I call myself a Londoner these days even though I was born in Croydon. In those ancient times Croydon was part of Surrey, but it was moved to London in 1965 when local government boundaries were changed. It was already in my blood because my paternal grandfather was a true Cockney. I remember how we had to learn to speak differently and develop a taste for cockles, whelks and jellied eels. I never did. But on the brighter side, we could drink all those lovely London beers! Er, when I became old enough, of course. And now, when I feel rich enough – the average price of a pint of beer in London is currently £5.67.
I noted a few of my favourite pubs in Croydon a few posts back. There are too many London pubs that have had the benefit of my custom, but I could mention just a few I have had a little sup in. There is the Zetland Arms in South Kensington, a nice cosy pub on a corner that does lovely chips. We have The George Inn near Borough Market, a very old (1676) coaching inn with lots of wooden bits – apparently called galleries and the last surviving example in London (why didn’t I become a travel writer?). I like The Founder’s Arms on the South Bank near Tate Modern – perfect if you have overdosed on modern art. On a nice day you can sit outside and enjoy the river view. It is architecturally uninspiring, being built in 1979 and opened by the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral in 1980. Mmm, religious orders meets last orders.
A few more in passing – Dirty Dick’s near Liverpool Street Station, the two Irish pubs Waxy O’Connor’s (lots of nooks and crannies with a big tree “growing” through it) and Waxy’s Little Sister in Soho. Also in Soho, on the edge of Chinatown, there is De Hems Dutch Cafe Bar – originally the haunt of Dutch sailors. And let’s end with a wine bar – Gordon’s Wine Bar near Charing Cross underground station, accessed down steep narrow stairs to the candle-lit cellars below. Romantic!
I hope you have enjoyed my little virtual pub crawl. I feel quite nostalgic now. Tomorrow I will look at some London brews. Until then, keep safe and well. Time for a singsong around the ol’ Joanna – “Knees up mother Brown….”
Alcohol Trivia Quiz
Yesterday’s answers:
1. 49 million. Give or take.
2. A lover of wine.
3. William Hogarth.
Today’s questions:
1. What is the name of the pub featured in another famous etching by Hogarth?
2. Who had a hit with “Black Velvet”?
3. What was a krater in ancient Greece?
Understand Yourself Better 