Explore every episode of the podcast Historic London Pubcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennington’s Madcap Pubs - Who Let the Dogs Out? | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:34:27 | |
Kennington. There’s nothing beige about pub history in this part of London. Today we kick back the saloon doors of Kennington, where pubs aren’t just buildings, they’re characters with backstories, secrets, and a scattering of taxidermy. We’ll stumble through boozers that once stared straight at Bedlam, meet a pub magician who almost flambéed a flock of pigeons, and uncover how Charlie Chaplin’s dad made pubs his stage and possibly inspired Chaplin’s signature little tramp walk. Expect Tudor urinals, circus origins, and a pub fight scene fit for Hollywood. It’s London history—unfiltered, slightly unhinged, and best served with a running commentary. Cheers to the weird, the wobbly, and the wonderfully baronial. Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Chelsea Short | 30 Nov 2025 | 00:07:22 | |
Get the essence of Episode 49 in under 8 minutes! Chelsea Pub Crawl – Bohemians to Billionaires. Groovy! Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Cheers From Limehouse Pubs - Cities Built & Empires Launched | 28 Jul 2025 | 00:31:54 | |
Walk the maritime heart of East London on an unforgettable stroll through one of the London’s most important, yet underrated neighborhoods – Limehouse. ================================ Google map with pubs covered in previous episodes pinned, courtesy of Andy Meddick: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1xXDGJSfJIUy2gw_6uCASi-C45FpOg_M&usp=sharing Or TinyURL: https://tinyurl.com/4xhc8w2s The following resources are referenced or quoted frequently in these episodes:
Additionally, the following resource(s) were used / quoted in this episode: Limehouse Area History: https://alondoninheritance.com/londonpubs/house-they-left-behind/ https://www.londonpicturearchive.org.uk/view-item?i=122172&WINID=1749070788344 https://zythophile.co.uk/2010/10/04/taylor-walker-the-brewery-name-that-just-wont-die/ The Grapes Tim Hampson, London’s River Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Back to the Pub Crawl Future - City of London, 50 Years On | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:37:45 | |
Grab your comfy walking shoes, we’re going on a Cheapside pub crawl like no other. Host Eric Blair takes us through the City of London pubs featured in a 1973 guidebook. Kind of a Back to the Future, pub version, comparing historic London pubs with their modern-day fates. From the once-glorious Balls Brothers wine bar—to Williamson’s Tavern, with its poltergeist named Martha, this is London pub history with a kick. We also pop into Ye Olde Watling, popular with Sir Christopher Wren, and The Golden Fleece pub, where stockbrokers once “fleeced” their clients before heading home half-cut. As we sip and stroll through the cobblestone alleys of historic pubs in Cheapside London, we dig into the lost, the legendary, and the downright loony tales that make these spots so much more than places to grab a pint. Whether you’re a pub historian, a ghost hunter, or just planning your next London walking tour, this one’s for you. We end at the Lord Raglan pub, a place named after a general who famously messed up the Charge of the Light Brigade but still scored a pub in his honor. Because, well, London. This isn’t just another pub crawl podcast, or your usual history podcast. It’s a jaunt through London ghost stories, haunted London pubs, and the hidden corners of City of London history. Think of it as your unofficial, unfiltered, and slightly unhinged London pub guide with a London travel podcast spin. So if you're into London pub tours, looking for a good London travel tip, or just want an excuse to drink “for research,” you’re in the right place. This is Pub crawl London done the Historic London way—full of snark, stories, and maybe a ghost or two. ================================ Google map with pubs covered in previous episodes pinned, courtesy of Andy Meddick: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1xXDGJSfJIUy2gw_6uCASi-C45FpOg_M&usp=sharing Or TinyURL: https://tinyurl.com/4xhc8w2s The following resource(s) were used / quoted in this episode: Richards & Curl, City of London Pubs - A Practical and Historic Guide ISBN:0-87749-358-8 https://teaching.shu.ac.uk/ds/sle/Excerpts/Romantics/Lamb.htm Wikipedia.com Williamson’s Tavern & Ye Olde Watling: https://www.heathershimmin.com/williamsons-tavern https://knowyourlondon.wordpress.com/2017/12/15/williamsons-tavern-bow-lane/ https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/23572/ SugarLoaf https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54217/ https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs//StPancrasSoperLane/SugarLoaf.shtml Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Southwark to Elephant & Castle Pubs, A Firkin Good Time | 30 Jun 2025 | 00:32:17 | |
Lace up your walking shoes, and join us again on your favorite London pub podcast, London history podcast, and London travel podcast all in one! Host & London Pub Guide Eric Blair leads us on another London historic pubs tour. Eric’s London walking tours are not just historic pub crawls, or your average London pub crawl. Eric is really skilled at finding London hidden gems and unique London experience not found in your typical London travel tips article. Eric’s not afraid to take us off the beaten path, finding cool London pubs, quirky London attractions, and the best historical stories. Today we’re treated to a story-packed London pub tour starting in Southwark London and ending at the legendary Elephant and Castle pub, located, where else, but in Elephant and Castle! We’ll see: · The Roebuck pub London – A Grade II-listed gem with Victorian pub architecture, dome-topped charm, and a lush interior. · The haunting tale of the Great Dover Street Woman – a Roman woman buried in style with silk pillows and cosmetics, discovered just steps from the pub trail. · The Ship pub Southwark – Over 200 years of history, a near-death by rent hike, and a community-led comeback with help from True Pub Co. · The Duke of York pub Southwark – Once a humble pub, then a Firkin brewpub empire, now a lesson in how cheeky slogans can fuel a nationwide beer trend. (Yes, we explain “For Firk’s sake” and the real meaning of a Firkin.) · The Albert Arms pub Southwark – Homey, historical, and still standing strong since the 1850s, where one drinker sipped pints where his ancestor once poured them. · Lastly, the Elephant and Castle pub – a modern pub with post-war flair sitting in the shadow of a mystery name that’s either a medieval translation failure, or a branding accident that stuck. Either way, it’s a name so baffling, historians have just... given up. ================================ Google map with pubs covered in previous episodes pinned, courtesy of Andy Meddick: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1xXDGJSfJIUy2gw_6uCASi-C45FpOg_M&usp=sharing Or TinyURL: https://tinyurl.com/4xhc8w2s The following resources are referenced or quoted frequently in these episodes:
Additionally, the following resource(s) were used / quoted in this episode. Roebucks Grade II Entry: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1393945?section=official-list-entry Parched Pubs , True Pubs & Shepard Neame Websites: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1393945?section=official-list-entry https://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/ True Pubs Interview: https://southwarknews.co.uk/area/borough/the-ship-in-borough-is-reo Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Four Point Borough Tube Pub Crawl, Press Gangs & Pub Signs | 16 Jun 2025 | 00:35:30 | |
Eric picked a unique approach to a historic London pub crawl on today’s episode. It’s all about pubs that are convenient to Borough tube station. Is it a Southwark pub crawl? Borough Pub Crawl? Or Borough Market Pub Crawl? It depends on who you ask! We will walk the four points of the compass around Borough tube station in Southwark’s Borough Market neighborhood. Borough pubs and Borough Market pubs aren’t just for sipping pints with your mates, they’ve been historic crime scenes, political stages, and occasionally royal hideouts. We will stumble through pub stories of blood-soaked, carbolic washed floors and press gangs at The King’s Arms, emerald-tiled legends at The Lord Clyde, William Gladstone grudges and Southwark brothels at The Gladstone Arms, and King Charles II and one very famous oak tree at The Royal Oak pub. Savor London history far more entertaining than your school textbooks and quite possibly see some of the best pubs in London along the way. Tell your friend you found the best London travel tips right here on The Historic London Pubcast, your London travel guide through the best London walking tours, and British pub culture. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=12c- References
King’s Arms & Lord Clyde Dictionary of Pub Names, Wordsworth Ref Series, ISBN 1840222662 H. Friedrichs & J. Warland– Local Legends - the Hidden Pub of London ISBN 978-3791389738 https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/24257/ https://www.londonpubexplorer.com/central-classics/the-lord-clyde https://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/view/2484 Gladstone Arms & Royal Oak https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/24234/ https://deserter.co.uk/2016/08/is-the-glad-all-over/ https://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/view/9135 https://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/view/9084 https://www.london-se1.co.uk/news/view/8547 https://www.harveys.org.uk/harveys-story Intro Music Vivaldi - Spring Allegro by John Harrison w/ the Wichita State University Chamber Orchestra Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Peckham Pubs Pt 2 – Time Out Top Ten, Tom Kerridge TV Fame | 02 Jun 2025 | 00:33:59 | |
