'The Dean's is the one with the rugby ball' - Landlord of well-known pub near Gloucester Rugby marks milestone

Celebrating five years as owner of the Deans Walk is Dave Drake
-Credit: (Image: Will Luker)


The landlord of a famous pub just a stone's throw away from Gloucester Rugby is looking to the future with plans to move more into food. Dave Drake, 38, owns the Dean's Walk Inn, a pub that many fans of the Cherry and Whites will know for the rugby ball on the roof.

It was placed on top of the pub in 1992 when Dave's father Bruce Drake decided to make it a standout feature. Bruce himself was once owner of the pub just like Dave today, the present day owner in a long list stretching back to the pub's opening in 1841.

Originally called the Quart Pot two centuries ago, Bruce himself saved the pub from dereliction in 1980 and now in 2024 the Dean's Walk is one of the best pubs to be at when a matchday arrives, especially on a Saturday as Dave explains.

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A pub that has seen not just home supporters but also the occasional away supporter walk through its doors, Dave said: "The Dean's is the one with the rugby ball", is a common description you'll hear from Gloucester Rugby supporters across Gloucestershire who follow the club through the highs and lows.

Outside the Deans Walk Inn with its well-known rugby ball in the roof
Outside the Deans Walk Inn with its well-known rugby ball in the roof -Credit:Will Luker

Marking five years as landlord and owner of the pub "is a landmark at a time when pubs are a struggling trade at the moment but we do have a great regular following, Dave said. "We have a community feel and everybody knows everyone", coupled with the important point that the best thing he loves about being a pub landlord is getting "hands on with the community and helping people out."

New work has taken place to renovate the Dean's Walk including more space, more seating, a better bar area, more outdoor space, new flooring, new pool table and a new TV screen to watch more live rugby. Planning to do Sunday roasts, continuing with live music and also rugby rolls for matchdays, giving as much to the rugby community is what Dave has and continues to enjoy.

The Deans Walk has a mural of the pub's history
The Deans Walk has a mural of the pub's history -Credit:Will Luker

"The vibe is always nice and it is good an hour before a game where you can be shoulder to shoulder," Dave said. "The thing with rugby fans is they all get on with each other where we have great Gloucester supporters. It can be hit and miss but that does depend on how the game has gone!"