New bar and restaurant opens inside former RAF World War II command centre with stunning military-themed mural by Peterborough street artist

A bar and restaurant has opened at Alconbury Weald, complete with stunning RAF artwork from Peterborough street artist Nathan Murdoch.

The Watch Office opened on Monday November 25 in the building formerly occupied by the Bohemia Cafe, which closed in February.

The building has a unique history, however, as it is one of the best preserved Nissn hut in the UK and the oldest permanent structure left on the former RAF Alconbury airfield.

The building- which is Grade II listed- was the central operations hub at RAF Alconbury during World War II. It was built by the RAF and was home to American airmen during the war.

In 1943, a bomb exploded on cricket pitches opposite the building and killed 19 servicemen.

In order to pay homage to the building’s history, new owner Vicky Pryce hired Nathan to create a RAF-themed artwork.

The mural features a tribute to both American and British soldiers, along with their respective flags as well as a British Blenheim plane and a Boeing B17 Flying Fortress, both of which would have flown from the airfield.

"Where Nathan’s mural is, that is where the Station Commander would stand and give orders.

"The detail Nathan has gone to is brilliant, it is completely historically accurate. Everyone is delighted with is and it is a truly unique art piece.

"We knew we had to find something special to pay tribute to these planes, which the residents are passionate about.

"What Nathan has done in three days is fantastic, he’s a genius.”

The Watch Office is open from 10am to 11pm Mondays to Saturday, serving brunch/lunch between 10am and 4pm as well before its evening dinner menu from 5:30pm.

On Sundays, it is open between 10am and 8pm.

Booking can be made by emailing [email protected].