Although the vast majority of the people we come into contact with are genuine , we occasionally come unstuck and are let down badly. Thus just prior to Christmas an order was placed for a superb new Snooker Table from the Heritage range of tables which was cancelled without notice less than 24 hours prior to installation. A number of lessons were learned.

Regardless , we have available a wonderful Full size Royal table which we are able to offer at a significantly reduced price. The table is perfect in every way and just requires a new home. If you are interested in acquiring a quality table at a genuine discount. Please get in touch by phone or email.

   We have had a very busy week and January continues to surprise us. We have sold Snooker tables , American Pool and English Pool Tables this week which is very gratifying. This is apart from all the ongoing commerical work.

The Snooker Tables being an 8 and 9 Foot Table were both of modern construction and were taken as part exchanges against other Tables. I tend not to advertise part exchanges as much as perhaps I should , but its important to note that we do get a regular supply of these type of products and it can mean very good value for the purchasers.

If you are looking for a table within a budget please make contact as we can normally satisfy most requirements. We are more than happy to look for specific products if you wish.

The website continues to get a lot of new users who are hopefully not disappointed with what they see. However we are thinking of new ideas all the time. Watch this space for further changes.

 Jonathan Kentfield was the first champion of English Billiards .

 He assumed the title when John Carr his contemporary died prior to an arranged game between them both. Kentfield retained the title unchallenged for 24 years. It is known that Kentfield had played Carr once previously defeating him 100-99.His record break of 196 (57 consecutive spot strokes) was made in 1840 on a table with a wood bed and list cushions. He held the championship from 1825 to 1849 and died in 1873.

John Kentfield was born in Yorkshire but spent most of his time in Brighton. He was a man of refined tastes and was not the type of person that would have normally frequented the confines of a billiard room.

Thanks to his energy and acumen , the old order of things was gradually superseded by the introduction of rubber cushions. , slate beds and fine cloths. He was supported in this venture by John Thurston who operated his own firm of cabinet makers , but had switched solely to the exclusive manufacture of billiard tables. John Thurston had a high regard for Kentfields advice and which he turned to great commercial advantage.

That Kentfield  was the greatest player of the period cannot be doubted ; his break of 196 in those faraway days speaks highly of his skill. In his book ‘The Game Of Billiards’ published in 1839 , he scientifically explained the game showing that his theoretical knowledge too was considerably advanced.

John Roberts , who travelled all the way from Oldham to Brighton , Kentfield’s home ,to try and force a match for the championship , virtually got the title for the asking as Kentfield much the older man , wisely declined to play for it. Roberts , defending his claim , spoke of Kentfield in these terms : ‘He played a very artistic game , but possessed little power of cue. He depends on slow twists and fancy screws  , and rarely attempted a brilliant forcing hazard. He gave misses and made baulks whenever practicable , and never departed from the strict game.’ Billiards would never be the same again.

 Professional player’s of this period tended to be employed in Billiard Halls as full time markers. Alternatively they were often hustlers looking to make a fast buck from some poor unsuspecting newcomer. In truth Billiard Halls had a reputation for being full of undesirables and were rarely frequented by the more wealthy in society.

The better players were quite cunning and often used to play under another name in order to maximise their winnings and opportunities to build further income.

The first player to gain universal recognition was a Mr Jack Carr. By all accounts ‘Jack’ was quite a character and it soon became clear to him that there was money to be made as a biliards marker. Thus he gained a position as Marker for a Mr Bartley in ‘The Upper Rooms’ in Bath.  They became quite good friends and often practised when the rooms were quiet. Bartley was a very competent player in his own right and demonstrated to Carr how to screw the ball using a technique which is commonly now known as side.

Carr recognised the benefits of his knewly found skill and utilised it to great effect. He quickly became even more proficient than his teacher and amazed players with his undeniable skills.

Carr clearly had entrepreneurial spirit and claimed that these shots were only available with his special ground chalk. He supplied this chalk for half a crown in small receptacles. What he didn’t tell his customers was that the chalk was widely available free in stick form in Mr Bartleys rooms.

Carr was addicted to gambling and lost virtually everything he earned. He regularly played a game called ‘Hazard’ which was usually his undoing. He even found time to take a trip to Spain where he continued to amaze the Billiards players with his special shots. However the gambling continued unabated and he arrived back in Portsmouth penniless.

Allegedly Carr went staright to a Billiard Hall where he challenged another player and won £70 which was a considerable sum of money. He went straight to a Tailor and purchased a very smart suit. In his new clothes he went back to the club the following day and won another significant amount off his previous opponent who didn’t recognise him.

In 1825 a young man of Cork called Jerry Flanagan came to England to take on all comers. His reputation had gone before him as he was known to have potted ten consecutive reds. Carr couldn’t resist a challenge and they met at the ‘Four Nations Hotel’ in London. Carr won the first three games to take the match and astonished everyone with 22 consecutive reds in the second game. he then went on to take on all comers at a 100 Guineas a game.

Thus , this is regarded as the first truly professional event. There was no hard evidence to suggest that Carr was superior to all other players. However he was never short of backers and perhaps this in itself is enough to justify the claim.

  A little late due to waiting for some photos. Another beautiful Burroughes and Watts table was installed into a magnificent property in rural Surrey just before xmas. The Table looking superb in Antique Oak was installed into a room that had been meticulously designed by its owners.

To ensure a unique feel it was requested that we covered the table in a purple cloth to fit in with the other design features. Thanks to help from Matt at Suzo we sourced some Purple 6811 Gold standard cloth to complete the brief.

We currently have a 9Ft Palmer and Sons and a Full Size Palmer & Sons undergoing restoration. Please make contact for further details.