We kick things off at The Olde Apple Tree, the last pub standing on Sumner Road and crowned one of Time Out London’s Top Ten Pubs. Then it’s off to The Red Bull, home to a rescued Shakespearean tile mural and a legacy as colorful as its walls. Next, we visit The White Horse — dating back to the 18th century, famous for its chess club and beloved Sunday roast. Just a few minutes south is The Angel Oak, once a coaching inn and now a gastropub with a garden that locals rave about. Onto the Prince of Peckham — a reimagined community pub that blends music, Caribbean food, and a multicultural vibe, proving the future of London pub culture is bold, diverse, and buzzing. Check out their wedding planning services! We close at The Golden Anchor, a Victorian pub turned Afro-Caribbean cultural hub, complete with dominoes games, legendary jerk chicken, and a makeover by Tom Kerridge on BBC TV’s Saving Britain’s Pubs. If you're hunting for the best pubs in London, interested in Peckham history, or just want to plan your next London pub crawl, this episode is for you. Can’t get your friend to buy the idea of a pub crawl? Think of this as a historic London walk, a tour of historic London pubs. The tell your friend about this London pub podcast, part London history podcast, part London travel podcast. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Olde Apple Tree https://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/24765102.olde-apple-tree-peckham-ranked-among-londons-best/ https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/Camberwell/SumnerRoad59.shtml https://www.timeout.com/london/bars-and-pubs/the-olde-apple-tree https://whatpub.com/pubs/SEL/10696/olde-apple-tree-peckham The Red Bull https://www.peckhamvision.org/wiki/Historic_Peckham https://alondoninheritance.com/londonpubs/in-search-of-peckham-pubs/ https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/24155/ Peckham Central https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/24145/ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/england-pubs-covid-19-60-minutes-2022-02-13/ Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Peckham Pubs Pt 1 – Ivy House Community Ownership, Fireworks | 19 May 2025 | 00:39:48 | |
We’re heading back south of the river to Nunhead and Peckham Rye for a historic London pub crawl laced with legends, laughs, and last-minute saves at a lineup of historic London pubs. How’s that for a London history podcast! We kick off at The Ivy House, once home to Victorian cricket legend W.G. Grace, punk icon Ian Dury, and a nude ballet that was… technically accurate. When greedy developers came calling, the locals pulled off a pub-saving plot twist worthy of Hollywood. Meet London’s first community-owned pub! Then it’s over to The Pyrotechnics Arms, born from literal explosions thanks to a fireworks factory gone kaboom. This no-frills London boozer has deep ties to The Crystal Palace and a chorus of mandolin-backed rude songs outside its doors. Recently shuttered, but not forgotten. You’re going to want to add this pub to your London pub walking tour. Completing today’s historic London walk, we wrap at The Old Nun’s Head, a pub so old it gave Nunhead its name. Ghosts of William Blake (angel sightings, anyone?), whispers of Charles Dickens, a sticky-fingered schoolgirl, and over 400 years of pints and pub power. It’s not just a London pub tour — it’s a crash course in pint-fueled history with side orders of rebellion, poetry, and pyrotechnics. Whether you’re plotting a London pub crawl tour, hunting for pubs in Nunhead, pubs in Peckham Rye, or just need some spicy London travel tips, on this London pub podcast, we’re your London travel guide who’s got your back (and your barstool). Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Ivy House https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/Camberwell/NewlandsTavern.shtml https://whatpub.com/pubs/SEL/10680/ivy-house-nunhead https://www.ivyhousenunhead.com/ “Public House” film review: https://londonist.com/2015/10/an-audio-visual-tapestry-about-london-s-first-co-op-pub William Blake https://www.barnflakes.com/blog/2017/05/william-blakes-vision-of-angels-in.html Pyrotechnist’s Arms https://www.brocksfireworks.com/our-history https://london.randomness.org.uk/wiki.cgi?Pyrotechnists_Arms%2C_SE15_3QF https://exploring-london.com/2023/09/18/london-pub-signs-the-pyrotechnists-arms/ https://www.stonegatepubpartners.co.uk/ Old Nun’s Head https://www.designmynight.com/london/pubs/peckham/the-old-nuns-head https://pubology.wordpress.com/2008/07/10/old-nuns-head/ https://transpont.blogspot.com/2012/05/hi Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Soho's Wildest Pub Stories, Part 3 - Mozart, Marx & Engels | 05 May 2025 | 00:36:09 | |
Third Time’s a Charm at Soho’s Pubs! On today’s historic London pub walk, we:
From the wild world of Victorian rat baiting and Jack Black the rat catcher, to postwar jazz clubs that changed the beat of Britain, this episode blends Soho history with UK pub stories, Victorian pubs London, and showcases stunning London pub architecture that survived more than a century of time. Packed with London travel tips you won’t find in guidebooks, this is your ultimate guide to famous London pubs, London pub history, and hidden gems that will make your next historic London pub crawl unforgettable. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Leicester Arms & The Glass Blower https://www.closedpubs.co.uk/london/wc2_coventgarden_leicester.html https://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=570689.0 https://camra.org.uk/pubs/glassblower-london-128981 https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/16080/leicester-arms-london The Crown and The Queens Head https://london.randomness.org.uk/wiki.cgi?Queen%27s_Head,_W1D_7HN Pubnames.co.uk & pubsgalore.co.uk The Lyric and The St James https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/16487/lyric-london https://pubsandbeer.co.uk/index.php?ID=P&pub=3653&O=P https://londonist.com/pubs/pubs/pubs/the-lyric https://www.pubsmiths.co.uk/st-james-tavern-piccadilly James Potts & Sam Cullen, What’s in a London Pub Name? (ISBN 9781854144713) Intro Music Vivaldi - Spring Allegro by John Harrison w/ the Wichita State University Chamber Orchestra Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Mayfair Pubs Pt 3, Scandal, Spies & the Acid Bath Killer | 19 Apr 2025 | 00:43:06 | |
In this punchy finale to our Mayfair trilogy, Eric focuses on five historic watering holes just west of Regent Street. From The Clarence where Chopin may have raised a glass, to The Goat Tavern, once a hub for naval officers and site of a meeting that led to grisly true crime, this episode is sure to shock is for those into Victorian architecture, true crime, or just love a little drama with your pint, the eastern edge of London’s poshest postcode is sure to please. Join host and London Travel Guide Eric Blair for the final leg of our Mayfair pub crawl on the streets of one of London’s poshest neighborhoods. In this episode of your favorite London history podcast, we explore five historic London pubs that have hosted royalty, rockstars, spies, and even serial killers, making them some of the most famous London pubs: · The Clarence pub, where Chopin may have toasted a quiet night... · The Goat Tavern, once a hub for naval officers—and the scene of a chilling meeting with London's notorious Acid Bath Killer London... · The Burlington Arms, a favorite of modern-day spies and shady billionaires… · The Mason’s Arms, a pub tied to courtroom chaos and footsteps from Jimi Hendrix London history… · Ending at The Iron Duke, steeped in Victorian pubs London charm and military bravado. Whether you're into true crime London, London pub history, pub history UK, or you're planning your own adventure with London walking tours or London pub tours, this episode is your guide to London hidden gems. It’s not just a London history podcast or London travel podcast, it’s your companion to the darker, funnier side of the city’s heritage. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
The Clarence https://camra.org.uk/pubs/clarence-london-128752 The Goat https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/16093/goat-tavern-london James Potts & Sam Cullen, What’s in a London Pub Name? (ISBN 9781854144713) https://alondoninheritance.com/londonpubs/goat-tavern-stafford-street/ The Burlington Arms https://camra.org.uk/pubs/burlington-arms-london-129217 https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/Westminster/BurlingtonArms.shtml https://futurefamilyoffice.net/news/gloucester-circus-the-family-office-that-duped-londons-vc-scene/ The Mason’s Arms Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Mayfair Pubs Pt 2, Style & Celebrities at Shepherd Market | 08 Apr 2025 | 00:38:21 | |
In Part 2 of our Mayfair pub visit, enjoy this London pub tour along the scandal-soaked streets of Shepherd Market London, a hidden gem, and one of London’s best hidden attractions, tucked away in the heart of Mayfair. Known for its mix of elegance and edge, this corner of the West End has long been home to some of the most famous London pubs—and the juiciest stories behind them. Host Eric Blair leads our lively London walking tour through five iconic historic pubs in Mayfair. Stay with us because it’s not your average London pub crawl! We have the Victorian-era Ye Grapes Pub, once lit up by vice and velvet; the Chesterfield Arms London, where RAF heroes and literary legends once lifted a pint; and the revamped Audley Public House, now a showpiece of pub architecture and modern art. We’ll also pop into the Kings Arms Mayfair, which has survived everything from name changes to neon trends. We end at The Punchbowl Mayfair, a celebrity pub with a guest list as long as your arm. Think Madonna, Guy Ritchie, and a couple of actual princes. Whether you’re a history buff, pub lover, fan of London history podcasts, or London travel podcasts, or looking for fun things to do in London, this episode is your inside look at some of the historic pubs of Mayfair that double as living chapters of the city’s past. Along the way, you’ll pick up London travel tips, uncover London hidden gems, and hear stories you won’t find in any London travel guide. It’s all part of your favorite London pub podcast, where every pint comes with a plot twist. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References Ted Bruning -- Historic Pubs of London (ISBN 978-0658005022) and London By Pub (ISBN 978-0658005022)
Shepherds Market https://www.aladyinlondon.com/2015/12/shepherd-market-restaurants-shops-pubs.html Maurice Gorham - Back to the Local (ISBN 978-0571386987) Ye Grapes & Kings Arms https://www.mayfair-london.co.uk/listing/ye-grapes/ https://yegrapesmayfair.co.uk/ https://www.greeneking.co.uk/pubs/greater-london/kings-arms-mayfair Chesterfield Arms https://camra.org.uk/pubs/chesterfield-arms-london-128807 Audley Public House https://www.hauserwirth.com/news/39561-art-at-the-audley-and-mount-st-restaurant-in-london/ https://camra.org.uk/pubs/audley-london-128809 Punch Bowl Paul Jennings, The Local: A History of the English Pub (ISBN 978-0-7524-5939-4) https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/16235/punch-bowl-london Intro Music: Vivaldi - Spring Allegro by John Harrison w/ the Wichita State University Chamber Orchestra Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Mayfair Pubs Pt 1, From The Guinea Grill to The Footman | 30 Mar 2025 | 00:38:17 | |
