For decades, The Alma was more than just a pub – it was a beloved local landmark in Harrow Weald, the kind of place you’d expect to find deep in the countryside.
Sitting on the High Road, next to Harrow Weald Recreation Ground (aka Boxtree Park) and across from what is now Lidl (once a Homebase), it was the go-to spot for residents nearby looking to relax with a pint and catch up with friends.
The history of the pub
Dating back to the 18th century, The Alma had a charm that made it one of the most popular pubs in the area. Whether you were a regular or just popping in after a stroll in park next door, you were always greeted with a warm smile by Amanda, the head barmaid at the time.
Amanda started working at The Alma back in the mid 1980s. She recalled, “It was a special pub. The customers were always friendly and we rarely got any trouble. Of course there’s the odd incident but nothing like it is today. It was a different way of life back then and we shared a good laugh in that pub, people just wanted to have a good time.”
In the early 2000s, The Alma underwent a transformation, rebranding itself as Molly Maguire’s. Being from Ireland myself, I remeber The name change brought a new vibe, but the heart of the pub remained the same—a welcoming space where locals could share stories, celebrate milestones, and make memories, even have a game of pool at the little section toward the rear of the pub.
Long-time customers remember the boozer fondly. “It was such a great place to meet people,” said one former regular Mick. “You could go in and always see a familiar face, especially on a Friday night when it felt like the whole of Harrow Weald had squeezed in for a drink!”
When did it get demolished?
Sadly, like many traditional pubs, The Alma (or Molly Maguire’s, as some still fondly call it) closed its doors for good in the mid-2000s. The building was eventually replaced with housing, marking the end of an era for Harrow Weald.
Though the pub is gone, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who spent countless evenings there. As Harrow Weald continues to change and grow, The Alma remains a reminder of a time when a local pub was the heart of the community – a place where everyone knew your name (no this isn’t Cheers!, but it had that vibe), and the night always ended with a smile.
If you ever walk past the flats that now occupy its spot, take a moment to remember the laughter, the clinking glasses, and the stories that made The Alma part of the community for so long.
To see how Harrow Weald has changed over the last two decades, click here
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Seamus Donaghy is a freelance writer with a strong interest in Harrow’s local history. Originally from Sligo in the Republic of Ireland, Seamus moved to Harrow with his family when he was seven years old and grew up in Wealdstone. He has lived in the borough for more than 30 years and writes about the people, places and stories that have shaped Harrow over the years.
