In the heart of rural France, two Londoners are serving up more than just food; they’re serving up community, charity, and a centuries-old tradition. The Auberge du Noyer has been run by the steady hands of Steve Leigh and Shaun Austin for seven years! Before moving to France, Steve and Shaun ran big and busy pubs in London and Shropshire, and a sense of community is an inherent part of who they are and what they do.
For starters, they host a monthly charity quiz night, where funds are raised and given back to the community in both France and the UK. Many organisations have benefited from their generosity. But what are the roots of this ingrained sense of community and giving?
Well…. Shaun is a Pearly King. It’s a title that he is extremely proud of, and diners and guests have learned a lot about it over the years.
The history of the Pearly Kings and Queens dates back to 1875, and this year marks their 150th anniversary! Their roots are firmly in the streets of London, where a lad by the name of Henry Croft and the costermongers, with their signature suits adorned in pearly buttons, soon made a respectable name for themselves, raising money for London’s charity organizations. The ‘dynasty’ continues today, and their work and unique brand are talked and read about around the world.
So here we are in rural France, when Shaun declared some weeks ago that his cousin Sharon was coming out to France for a few days with friends and family. Sharon and her family and friends just happen to be Pearly Kings & Queens. It was an opportunity that couldn’t be missed! The Pearlies would do a ‘cockney turn’ for guests and diners AND put proper pie, mash & liquor on the menu. Within just a couple of weeks, the evening had sold out. Londoners and those keen to meet the Pearlies booked in. And they did not disappoint. The weather was fantastic! What was a beautiful, warm afternoon, blended into a fine and dry night with a stunning sunset [the pub often witnesses stunning sunsets]
There was music, and Cockney sing-alongs, and dancing, and people having their photos taken with the Pearlies.
And as we have mentioned, fundraising is at the heart of what Steve and Shaun do. Their August fundraising quiz raised 700€, and Shaun, the King of bucket swinging, collected another 600€ on Saturday night. A total of 1300€ went back with the Pearlies to be handed over to Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Just listening to their stories was enough to give you a stitch in your stomach from laughter, along with stories that really pull at the heartstrings and remind us that we are all human.
Since that Saturday, there have been numerous requests for another evening to be planned! If they can get across next year, they will. For those who eat, sleep and drink at the Auberge… there’s a surprise waiting in the wings… Steve is now also a Pearly!
Shaun and Steve will be heading back to the UK to attend the Lord Mayor’s Show in November, but you can get a glimpse into their proud tradition by visiting the free exhibition ‘Still Suited and Booted’ with works by photographer Alex Kurunis. The exhibition presents an intimate portrait of the modern-day Pearlies, demonstrating that after 150 years, the tradition remains thriving. The exhibition runs from September 5th to October 4th at The Crypt, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London, leading nicely up to the Harvest Festival on Sunday October 5th.
To stay up-to-date on future events and delicious food, follow the Auberge du Noyer on Facebook or sign up for our monthly newsletter [sign up on the front page of the website].
The Original Pearly Kings and Queens
Website: https://thepearlies.org.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOriginalPearlyKingsandQueens
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/originalpearlies/