Exploring Mayfair, one of London’s most prestigious districts, as seen through legendary Mayfair pubs, Part 1 of a three-part series. Yes, that Mayfair - the poshest patch on the Monopoly board. Host and London Travel Guide Eric Blair takes you on a unique London pub crawl through some of the city's most iconic watering holes — from the celebrity-soaked Guinea Grill (yes, Sinatra drank here) to the absurdly narrow Coach and Horses, where Brigitte Bardot once leaned glamorously against the bar. We also pop into The Footman pub, formerly “The Only Running Footman,” and explore the wild history behind its name. You’ll even find out what Queen Elizabeth’s birthplace has to do with a Bentley dealership and most definitely not a Chinese restaurant (myth busted). Perfect for fans of London pub history, Royal London history, and anyone who loves a London walking tour with an angle of famous London pubs. Whether you're planning a London travel adventure or just fancy an historic pub crawl, this episode is full of London travel tips to explore the rich cultural history that shaped Mayfair into the luxurious neighborhood it is today. The Historic London Pubcast. Equal parts London podcast, London pub podcast, London history podcast, and London travel podcast. Now that’s value for money! Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Guinea Grill Maurice Gorham - Back to the Local (ISBN 978-0571386987) Coach & Horses - Bruton Street https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/15939/coach-horses-london Bardow pics: https://flashbak.com/brigitte-bardot-in-the-pub-by-ray-bellisario-1968-36253/ https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/jun/06/ray-bellisario-obituary https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-59553852 Footman https://numberonelondon.net/2021/04/historic-pub-crawl-i-am-the-only-running-footman/ https://mayfairfoodie.com/the-footman/ Kings Head https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/16031/kings-head-london Intro Music: Vivaldi - Spring Allegro by John Harrison Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Hackney Pub Crawl Part 1 – Pickled Egg, Punk Rock Hacktivism | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:36:19 | |
We’re back in the East End of London, kicking off a multi-episode visit to multi-cultural Hackney. We kick things off with a crash course in Hackney’s rebellious roots, from Roman roads to Quakers, Huguenots, and anarchists with a flair for protest. If London has a punk Borough, this is it. Johnny Rotten and Sid Vicious of The Sex Pistols met here at Hackney Technical College. Then we hit the pubs for our Hackney Pub Crawl. First stop: The Kenton - a pub with a moose head, Scandi vibes, and a backstory featuring beer-slinging legend Ben Kenton (no, he wasn’t a knight, but he should have been). Next: The Chesham Arms, a cornerstone of activism in Hackney. A pub so beloved that locals straight-up fought off developers like it was an episode of EastEnders meets Gladiator. Spoiler alert: the pub won. Then: The Cock Tavern, where you can find pickled egg royalty, beard-friendly vibes, and the birthplace of Howling Hops microbrewery. Oh, and don’t forget those CAMRA awards. We close at The Dolphin, the late-night legend that danced too close to the flame. Once a karaoke-fueled chaos magnet, now a chill spot with a Grade II listing and a slightly less wild crowd. Show Map https://historiclondonpubcast.com/show-map/ References Hackney
The Kenton
The Chesham Arms
The Cock Tavern
Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Marylebone Pubs Uncovered – Singalongs, Spies & Heists | 07 Mar 2025 | 00:34:22 | |
Step into ritzy Marylebone’s colorful pub scene for a historic London pub crawl like no other! On this episode of The Historic London Pubcast, we uncover wild tales behind Marylebone’s historic London pubs, and a side of Marylebone history thrown in for good measure. On our London pub tour, we go from The Barley Mow Marylebone and The Golden Eagle to The Devonshire Arms and the Victoria and Albert Marylebone Station pub. Quite the lineup of historic London pubs. Did you hear about the Baker Street London bank heist of 1971? Have you ever wanted to wander into Sherlock Holmes' London and wondered what Baker Street is all about? Revisit the days when Paul McCartney and John Lennon of The Beatles created musical legend along Wimpole Street. Meet Charles Babbage, the “Father the Computer”. Discover singalong pubs and piano bars in London - all on foot, like the best London walking tour, or historic London pub crawl. Whatever type of London podcast is your thing - London travel podcasts, London history podcast, or London pub podcast, this episode is for you. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing Or TinyURL: https://tinyurl.com/bduca5dv References
Barley Mow https://www.standard.co.uk/going-out/bars/the-barley-mow-pub-review-marylebone-b1175183.html Horst A. Friedrichs & John Warland –Local Legends: The Hidden Pubs of London(ISBN 978-3-7913-8973-8) Black Horse https://www.marylebonejournal.com/articles/history-world-war-two-marylebone-pub Golden Eagle https://londonist.com/pubs/the-golden-eagle Station Pubs and Victoria & Albert https://vinepair.com/articles/train-station-bars/ Intro Music: Vivaldi - Spring Allegro by John Harrison w/ the Wichita State University Chamber Orchestra Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Snob Screens to Celeb Scenes, Historic Pubs of Maida Vale | 24 Feb 2025 | 00:24:53 | |
Stroll through Maida Vale’s historic pubs. From the grand Edwardian staircase and beauty of The Warrington Hotel to the Victorian elegance, and secret snob screens of The Prince Alfred pub, to the canal-side charm of The Warwick Castle pub. A blend of marvelous pub architecture, the best Victorian pubs in London, literary connections, and a dash of celebrity intrigue. Along the way, we’ll spot blue plaques, hidden histories, and even a brush with The Beatles Abbey Road’s crossing. Discover hidden London gems such as Alan Turing’s birthplace, Warwick Crescent’s association with Poet Robert Browning and Lord Byron, Regents Canal Little Venice neighborhood, the film and TV connections to The Warrington Hotel, and Howard Marks drug smuggler pub connections to The Warwick Castle pub. We’ll even get a glimpse of that iconic Abbey Road Beatles crossing, just a short wander away. This isn’t just a London pub crawl. We’ve got an episode packed with London travel tips, the best of London walks and London pub crawls. A storytelling session soaked in London pub history, British pub culture, and the faded glamour of Victorian pubs London and Edwardian pubs London. Whether you're looking for a London history podcast, London travel podcast, or London pub podcast, or just someone plotting the ultimate London pub tour, we’ve got you covered. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Warrington Hotel https://londonist.com/2016/08/back-again-to-the-local-the-warrington-hotel Abbey Road Crossing Webcam https://www.earthcam.com/world/england/london/abbeyroad/?cam=abbeyroad_uk Warwick Castle https://camra.org.uk/pubs/warwick-castle-maida-vale-128967 Intro Music Vivaldi - Spring Allegro by John Harrison w/ the Wichita State University Chamber Orchestra Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Fleet Street Pub Crawl Pt2, Knights, Con Men, Duels & Ghosts | 15 Feb 2025 | 00:26:53 | |
Part 2 of our London pub tour of Fleet Street pubs with tales from The Devereux Pub, The George on the Strand, and the legendary Grecian Coffeehouse London. Discover the rise and fall of Robert Devereux, once Queen Elizabeth I’s favorite, whose story ends in rebellion and execution. Then we head to the haunts of scholars and scammers—from duels at The Grecian Coffee House, to a London conman with a flair for fake clergy. Even a ghost in a haunted London pub basement. Then it’s a pint at Temple Brewhouse, one of the finest London microbreweries, and a nod to the tradition of London pub history and modern craft beer. We finish with a hidden underground gem - the former Aldwych Station. Whether you're planning a walking tour London adventure or just love a good story over a virtual pint, this episode is packed with London history, hidden London gems, and great London travel tips. If you’re looking for a London history podcast, London pub podcast, or London travel podcast, you’re in good company. Crammed full of London travel tips and London pub history, this podcast is for all fans of London travel, or a classic London pub crawl. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
The Devereaux https://whatpub.com/pubs/WLD/15931/devereux-london#google_vignette https://www.timeout.com/london/bars-and-pubs/the-devereux The George on The Strand https://www.spookyisles.com/the-george-inn-london/ Henry Perfect https://www.exclassics.com/newgate/ng474.htm Temple Brewhouse https://desdemoor.co.uk/essex-street-brewery-wc2-westminster/ Intro Music: Vivaldi - Spring Allegro by John Harrison w/ the Wichita State University Chamber Orchestra Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Fleet Street Pub Crawl Pt1, The Black Friar to The Tipperary | 15 Feb 2025 | 00:36:09 | |
Dominican friars, Henry VIII’s messy divorce drama, the birthplace of London’s printing press, and a Cold War secret nearly spilled. We’re on Fleet Street for the first in a two-part series of a lively, fact-packed London pub walk exploring Fleet Street pubs. Host and London travel guide, Eric Blair dives into London pub history with stories pulled straight from Fleet Street’s printing press. First up, we visit The Black Friar pub London — an Art Nouveau London pub built on the site of a Dominican friary, where Henry VIII’s divorce history made headlines centuries before tabloids. Then it's off to St. Bride’s Church, where we'll uncover a surprising link to Roanoke’s lost colony. At The Old Bell Tavern Fleet Street, explore how a simple pint almost spilled Cold War London secrets, and find out why poets and printers alike made this their haunt. Finally, we stop at The Tipperary pub London, a survivor of fire, rebranding, and near-demolition — and a cornerstone of this historic London walk. Perfect for anyone looking for London travel tips or planning a London pub tour. Whether you're into British history podcasts, London history podcasts, London travel podcasts, or just love a good pub crawl London-style through some of the best London pubs, this episode has something for you! Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
The Black Friar https://www.londonremembers.com/memorials/black-friar-pub Dominicans https://rosaryshrine.co.uk/about-us/history-of-the-dominicans-in-london/ Henry VIII’s Divorce Wynkyn de Worde https://www.fleetstreetheritage.co.uk/128.pdf https://www.wynkyndewordesociety.org/about Alexander Pope Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Highgate Pub Tour - Body Snatchers, Hauntings, Karl Marx | 29 Jan 2025 | 00:32:39 | |
