Russell Brand, Jack Whitehall, Harry Hill, Jimmy Carr, Sean Lock, Jo Brand, Omid Djalili and Richard Blackwood – the Comedy Bunker in Ruislip has been home to some of the biggest names in comedy since it opened its doors in 1996, and its success has been such that owner Phil Smith is opening a second club in Mill Hill Golf Club.

“The first club, in Ruislip Golf Club, has been such a success, I started looking at new venues,“ says Phil, who bought the Bunker three years ago after deciding he needed a career change from being in the ambulance service. “And it’s just a lucky coincidence that the second one has also ended up being in a golf club, so we can continue the hilarious pun in the name!“

The opening night next week will be headlined by Bob Mills, a stalwart of the comedy circuit since the 1980s and former presenter of Win, Lose or Draw and Robot Wars; with support from James Dowdeswell, an imaginative storytelling comedian who combines deft stand up with daft stories, and Julian Deane, who has been wowing audiences across the country with his genius punchlines and perfect dead pan delivery.

“I’ve picked my opening acts for Mill Hill very carefully,“ says Phil, 40, “because you’re setting out your stall, aren’t you? I’ve gone for people I’ve worked with before and who I know will be great.“

Phil has booked his headliners until Christmas, so Mill Hill comedy lovers can book their tickets early for the likes of Rudi Lickwood, Marlon Davis, and Barry Cryer and Ronnie Golden.

  • Bob Mills, James Dowdeswell and Julian Deane open the Mill Hill Comedy Bunker at Mill Hill Golf Club, Barnet Way, Mill Hill, on Thursday, October 16 from 8.30pm to 11pm. Details: comedybunker.co.uk