Based on a stage play by Tom Brennand and Roy Bottomley, this LWT series cast the irrepressible Hylda Baker as Nellie Pickersgill, a spinster from Bolton in Lancashire summoned to London by her ailing father, Jed (John Barrett), to help run his shabby pub, The Brown Cow in Fulham.
It’s an interesting situation given that Nellie is a teetotaller and can’t abide drink.
The pub’s regulars consist of gay couple George (David Rayner) and Gilbert (Roger Howlett), a layabout window cleaner called Charlie (Leo Dolan), and an Asian Underground worker – typical ’70s sitcom stereotypes. Various busty barmaids also came and went, amongst them a young Wendy Richard (pictured below).
The final series was cut short to four episodes when Hylda Baker broke her ankle during recording.
Nellie Pickersgill was not a million miles away from the character of Nellie Pledge from Nearest and Dearest.
Nellie Pickersgill
Hylda Baker Charlie
Leo Dolan Gilbert
Roger Howlett George
David Rayner Jed Pickersgill
John Barrett Beryl
Alexandra Dane Doris
Wendy Richard Stanley Pickersgill
Jack Douglas Big Brenda
Sue Nicholls
Video
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