From Karl Marx’s drunken adventures to a haunted pub theater and a corpse-snatching room known as The Autopsy Room, this episode is full of strange histories, legendary characters, and classic London pub charm. You’ll laugh, wince, and maybe even check over your shoulder as we dig into Highgate’s boozy past. On this episode of The Historic London Pubcast, we leave Hampstead behind and dive headfirst into Highgate’s historic past. We kick things off with a stroll past Highgate Cemetery, tipping our hats to residents like George Eliot and Karl Marx—before diving into the wild tale of Marx’s 1850s pub crawl, which ended in a smashed gaslight, a police chase, and one very memorable night. From there, we head into The Flask pub in Highgate, where whispers of illegal autopsies In The Autopsy Room with bodies reportedly sourced from nearby Highgate Cemetery by 18th- and 19th-century "resurrectionists" (body snatchers). We also touch on reported hauntings at The Flask. Just up the road, The Gatehouse brings history to life with tollgate tales, a split-parish courtroom, and some serious pub ghost stories. And we couldn’t finish the crawl without a pint at The Wrestlers, home of the infamous and farcical tradition known as Swearing on the Horns. Whether you're a fan of Victorian London, body snatchers, or just love a good old London pub crawl, this is the episode for you. Perfect for fans of London history podcasts, London travel guides, or anyone plotting their next London pub tour, this episode supplies plenty of London travel tips sure to make your next London pub crawl one of the most unusual London pub walks you’ll go on. All in all, one unforgettable walk through historic London. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing Or TinyURL: https://tinyurl.com/bduca5dv References
Marx Pub Crawl https://libcom.org/article/marx-piss-london-pub-crawl-karl-marx-late-1850s-wilhelm-liebknecht Highgate Pubs https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/lifestyle/21382780.drink-fill-rich-fascinating-history-highgates-pubs/ https://hornseyhistorical.org.uk/brief-history-highgate/ The Flask https://www.peculiarlondon.com/blog/the-flask-highgate https://www.british-history.ac.uk/survey-london/vol17/pt1/pp111-113 https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/5635/flask-london#google_vignette The Gatehouse https://hidden-highgate.org/ye-olde-gatehouse/ https://londonist.com/london/pubs/the-gatehouse https://www.british-history.ac.uk/survey-london/ Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Hampstead Pubs Pt 2 - Keats, Orwell, London's Last Skittles | 13 Jan 2025 | 00:26:53 | |
We return to the leafy streets of Hampstead for another round of pints, poetry, and pub lore. We’re back across the Heath in another suggestion for the ultimate London pub crawl. We follow the poetic footsteps of John Keats and his Hampstead haunts, sample George Orwell’s pub life and literary inspirations, and taste the charm and eccentricities of The Freemasons Arms—home to London’s last skittles alley. We’ll also explore the legendary Spaniards Inn, complete with dueling Spaniards, Dick Turpin highwayman legends, a heroic landlord who saved Kenwood House with free beer, and a new favorite of Bridget Jones. Hampstead’s pubs are steeped in history and literary charm. Whether you're planning a London walking tour, seeking London travel tips, or just here for a pint and a good yarn, this episode is your guide to Hampstead pubs and the stories they still whisper today. Perfect for fans of London history podcasts, literary London tours, and anyone who believes every great journey begins at the pub. Now that’s a London travel tip you won’t find in your London travel guide! Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References Ted Bruning -- Historic Pubs of London (ISBN 978-0658005022) and London By Pub (ISBN 978-0658005022)
Orwell's London The Freemason's Arms https://londonwiki.co.uk/Middlesex/Hampstead/FreemasonsArms.shtml Jack Straw’s Castle https://www.gresham.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2020-10-06_Hunt_EngelsMarx-T.pdf The Spaniards Inn https://camra.org.uk/pubs/spaniards-inn-hampstead-158165 Intro Music Vivaldi - Spring Allegro by John Harrison w/ the Wichita State University Chamber Orchestra Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Hampstead Pubs Pt 1 - Pints, Poets, Petitions, Duels, Ghosts | 13 Jan 2025 | 00:31:11 | |
Walk with us back in time on this unforgettable Hampstead pub crawl as The Historic London Pubcast uncovers the rich tapestry of London pub history in one of the city's most atmospheric neighborhoods. Host Eric Blair leads you through a captivating London pub walking tour, starting with The Flask Hampstead, a former mineral water emporium turned beloved local, and now one of the most famous London pubs with ties to literary legends and tipsy tales. As the journey continues, we climb to The Hollybush pub, where British pub culture meets Roman traditions and Regency art, before ducking into the Duke of Hamilton pub —saved from luxury flat development by a local rebellion and one very stubborn tree. The episode wraps at the King William IV pub, home to cozy corners, ghost stories, and a curious connection between Ozzy Osbourne and a 19th-century explorer. These historic Hampstead pubs aren't just places to grab a pint—they're living, breathing characters in London’s long-running story. From haunted London pubs to CAMRA heritage pubs, from literary London pubs to ghost-sighted basements, this episode serves up all the flavor of a true London pub tour. It's perfect listening whether you're planning a Hampstead London walk, hunting for Sunday Roast London pubs, or just dreaming of your next pub stop with a good story in hand. If you're into London pub stories, pub ghosts, or simply looking for London travel tips with a boozy twist, this is the London pub podcast episode you've been waiting for—your ideal companion for any London travel guide, London history podcast or London travel podcast playlist. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References Ted Bruning -- Historic Pubs of London (ISBN 978-0658005022) and London By Pub (ISBN 978-0658005022)
The Flask https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/oct/14/100-best-books-clarissa-samuel-richardson https://whatpub.com/pubs/NLD/6050/flask-hampstead#google_vignette The Holly Bush https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-rome/saturnalia https://alondoninheritance.com/london-streets/holly-bush-hill/ https://londonpubsgroup.camra.org.uk/holly-bush-hampstead https://www.mylilobridge.com/single-post/2019/07/19/the-holly-bush-the-historical-pub-of-hampstead Duke of Hamilton https://www.aladyinlondon.com/2011/03/duke-of-hamilton-pub-hampstead-london.html https://www.cityam.com/london-landlord-bars-the-800-campaigners-that-got-his-pub-listed/ https://www.peculiarlondon.com/blog/t Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Holborn Pub Crawl - Seven Stars to Bank Vault Bars | 25 Dec 2024 | 00:24:22 | |
Uncover a 400-year-old survivor of the Great Fire, an Olde White Horse popular with judges, lawyers, and clerks, the George IV at LSE, and The Old Bank of England - a former bank vault now serving pints and pies in exchange for pounds. Cheers! Step into the rich world of historic London pubs as we explore Holborn legendary pubs. This isn’t just any London pub crawl podcast — it’s a guided tour through stories, architecture, and characters that have shaped London’s boozy legacy. Found history boring in high school? Well school’s out! In our take on London history, expect barristers, beers, and a cat in a ruff. Wigs, wigs, and more wigs on our tour of Holborn’s historic pubs. In this episode of the Historic London Pubcast, we’ll stop at The Seven Stars pub London. Possibly London’s oldest pub, where flamboyant publican Roxy Beaujolais and her ruffled-up cat steal the show. Next is Ye Olde White Horse London – a classic haunt of judges and barristers in the heart of the London legal district. Into the heart of the London School of Economics for a stop at, where else? A pub! The George IV pub LSE where student energy meets pub tradition. Lastly, we top at the majestic Old Bank of England pub – from vaults to pints, it’s grandeur on an Italianate scale. Whether you’re a fan of London pub history, a lover of hidden pubs of London, or just planning your next Holborn pub crawl, this episode is your perfect pint-sized companion. When it comes to London pub tours, Holborn delivers the verdict: absolutely historic. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References Ted Bruning -- Historic Pubs of London (ISBN 978-0658005022) and London By Pub (ISBN 978-0658005022)
Seven Stars 60 Minutes https://www.cbsnews.com/news/england-pubs-covid-19-60-minutes-2022-12-25/ https://www.thesevenstars1602.co.uk/ https://www.layersoflondon.org/map/records/the-seven-stars Old Bank of England https://www.mcmullens.co.uk/local-pub/old-bank-of-england/ https://londonist.com/pubs/pubs/pubs/old-bank-of-england https://www.londonpubexplorer.com/back-from-the-dead/the-old-bank-of-england Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Pubs vs The Wrecking Ball - London Pubs Facing Extinction | 12 Dec 2024 | 00:28:55 | |
It is said that the British maintain a stiff upper lip. Stoically facing what life throws their way. Keep calm and carry on and all that. Until, that is, it comes to their historic community pubs. Then developers are likely to see locals cast aside their stiff upper lips, gird their loins for a stiff battle, and fight back. Save our Pubs! Pubs in Danger! A tough, but uplifting battlefield episode where history clashes with progress as we explore pubs lost, pub preservation, and the role of community pubs as London Heritage sites, and British Heritage sites across the whole United Kingdom. The loss of pubs in Britain is one of the most bitter of all UK development controversies. This might seem like an odd choice of episode for a London history podcast, or even a London travel podcast, but when it comes to popular UK attractions, historic pubs stack up against the best of London attractions and historic buildings in London, such as The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, The London Eye, Buckingham Palace, and even Ten Downing Street. Eric explores how legendary London pubs - The Still and Star, The Wenlock Arms Hackney, and The Carlton Tavern Maida Vale stared down developers, dodgy demolitions, and architectural abandonment. An exploration of pub closures, demolition, community advocacy, and pub preservation over tear down and conversion to more luxury flats. Here's our London travel tip for your next trip. Pop in your ear buds, pull up episodes of The Historic London Pubcast that cover the London neighborhoods you’re visiting, plan out your own historic London pub walk, or pub crawl, and support these pubs with your business. This episode is a rollercoaster of heritage, high-rises, and hop-fueled community heroism. Pull up a stool, pour a pint, and join the preservation punch-up. Cheers! Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
