Barbara Windsor's Unforgettable Northampton Pub Visit

A pub owner shares a heartwarming story about the late actress's surprise appearance at his establishment.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a shattered disco ball, its mirrored surface reflecting dramatic patterns of light and shadow, conceptually representing the vibrant atmosphere of a celebratory pub event.The shattered reflections of a disco ball evoke the joyful energy and celebrity glamour that filled the air during Barbara Windsor's unforgettable visit to a beloved Northampton pub.Northampton Today

In a recent interview, Gary McManus, the managing director of The Phipps pub in Northampton, recounted an unforgettable day in 1998 when the legendary actress Barbara Windsor visited his establishment during its grand opening. Windsor, known for her roles in the Carry On films and EastEnders, surprised everyone by stepping behind the bar and embracing her inner pub landlady, just like her iconic character Peggy Mitchell.

Why it matters

Barbara Windsor's legacy as a versatile and beloved actress continues to live on, even after her passing in 2020. This story provides a glimpse into her down-to-earth personality and her ability to connect with fans in unexpected ways, cementing her status as a true icon of British entertainment.

The details

According to McManus, Windsor arrived at The Phipps in style, in a stretch limousine, and was escorted into town by his wife and a friend. Once there, she delighted the crowd by signing autographs and bringing joy to everyone present. Her impromptu turn as a pub landlady was a testament to her acting skills and her ability to seamlessly transition between her glamorous on-screen persona and a more relatable, everyday role.

  • The Phipps pub in Northampton opened its doors in 1998.
  • Barbara Windsor visited the pub during its grand opening that year.

The players

Gary McManus

The managing director of The Phipps pub in Northampton.

Barbara Windsor

A legendary British actress known for her roles in the Carry On films and EastEnders, where she played the iconic character of Peggy Mitchell.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Get in my Northampton pub!”

— Barbara Windsor

“We had to pick her up from Junction 15, and she arrived in style - a stretch limo! My wife and a friend escorted her into town, and they had a blast. She was a hoot, signing autographs and bringing joy to everyone.”

— Gary McManus, Managing Director, The Phipps

What’s next

The Phipps pub recently reopened its doors on December 4th, and among the attendees was former footballer Neil 'Razor' Ruddock, continuing the pub's legacy of hosting notable guests.

The takeaway

Barbara Windsor's unexpected visit to The Phipps pub in Northampton serves as a heartwarming reminder of her enduring popularity and her ability to connect with her fans in genuine, down-to-earth ways, even in the most unexpected of settings.