposite the 17 mile stone from London. It was originally named ‘The Hospice’ but over the centuries it has been corrupted to it’s current name; The Ostrich.

As with most historic buildings, The Ostrich has seen it’s fair share of murders and they say that over 60 were committed here. Most famous of all were those committed in the 17th century by the landlord of the time, Jarman, who with his wife made a very profitable sideline by murdering their guests after they had retired for the night.

They had a trap door built into the floor of one of their bedrooms and when a suitably rich candidate arrived Jarman would inform his wife that a fat pig was available if she wanted one! She would reply by asking her husband to put him in the sty for till the morrow. The bedstead was hinged and they would tip the sleeping victim into a vat of boiling liquid immediately below, thus killing him.

Jarman and his wife’s activities came to an end when their greed got the better of them and they plotted to kill a well known clothier Thomas Cole. After persuading him to make his will before he retired, Jarman killed Cole. Unfortunately Cole’s horse was found wandering the streets nearby and caused a search for his owner who had been last seen entering The Ostrich! His body was found some time later in a nearby brook and some say that this Cole-in-the-brook is how Colnbrook got its name. It’s a nice story but whether it is true or not, who’s to say!

Other historical visitors to the Ostrich include Dick Turpin who used the Inn as a hideout, escaping the Bow Street Runners by jumping out of a window and King John who is rumoured to have stopped at the Inn on the way to Runnymede to sign the Magna Carta.

The Courtyard

Today, The Ostrich Inn combines everything that you would expect of an historic coaching inn: beams, fireplaces, crooked stairs, a cobbled courtyard and an interesting history, with all your modern day expectations.

Enjoy a relaxing, comfortable stay at The Ostrich. There are 11 en suite bedrooms, each decorated individually in a comfortable blend of contemporary and classic style, several with special touches such as a roll-top bath and oak beams. Facilities on offer include flat screen televisions and free WiFi.

Feature Room:

Indulge yourself in the spacious Feature Room, featuring a freestanding roll-top bath and comfortable lounge area.

Feature Room at the Ostrich Inn

Enjoy a great night’s sleep in one of The Ostrich Inn's Standard Double rooms, offering great comfort and style at an affordable price.

Beautiful bathroom in one of the standard double rooms available at The Ostrich

Food and Drinks at The Ostrich Inn

You will find that 900 years of hospitality has not been wasted and today you can enjoy honest, tasty pub food, prepared from fresh local ingredients, in relaxed and comfortable surroundings, yet only a stones throw from Heathrow Airport and the main transport links. If all you fancy is a drink – don’t worry; like any pub, they serve wine by the glass or bottle and you also have a choice of a wide range of real ales which change on a regular basis.

If you are looking for a pub while staying near to Heathrow Airport, because you are on the drop off or pick up run to Heathrow, or simply because you're in business in the Heathrow area, drop in at The Ostrich (no pun intended). They are open lunchtime and evenings 7 days a week and have loads of free car parking.

Their chefs have created a wide ranging, modern British and extensive menu to reflect the demands of the area and varied clientele. The style is modern British, with a few classic dishes given a contemporary twist, such Slow Roast Belly with sage mash and roasted carrots and a honey and cider sauce, or stuffed Chicken Breast with brandy soaked prunes, risotto and roast pan juices. Puddings are well worth a look.