The Still & Star https://spitalfieldslife.com/2020/12/18/so-long-still-star/ https://www.mylondon.news/news/west-london-news/historic-200-year-old-pub-23791756 https://www.victoriansociety.org.uk/about-us/ https://www.victoriansociety.org.uk/national-news/save-the-still-and-star/ Youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z39FPw0X9GU Ms. Goor’s Photos https://photos.app.goo.gl/nYfNn12SyN6G7Dcd6 The Wenlock Arms https://londonist.com/2012/01/wenlock-arms-saved Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Thames Riverside Pub Crawl – Bridges, Brothels & Back Rooms | 04 Dec 2024 | 00:21:35 | |
Heading “Down by the River” for a Thames pub crawl to explore four Thames-side pubs with a long history. This episode is a love letter to historic London pubs and London river pubs alike. We kick things off with the John Courage Brewery beginnings of The Anchor Tap. From there, it’s a short stroll through Shad Thames, once the bustling “Larder of London,” now a cinematic backdrop for everything from Bond films to Bridget Jones’s Diary. Next stop is The Vault 1894, tucked right under Tower Bridge with a jaw dropping (hopefully not pint dropping) view. A few steps further along the Thames takes us to The Banker Pub, where Fuller’s ales flow beneath the arches of Cannon Street Railway Bridge and we observe this most unusual river – The Thames – that flows both ways depending on the tide. Finally, we end up at The Samuel Pepys pub, perched over the river on Stew Lane — a street named not for hearty dinners but for London’s centuries-old licensed brothels, or stews. Whether you're into British pub culture, planning your next London pub crawl, or just love a good pint with a side of history — this one’s for you. Ideal for fans of London travel podcasts, London history podcasts, London walking tours, or those hunting for the best pubs in London. This episode is part London pub podcast, part London travel guide, and entirely dedicated to bringing you entertaining tales from the taverns of old. Plus, a round of London travel tips! Perfect listening for your next walk along the riverside London, or to get inspired before you visit London pubs. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
https://camra.org.uk/pubs/anchor-tap-london-158380 https://takecourage.info/JohnCourage.html https://www.banker-london.co.uk/ Intro Music Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Pubs at War - Flying Drays and Fallen Pubs | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:38:59 | |
This special Remembrance Sunday episode of The Historic London Pubcast takes us into the lesser-known wartime history of British pubs. From the cellars of London to the beaches of Normandy, discover how these beloved local landmarks became unlikely heroes during World War II. We revisit The Black Horse in Marylebone, where D-Day plans were floated over pints, and tell the Spitfire beer story that led to the legendary Flying Drays - aircraft ferrying beer to troops during the Normandy beer run. We hear how the Wenlock Brewery became a lifesaving shelter, and how pilots like Robert Stanford Tuck and Douglas Bader made The Chesterfield Arms/The Shepherd’s Arms in Mayfair their wartime HQ. We also honor lost pubs - The Hare and Hounds in Hampstead and The White Horse Hotel in East Ham - and explore the enduring symbolism of pubs like The Douglas Bader Pub in Ipswich. With research drawn from Martin Cornell’s Strange Tales of Ale, this episode pays tribute to the resilience, spirit, and community found in pubs across the UK. Whether you're a history buff, pub lover, or planning a walking tour of London, this is one episode you won’t want to miss. Cover Image Source https://www.spitfires.com/post/ale-delivery-spitfires Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Soho's Wildest Pub Stories, Part 2 - Toucan Play At That Game | 28 Nov 2024 | 00:27:22 | |
Back for more Soho pub chaos? You better believe it. In Part 2 of our Soho Pub Crawl, Eric Blair hits four legendary stops on another historic London pub crawl with London pub history stories so wild, you'd swear they were fiction (they're not). We start with George Orwell’s absinthe-fueled Animal Farm celebration at The Dog and Duck Soho. Move onto to Cholera in London, chloroform, a master class in epidemiology, and Dr. John Snow’s groundbreaking discovery honored at William Blake’s local - The John Snow Pub. Then it’s on to The Toucan Soho, where a young Jimi Hendrix played his first UK gig in a basement bar. We finish the night at Milroy’s of Soho—a whisky and jazz lover’s dream with a speakeasy hidden behind a secret bookcase - and one of the coolest hidden London bars. Perfect for fans of British pub stories, London travel tips, and anyone looking to spice up their next pub crawl London style. Whether you're a London history podcast junkie, a London travel podcast listener, looking for a London pub podcast, or just love a good story over a pint, this one’s for you. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Soho's Wildest Pub Stories, Part 1 - You're Barred! | 28 Nov 2024 | 00:27:56 | |
Hold on for a rollicking romp through two of Soho’s most iconic pubs: The Coach and Horses and The French House. Meet Norman Balon, the self-proclaimed rudest landlord in London, who turned insults into an art form. Sip alongside Jeffrey Bernard, chaotic writer of the “Low Life” column whose missed deadlines were so legendary, they inspired a hit play called Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell, and who may or may not have accidentally killed a horse racing tipster. Uncover naked pub singalongs, boozy rebellions, and theatrical tributes that made these pubs more than just watering holes - they’re living legends. Then there’s The French House, a pub so steeped in culture and claret that Charles De Gaulle himself (allegedly) scribbled a revolution on a napkin there. Toss in a stop at the Colony Room Club (aka Muriel’s) and its lively revival, and you’ve got yourself a tour of Soho’s sauciest social scene that makes for a fun London historic pub crawl full of the craziest pub stories and the best of London pub legends. Put this one on your bucket list of London walking tours when looking for London travel tips. Whether you're a London history podcast lover, a fan of quirky London pubs, or planning your next London pub crawl, this episode delivers the laughs, legends, and libations to enrich your London walking tours. Perfect for those craving London travel tips, seeking hidden London gems, or just wanting a wildly entertaining London travel podcast, or a podcast about London pubs. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Jeffery Bernard Doc: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doA__PRdZ-Q&t=908s&authuser=0 Jeffery Bernard is Unwell (play):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6cYbZe1WYU&authuser=0 Tweety’s Pubs – Why are there so many Coach & Horses: https://youtu.be/NtE03V0sXLw?si=D4odW6oSOKPVpdsz https://mysohotimes.co.uk/2024/02/26/the-colony-green-club-my-soho-times/ https://www.whatsonstage.com/shows/london-theatre/west-end-theatre/norman-balon-its-all-true_292090/ https://www.mylondon.news/whats-on/whats-on-news/london-pub-you-used-able-20625964 Intro Music Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| A Pride of London Red Lions, Britain’s Most Popular Pub Name | 15 Nov 2024 | 00:30:19 | |
Why are so many pubs called The Red Lion? In this episode of The Historic London Pubcast, we go on a classic London pub crawl through not one, not two, but three iconic Red Lion pubs—each with a rich backstory tied to royals, rebels, and even Charles Dickens himself. We find political secrets whispered at the Red Lion Westminster, just steps from the Houses of Parliament. Then we duck into the Red Lion St James, rumored to be a secret royal rendezvous spot near Buckingham Palace. Finally, we wrap up at the Red Lion Mayfair, a dazzling Victorian pub known for its ornate mirrors and lavish design. We’ll hear tales of Charles Dickens, Division Bells, rebellious monarchs, and maybe even a secret tunnel or two. A famous sausage even makes an appearance. Oy! Saveloy! If you love London pub history, enjoy historic London pubs, or want London travel tips that go beyond the tourist trail, this is the episode for you. Whether you're planning your own London walking tour, dreaming of London pub tours, or just enjoy a good story, you're in the right place. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Leadenhall Market Pubs - Gladiators, Geese & John Wayne | 09 Nov 2024 | 00:27:59 | |
Join host Eric Blair as he uncovers the fascinating layers of London pub history tucked within the cobbled heart of London’s Square Mile at the iconic Leadenhall Market. Eric treats us to stories of Roman London, daring geese, and even Hollywood brawls. We’ll visit three unforgettable historic London pubs:
Along the way, you'll hear how the Brontë sisters in London revealed their true identities, learn London pub tips, and get inspired for your next London pub walk or London pub tour. Whether you're planning a London pub crawl, curious about London travel tips, or love a good London history podcast, this episode is your perfect companion. Tune in to the ultimate London travel podcast and London pub podcast for pub lovers and history buffs alike. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Wiki Article on “Brannigan” – See “Production” Section Old Tom Bio Bronte Reveal Roman Britain by Guy de la Bédoyère, ISBN-10: 0-500-05140-2 Intro Music Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Unusual London Pubs – Ship & Shovell, Gordon’s, Tattershall | 27 Oct 2024 | 00:24:17 | |
Ahoy there! Welcome aboard A pint-fueled adventure through three of London’s most unusual drinking spots. From The Ship and Shovell - the only pub in London split across two buildings and where we get to know Admiral Shovell, to the candlelit caverns of Gordon’s Wine Bar, and finally out onto the Thames itself aboard The Tattershall Castle. This episode is a true pub crawl with a twist. Along the way, you’ll hear tales of admirals, pirates, playwrights, and paddle steamers. Whether you’re a London local or just pub-curious, these stories will have you raising a glass to history. Cheers to pubs that aren’t just places to drink, but places to discover! Whether you’re a history buff, a pub lover, or just looking for unique London experiences, this episode is packed with London pub history, London travel tips for your next London walking tour or London pub tour. A must-listen for fans of London travel podcasts, London history podcasts, and anyone seeking the best pubs in London and hidden gems in London. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing Reeferences
