How the Hour Glass in High Wycombe changed its reputation

The Hour Glass, which is a 15-minute walk away from the Hillbottom Road venue, had gathered a status associated with violence and disorder in previous years.

And with the establishment mainly being used by visiting spectators getting behind the Chairboys’ opponents, the hostility amongst fans grew to the point that anyone wearing Wycombe’s colours were not allowed in on matchdays to avoid conflicts.

Barman at the Hour Glass, Wycombe. “First team in 25 years where the away fans fight themselves”. Welcome to Coventry City away my friend. #pusb

— Paul Edgington (@_edgy_) December 29, 2019

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However, the pub’s new landlord, Luke Gregory, has stated that he aims to have both sets of supporters in the establishment come August, and that the bar will be decorated in light and dark blue.

He told the Free Press: “It’s not rough anymore.

“We’ve had a lot of different characters in the past that may have given the pub that ‘rough’ reputation, but it’s not like that and we don’t have many issues.

“I’ve had the pub for about 11 months now and it has always been mainly used for the away fans, but we want to make this for home fans too.

“That’s the aim.

“Of course, we won’t want to turn away any away fans, but, we’re in the process of trying to get a few Wanderers items up on the wall such as photos, scarves, framed shirts etc.

If Wycombe win I’ll buy everyone that likes this a pint of coke in the hour glass

— Chaz Warner (@ChazWarner16) April 10, 2021

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“We want to have flags, history pieces, and pictures up and around the place to make it Wycombe-friendly.

“We’ve redecorated the back garden and the interior, and we’re trying to get as many Wanderers bits up and around the pub.

“I don’t want to say we’re specifically for Wycombe fans only, but it’ll be the Wycombe home pub with the away fans being welcome.”

The landlord also spoke about the importance of visiting pubs within the local community, after official government figures stated that more than 150 across England and Wales have shut in 2023.

This number has since risen and will continue to increase. 

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Hi all, I’m the manager of the hour glass in wycombe. We are the closest pub to the ground- 10 minute walk. Home and away pub. Hope to see you all there 😊

— Teetee9824 (@teetee9824x) April 21, 2023

He continued: “The pub does alright on its own, but when the football is on, it really does help us out a lot, as that extra income can actually help us do things.

“So many pubs have shut in the town, and you can tell which ones and struggling, and which ones are not.

“The town centre or high street has not been the same since Covid, and I don’t think it will be the same for a long time, if ever.

“Pubs that are staying around are paying their bills and are still doing what they need to do, but it won’t be the same as it was.”

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The pub is looking for anyone who would like to donate any surplus Wycombe Wanderers items to put up on their wall as décor.

If you have any memorabilia that you would like to give to the Hour Glass pub, call 07951 415654 or email [email protected].