Actor Keith Allen trades 90s mayhem for pub work in the sleepy Cotswolds village of Minchinhampton
The Cotswolds can now boast another celebrity string to its bow as actor Keith Allen takes on a pub entertainment role in Minchinhampton.
Musician, actor, artist and all-round rabble rouser Keith Allen has traded the drug- and drink-fuelled mayhem of the 90s for an altogether quieter role - on the Entertainment Committee of a bar in a sleepy Cotswolds village. The 72-year-old, famed for a range of artistic pursuits including as an actor in the likes of The Young Ones and the man behind bizarre hit single Vindaloo with Fat Les, now resides near Stroud in Gloucestershire.
Now, he has revealed his latest role - helping coordinate entertainment at the Minchinhampton Cotswold Club - in the sleepy village of the same name. The venue, which boasts snooker, pool, skittles, darts and more, is now set to host Allen's very own blues club, with the first event planned on March 17, as well as a poker night.
Announcing the "great news", Allen said he would release details of the blues night "when confirmed", with the poker night set to be possibly held "once a week but definitely once a fortnight".
Other events planned at the venue include a show featuring Joe Pasquale and Terry Alderton on Saturday, with karaoke at the end of the month. Allen said there was always something to do, adding: "If you're not playing cards, watching a show, or being part of a show, then you can always play pool, snooker, skittles ,table football and table tennis.
"If none of the above appeal, then you can quiz the night away or even involve yourself in a bit of Wendy's bingo - not too shabby for a small village club. Keeping it real, keeping it local, creating community. Carry on."
Minchinhampton, population 4,519, boasts a war memorial and a 17th-century market house, and counts the Princess Royal among famous residents, with Princess Anne living at the nearby Gatcombe Park, which hosts the famous Gatcombe Horse Trial each year. It also boasts a golf club, with holes spread across the nearby common.
Allen, who is married to actress Tamzin Malleson and father to pop star Lily Allen and actor Alfie Allen, moved to the Stroud area around 15 years ago and has become a famous face in the town, known for campaigning on local issues and even opening a diner at a former nightclub premises.
Malleson is known to millions through roles in the likes of Teachers, Bodies and Midsomer Murders, while Emmy-nominated Alfie Allen is a star in the likes of Game of Thrones and The Predator. Lily is currently returning to live shows in support of her latest album, West End Girl.