Mr Van Sickle’s History Gordon’s Website History Intro Music Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| The Albert & Morpeth Arms. Princes, Prisons, Spies & Spirits | 21 Oct 2024 | 00:29:46 | |
Two historic London pubs with wildly different tales to tell! In this episode, we uncover the royal roots and preserved Victorian charm of The Albert pub Westminster, then take a shadowy turn into the ghost-riddled, spy-adjacent world of The Morpeth Arms pub in Pimlico. We kick things off at The Albert, a beautiful pub with wonderfully preserved Victorian architecture complete with ornate glass windows, ties to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, political history, and the famous Division Bell Parliament connection. Then we head downriver to The Morpeth Arms, a boozer with a chilling backstory. Built for warders of Millbank Prison, this haunted pub in London brings together tales of ghosts, gallows, a link to MI6 spy stories, and a look at Jeremy Bentham’s prison philosophy. Whether you're a pub history buff, looking for London travel tips, or facts to impress your London travel guide with questions on your next London walking tour, a fan of London travel podcasts, or just looking to sip your pint with a side of secrets, this episode has something for everyone. It's a swirling mix of pub history in London, royal history, spooky tunnels, and Cold War espionage—all served with Eric Blair’s trademark charm. Cheers to discovering London’s hidden history—one pub at a time on this London pub podcast with a side of London travel podcast thrown in! Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Millbank Prison
Intro Music
Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Bermondsey & Wapping Pub Crawl - The Angel with Two Wings | 23 Sep 2024 | 00:27:17 | |
Join The Historic London Pubcast for a spirited adventure through three legendary London historic pubs on this unforgettable historic London pub crawl! In this episode, we explore The Angel Bermondsey, The Ancient Foresters pub, and Turner’s Old Star. Each is steeped in centuries of pub history and filled with colorful characters, from monarchs and mistresses to Samuel Pepys and Judge Jeffreys to nautical legends and ghostly tales. Whether you're into funny pub stories or true pub stories, this episode serves up plenty. Expect tales of pirate history London, mysterious pub connections to JMW Turner, and even a pub that kept pouring pints with a body behind the bar! Perfect for fans of historic pubs London, Bermondsey pubs, Wapping pubs, and Rotherhithe pubs, this audio tour makes a great companion for your next London walking tour. If you’re exploring the Thames River pubs or mapping out your London travel guide, this is one story-soaked journey you don’t want to miss. So whether you're a pub aficionado, a fan of London history podcasts, London travel podcasts, London pub podcasts, or just planning your next pint stop with some London travel tips, hit play and let’s uncover some of the best-kept secrets in historic London. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Photos of The Angel
Mirror Newspaper Article
Mr David Meadon’s Post on JMW Turner
Turner’s Old Star Website
60 Minutes Video
Intro Music Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Prospect of Whitby & Town Of Ramsgate - Mutiny & Executions | 15 Sep 2024 | 00:30:17 | |
A Wapping good time is had by all as Eric takes us on a stroll down Wapping’s riverside, uncovering the dark history of two of London’s most famous River Thames pubs — The Prospect of Whitby and The Town of Ramsgate. Host Eric Blair guides us through Wapping London history. Where pirates once sipped their final ale before meeting their fate at the Execution Dock London to Captain Kidd’s double hanging, to Judge Jeffreys caught in disguise, these taverns have seen it all. Hear chilling tales of Captain Kidd, Judge Jeffreys, Captain James Cook, and William Bligh of Mutiny on the Bounty fame. Expect a mixed tale of mutiny, murder, and maritime mayhem. It’s a heady mix of London pub history, maritime London, and a few pints’ worth of scandal and surprise. Whether you’re into historic London pubs, Thames River history, or just love a good ghost-free pirate story, this one's for you. Perfect for fans of London walking tours, historic pub tour London, or those planning a trip and looking for London travel tips, London hidden gems, and authentic pub stories. This is London history podcast meets London travel podcast meets London pub podcast meets London travel guide. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music
Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Fitzrovia’s Legendary Pubs Part 2 - Putting On The Fitz! | 06 Sep 2024 | 00:26:53 | |
In this episode of The Historic London Pubcast, we continue our London walking tour of Fitzrovia pubs, uncovering the untold stories behind some of the best pubs in London. Host Eric Blair guides us on a rich and raucous journey through London pub history, where pints were shared by poets, cultists, and the occasional ex-copper-turned-publican. We begin with The Black Horse Fitzrovia, a pub that has lived many lives before reclaiming its original identity. Then it’s on to The Wheatsheaf, where Aleister Crowly sketched Dylan Thomas’s thoughts and freaked him out! Later, a drunken Dylan Thomas famously proposed to Caitlin at The Wheatsheaf and George Orwell, ever the purist, insisted friends drink only the darkest beer. The tale continues at The Marquis of Granby pub, a late-night haunt rumored to attract rougher crowds—and even rougher legends. We visit The Newman Arms Fitzrovia, once a brothel and now a pub with a blue plaque and Orwellian legacy. Finally, we step into the elegant yet storied Museum Tavern London, a Victorian gem possibly patronized by Karl Marx himself. Throughout the crawl, we explore the vibrant chaos of bohemian London, guided in part by the vivid recollections of Sally Fiber, granddaughter of the founder of The Fitzroy Tavern. Her accounts of the original Fitzrovia pub crawl breathe life into a time when British literary pubs doubled as salons, sketchpads, and sometimes battlegrounds of wild personalities. Whether you’re chasing London travel tips, planning your own London pub crawl, or simply thirsting for a good story, this episode is your perfect companion. Pour a pint and step back into the smoke-filled, poet-haunted world of historic London pubs. So, grab your walking shoes, dodge the Soho-itis, and let’s get historical! Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music
Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Fitzrovia’s Legendary Pubs Part 1 – Bohemian Fitzroy Tavern | 25 Aug 2024 | 00:22:33 | |
Take a stroll down the storied streets of Fitzrovia in this episode of The Historic London Pubcast, where we duck into one of the most famous London pubs—The Fitzroy Tavern. This iconic spot isn’t just a stop on your Fitzrovia pub crawl; it’s the beating heart of Bohemian London, pulsing with history, and eccentricity. Host Eric Blair uncovers tales from the tavern where Dylan Thomas penned verses on beer mats, Nina Hamnett reigned as the scandalous Queen of Bohemia, and Augustus John, the artist known as the “prince” of this poetic crowd, called it his second home. It's even said an executioner was among the regulars—a twist only British pub stories could deliver. From its humble beginnings as a coffee house to its legendary status during the interwar years, The Fitzroy Tavern’s story is laced with literary brilliance, artistic rebellion, and the unmistakable hum of a London pub culture that drew everyone from BBC broadcasters to thirsty revolutionaries. Whether you're a history buff, a literary lover, or planning your next London walking tour, this episode blends rich storytelling with real tips for pub lovers and travelers alike. It’s part London history podcast, part London travel guide, and 100% soaked in charm. So, pull up a stool, pour a pint, and join us on a journey through one of London’s most historic pubs, courtesy of The Historic London Pubcast, your favorite London pub podcast and London travel podcast. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music
Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Chelsea Pub Crawl – Bohemians to Billionaires. Groovy! | 20 Oct 2025 | 00:36:55 | |
An unforgettable journey through Chelsea – from Bohemians to Billionaires! Discover how this exclusive London neighborhood transformed from a riverside "Village of Palaces" into the ultimate bohemian quarter, then morphed into one of the world's poshest postcodes. We're pub crawling through four historic Chelsea establishments representative of Chelsea’s eclectic historical journey. The Pig's Ear with its Cockney rhyming slang heritage. The Cross Keys. Chelsea's oldest pub and scene of an unsolved 1920s murder and where Agatha Christie once drank. The Phene. Favorite local of football legend George Best. The Chelsea Potter on the iconic King's Road where Jimi Hendrix hung out. Along the way, we'll explore the artistic legacy of Oscar Wilde, J.M.W. Turner, and the Pre-Raphaelites on Cheyne Walk, discover how Mary Quant invented the mini skirt and Vivienne Westwood sold punk to the world, meet the Sloane Rangers who made Chelsea synonymous with posh living, and uncover why this neighborhood became the playground of rock stars, aristocrats, and billionaires. Whether you're fascinated by London pub history, celebrity haunts, true crime, or the cultural revolution that turned a royal escape route into Swinging London's beating heart, this episode serves up art, influence, and intrigue in one nicely wrapped package – groovy, baby! Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1xXDGJSfJIUy2gw_6uCASi-C45FpOg_M&usp=sharing References
The Pig’s Ear https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/pigs-ear.html https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs//Chelsea/BlackLion.shtml https://camra.org.uk/pubs/pigs-ear-chelsea-128740 The Cross Keys https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs///Chelsea/CrossKeys.shtml https://www.unsolved-murders.co.uk/murder-content.php?key=931 https://pubnames.co.uk/index.php https://camra.org.uk/pubs/cross-keys-chelsea-129021 https://www.pubsgalore.co.uk/pubs/54757/ The Phene https://www.standard.co.uk/hp/front/time-called-on-george-bests-local-7266815.html https://camra.org.uk/pubs/phene-chelsea-128697 http://www.phenecricket.com/news/phenearms.html Chelsea Potter https://bispm.co.uk/bio.php?id=509 Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Southwark Pubs - Brewed Awakenings & Riverside Revelry | 08 Aug 2024 | 00:26:26 | |
Today we hit the backstreets and centuries-old cellars of historic Southwark, where London pub history comes alive through a historic London pub tour with tales of coaching inns, infamous prisons, and riverside revelry. At some of the most iconic Southwark pubs, from the ghost of Henry VIII at The Old King’s Head to the cozy converted cells of The Southwark Tavern, one of the most unusual riverside pubs in London, this journey uncovers the colorful past of South London’s legendary pubs. We’ll also visit the ever-vibrant Borough Market, peek into The Wheatsheaf with its viaduct-chic makeover, dip underground to The Sheaf, and finish off riverside at the story-soaked Anchor Bankside—home to smugglers, playwrights, a fleeing Londoner with a pint in hand, and maybe where Samuel Pepys observed the Great Fire of London. As we wander the backstreets near Borough Market, you'll hear tales of old London taverns, infamous prisons like the Marshalsea Prison and Clink Prison, and even brush up on some London Bridge history. Whether you're planning your own London pub crawl, looking for London travel tips, searching for the best borough market pubs, or just love soaking up British pub culture, this episode serves up the perfect mix of history, humor, and hops. This is not just another London travel podcast—it’s your inside guide to the pubs that shaped a city. Perfect for fans of London walking tours, London history podcasts, lovers of historic London pubs, or anyone gathering London travel tips for their next adventure. Think of it as your unofficial London travel guide, one pint at a time. Cheers to stories soaked in ale, history tucked into cellars, and a whole lot of fun in one unforgettable London pub podcast episode! Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music
Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| The George, Southwark - London’s Last Galleried Coaching Inn | 07 Aug 2024 | 00:26:26 | |
In this episode of The Historic London Pubcast, host Eric Blair takes you on a fun and fascinating journey through London pub history, with the wild history of the legendary George Inn Southwark – London’s last surviving galleried coaching inn. From medieval roots, Chaucer’s pilgrims, Shakespeare’s neighbors, fiery disasters to Dickens’ bar tab, The George’s story is packed with colorful characters and unforgettable moments. Hear about Princess Margaret’s Sunday roast, and the effects of the Blitz. Discover why this Southwark gem is more than just a watering hole—it’s a living, breathing time capsule in the heart of the city. You’ll hear stories of coaching inns London once relied on, explore Shakespeare London pubs, and get insider tips for your own London walking tours and historic London pub crawl. Whether you're planning your next pint or your next trip, this episode is packed with London travel tips, quirky facts, and the kind of British pub history that makes you want to hop on the next plane, train, or automobile. Tune in to the ultimate London pub podcast—perfect for fans of London travel podcasts, London history podcasts, and anyone searching for the ultimate London travel guide. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music
Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Belgravia Pubs - Ghosts, Lost Earls & A Billionaire’s Local | 06 Aug 2024 | 00:24:19 | |
Welcome to The Historic London Pubcast! In this episode, host and guide Eric Blair introduces us to the posh streets of Belgravia, London. Get ready for a wild mix of London pub history, true crime, and a dash of the supernatural. We’re uncovering the ghostly legend of Cedric at The Grenadier pub, diving into the chilling Lord Lucan mystery tied to the Plumbers Arms pub, and finishing with eccentric tales from The Nags Head Belgravia - a pub where your phone better be off and your pint full. Along the way, you'll discover how a billionaire’s beer turned into a Land Rover Grenadier, and why these historic watering holes are essential stops for any London pub crawl or London walking tour. Whether you’re a history buff, true crime fan, or planning your next UK trip, this episode is packed with London travel tips, hidden gems, and pub stories you won't find in a typical London travel guide. Grab your pint and join the London pub podcast, London travel podcast, and London history podcast everyone’s talking about! Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music
Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Pubs versus Fire, Floods & Zeppelin Bombs - Pints & Peril | 19 Jul 2024 | 00:32:39 | |
In this special 10th episode of The Historic London Pubcast, we’re raising a glass to survival as we dive into some of the most explosive (literally) moments in London pub history. Discover how historic London pubs stood strong—or crumbled—through three epic disasters: The Great Fire of London (1666) – From Samuel Pepys’ great fire diary to the surviving London pubs, find out which iconic spots made it through the flames. The London Beer Flood (1814) – A true beer flood disaster that drowned the streets in porter and wiped out part of a neighborhood. Zeppelin Bombing in London (1915) – The Dolphin Tavern bombing brings the reality of WWI air raids crashing into pub life. Whether you’re into London walking tours, London pub trivia, or just love a good story with a pint, this episode is your backstage pass to the resilience of London’s heritage pubs. We blend history, humor, and hops in every episode—perfect for fans of London history podcasts, London travel podcasts, London pub podcasts, or anyone planning a London pub crawl, or historic London walking tour. Tune in for unforgettable pub stories, London travel tips, and a cheeky dash of London travel guide gold. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music
Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Ship Faced at The Mayflower Pub - Pilgrims, Pints & Mudlarks | 07 Jul 2024 | 00:24:44 | |
Step into the shadows of London’s historic Thames dockside past. Today, we taking a London walking tour down the Thames Path Walk to uncover one of London's hidden gems — The Mayflower Pub in Rotherhithe, London. This is one of the best of London’s historic pubs, and expertly steered by the Black Dog Pub Company. To add to this visit, we surely have one of the best of London pub walks, if not London walks, and definitely a Top Ten historic pub crawl favorite. Put this episode on your list of best London travel tips. We follow the trail of Mayflower Captain Christopher Jones, the original landlord-meets-seafarer who helmed the Mayflower’s Atlantic crossing and maybe poured some of listeners’ ancestors a pint before they sailed westward ho with the Mayflower pilgrims. From Elizabethan shipyards to gentrified riverside flats, from wine-hauling voyages to a unique license to sell US postal stamps, this pub’s history is as layered as one of those fine pies they serve on the back deck. We’ll also explore the art (and oddity) of Thames River mudlarking in London, uncover secrets of the Thames River history, and take a short stroll to the Brunel Museum, home to the first tunnel built beneath a navigable river. Whether you're planning you’re looking for handy London travel tips, or searching for a London travel guide that goes beyond the usual stops — this London history podcast has you covered. Perfect for fans of London travel podcasts or London pub podcasts. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music
Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| True Crime Pubs - The Blind Beggar, The Magdala, Ten Bells | 03 Jul 2024 | 00:25:18 | |
Duck the crime tape, we dare you join us on a London pub walk with a difference. Today’s episode travels deep into London's booziest crime scenes and feature London gangsters at home in their favorite historic London pubs. We’ll uncover the chilling secrets behind some of the most famous London pubs—The Blind Beggar Pub, The Magdala Tavern, and The Ten Bells Pub. Host Eric Blair pulls back the curtain on London pub history with stories soaked in scandal, from the cold-blooded crime of Ruth Ellis, to the violent reign of The Kray Twins, to the haunting legacy of Jack the Ripper. It’s not your average London pub crawl—it’s a London walking tour with a body count. If planning your next trip to London, this episode doubles as both a London travel guide and a gripping London true crime tour. Perfect for fans of British gangster history, dark London history, or anyone looking to add some intrigue to their London travel tips. So, grab your headphones, and your walking shoes. We’ll serve up crime, history, and hops in this unforgettable episode of your favorite London pub podcast, London history podcast, and London travel podcast all in one. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music
Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| The Lamb & The Queen's Larder - Bloomsbury, What Ales You? | 03 Jul 2024 | 00:25:09 | |
Oh Bloomsbury, What the Dickens! Step into the stylish heart of Bloomsbury London history with this episode of The Historic London Pubcast. We explore two iconic stops on our historic pub crawl—The Lamb on Conduit Street and The Queen’s Larder pub. These historic London pubs are more than just places to grab a pint—they're chapters in the storybook of London pub history. We’ll raise a glass where Charles Dickens once drank, retrace the poetic footsteps of Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath, and uncover the royal secrets behind George III’s madness and Queen Charlotte’s larder. Expect Victorian pub features such as snob screens, and the intellectual buzz of the poets of Bloomsbury. Whether you're planning your next trip and looking for London travel tips, hunting for hidden gems on London walking tours, or simply love a good story, this episode is your guide to a richer, deeper understanding of London literary history, British royal history, and the very best of historic pub tours. Perfect for fans of London pub podcasts, London travel podcasts, or anyone putting together a London travel guide, this episode brings pub culture, history, and scandal together in one fun-filled pint. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music Vivaldi - Spring Allegro byJohn Harrison with the Wichita State University Chamber Orchestra Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Ye Olde Mitre & Holy Tavern - Mitres, Maypoles, Monarchy | 01 Jul 2024 | 00:20:01 | |
Slip into the cobbled backstreets of London pub history, and the shadows of Holborn and Clerkenwell with this episode of The Historic London Pubcast. We uncover two of the capital’s most iconic—and mischievously hidden pubs. Ye Olde Mitre in Holborn and The Holy Tavern in Clerkenwell (formerly the Jerusalem Tavern). From secret London pubs and historic London taverns to maypole-dancing monarchs and power-hungry bishops, this episode has it all. We start at Ely Place, once the plush pad of the Bishop of Ely, and dive deep into the Ely place history that birthed St. Etheldreda’s Church. We’re serving up London travel tips with a pint on the side. Whether you're into London walking tours, planning a London pub crawl, or just fancy impressing your mates with tales of Christopher Hatton, John of Gaunt, and Elizabeth I’s cherry tree. You’ll even brush elbows with the Knights Hospitaller as we make our way to Clerkenwell. Whether you're here for a London pub podcast, a London history podcast, or a fun London travel podcast, you’re in the right snug. These hidden pubs in London aren’t just serving beer - they’re pouring out centuries of drama. So, grab a pint, hit play, and let this London travel guide take you where the London Underground can’t. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| London Gin Palaces Part 2 - Viaduct Tavern & Princess Louise | 30 Jun 2024 | 00:25:30 | |
Gin-uinely excited to be visiting more great Gin Palaces of London. We see the last 3 on our Top 5 list - The Viaduct Tavern with its cellar prison cells and ghosts, the stunningly beautiful pub - The Princess Louise and eborn marvel that is The Crown and Sugarloaf. Guide, Eric Blair shares tales of famous trials at the Old Bailey, London’s first public drinking fountain, a Cholera cure, Grade II Listed protected urinals, and even a royal scandal or two. It’s history with a twist, and dare I suggest, ice and lemon? So yes, we’re talking haunted London pubs, secret prison cells, Victorian London history, and enough mirrored mahogany to out glitter a mirror ball. We’ll also hear tales from the Old Bailey London, learn why a public fountain once drew 7,000 Londoners a day, and find out which pub’s Gents toilets are so posh, they’re Grade II listed heritage protected. Perfect for fans of London pub history, London ghost stories, hidden gems London, and anyone looking for a spirited guide to the best pubs in London. Whether you're on a London pub crawl, planning a London walking tour, or love a London travel podcast, London pub podcast, or London travel podcast, this episode serves the stories and London travel tips with a twist of gin and a splash of scandal. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| London Gin Palaces Part 1 - The Salisbury & The Argyll Arms | 30 Jun 2024 | 00:22:03 | |
Victorian London after dark. Gaslight flickers. Etched glass gleams. The city’s Gin Palaces weren’t just pubs - they were trinkets of booze and style. In this episode, Guide, Eric Blair introduces us to the subject of London’s Victorian Gin Palace pubs, exploring two of the flashiest suspects: The Salisbury in Covent Garden and The Argyll Arms on Argyll Street. Expect velvet chairs, scandal in the shadows, and a guest list of poets, actors, and troublemakers. From etched glass and gaslight chandeliers to scandalous stories of Peter O'Toole in full Lawrence of Arabia costume, and Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor’s second marriage reception, this episode is where London pub history meets old-school celebrity gossip. We explore the Gerard Mankiewicz photo of Marianne Faithful taken at The Salisbury for her album Come My Way, reveal the origin of the saying “Bob’s Your Uncle”, and stroll through the golden age of British pub culture. Whether you're planning a historic London pub crawl, a London walking tour, or just want top-tier London travel tips, this episode is your ideal pint-sized guide. Perfect for fans of the London theatre district, hidden pub gems, and seekers of a cheeky laugh with their London history podcast turned London travel podcast. Tune in for the ultimate London travel podcast adventure — a historic pub tour that'll leave you thirsty for more. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Historic Pub Walk Battersea Power Station to Wandsworth | 06 Oct 2025 | 00:36:08 | |
Join us on a pub walk London won’t let you forget. In this episode of The Historic London Pubcast, we take a leisurely but legendary London pub crawl from the iconic Battersea Power Station through the historic backstreets of Wandsworth, exploring the city's Victorian pubs, quirky local legends, and centuries of London beer history. Our pub tour kicks off at the Grade II-listed Battersea Power Station — a marvel of London industrial heritage now home to high-end shops (and a beautifully theatrical Marks & Spencer Simply Food). Along the way, we relive the bizarre tale of the Pink Floyd Battersea pig balloon that made Heathrow air traffic control sweat. Next, we raise a glass at the Prince Albert pub Battersea, salute the ever-evolving Woodpecker pub (jazz lounge, Creole kitchen, and now live music haven), and visit The Woodman, saved by 4,000 loyal locals. This walking tour London detours to riverside gems like The Waterfront and The Ship, each boasting a different take on pub architecture and atmosphere. In Wandsworth, the history gets deeper (and boozier). Discover the roots and revival of Ram Brewery Wandsworth, where 500 years of brewing tradition meet craft beer comebacks. Sip in style at the Spread Eagle pub Wandsworth, dripping in stained glass and Victorian glam, and finish at The Cat’s Back pub, a charming relic with one very elusive feline. This episode is a must-listen for fans of:
Whether you’re into London podcast adventures, love a good history podcast UK style, or just want solid UK travel ideas, we’ve got your pint poured and your path mapped. Cheers, and mind the pink pigs. --------------------- Show Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1xXDGJSfJIUy2gw_6uCASi-C45FpOg_M&usp=sharing References:
Battersea, Prince Albert, Woodpecker, Woodman https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/about/heritage-history/ https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs///BatterseaEast/PrinceAlbert.shtm https://camra.org.uk/pubs/prince-albert-battersea-140365 https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/BatterseaNorthWest/HighStreet42.shtml https://www.closedpubs.co.uk/london/sw11_battersea_originalwoodman.html https://camra.org.uk/pubs/woodpecker-battersea-140315 https://camra.org.uk/pubs/woodman-battersea-140457 https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/BatterseaNorthWest/HighStreet42.shtml Ship & The Waterfront London’s Riverside Pubs by Time Hampson ISBN 978-1–5048-0021-1 Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| The Star Tavern, Belgravia - West End Glam & East End Scam | 30 Jun 2024 | 00:22:39 | |
Today on The Historic London Pubcast, we pop into one of the most infamous historic London pubs - The Star Tavern, Belgravia - a posh boozer with a past more scandalous than a tabloid double spread. From the Great Train Robbery London plot meetings in the upstairs bar, to the steamy Profumo Affair that rattled Parliament, this episode uncovers how one cozy pub became a vortex of British pub scandals. We’ll meet the dashing but dastardly cat burglar Peter Scott, whose Hollywood victims such as Elizabeth Taylor might’ve unknowingly shared a pint with their own thief. Seriously. Host Eric Blair also dives into the pub history London nerds crave — including how Belgravia’s snobbery shaped the pub’s design, and why CAMRA Good Beer Guide loves this spot like no other. Plus: a toast to Fuller’s Brewery London, and their iconic London Pride beer. If you’re into London true crime, Belgravia history, famous London pubs, or just want an unfiltered London pub podcast experience with London travel tips baked in that also makes it a good London travel podcast, this one’s for you. Perfect for fans of 1960s London scandals, London history podcasts, or anyone plotting their next London walking tour. Grab a pint and hit play. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music: Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| The Lamb & Flag Rose Street - Beaten Poet & Bucket of Blood | 30 Jun 2024 | 00:22:48 | |
London, 1679. A poet insults the King’s mistress, a scandal brews, and fists fly in a shadowy alley. Welcome to The Historic London Pubcast where we dig up fascinating stories from London’s historic pubs. In this episode, Host and Guide Eric Blair takes us to The Lamb & Flag on Rose Street, a gem among historic London pubs. Today it’s a cozy pub with wood beams and crackling fires beckoning on foggy London day. Once, however, it was dubbed the “Bucket of Blood” thanks to its upstairs bare-knuckle brawls. This Covent Garden classic served up one of London's most infamous alleyway assaults - when poet John Dryden got jumped over his use of satire. Along the way, we hear of: Historic London pub crawl secrets, the scandalous rise of Nell Gwynne, King Charles II’s mistress, the literary beef between Dryden and the wild Earl of Rochester, the dark side of London pub history, and juicy true crime from Covent Garden’s cobbled past. Whether you’re into London walking tours, British literary history, or just want to explore historic pub stories with a pint and a plot twist, this is your stop. Perfect for fans of London pub podcasts, London travel tips, London history podcasts, or anyone planning a trip with a side of scandal. Think of it as your London travel guide, or London travel podcast, with better beer and great stories. Listen now - because history isn't just in museums… sometimes, it's overheard in the back room of a pub. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Pub, London - This Parrot is No More | 30 Jun 2024 | 00:16:32 | |
Step through the narrow alley off Fleet Street and into another century at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, perhaps the most famous of all Historic London Pubs, and well known among Fleet Street pubs. In this debut episode of The Historic London Pubcast, Host and Guide, Eric Blair walks us through London pub history, leading us beneath the low beams and gaslit corners of a London Pub that was rebuilt in 1667 on the site of an older pub destroyed by The Great Fire of London, 1666. This is not your ordinary London history podcast. It’s a show about the architecture, history, legends, and people whose stories we tell in the context of the neighborhoods the pubs we visit are located in. So, part London pub podcast, part London history podcast, and since it’s crammed with Londo travel tips across all of London’s Boroughs, most definitely, London travel podcast. If you're planning a London walking tour, researching a London travel guide, or need real-life London travel tips, or just want some fun pub stories to impress your mates, or win your pub quiz, this show is your new go-to. This fun episode has history, mystery, famous patrons such as Charles Dickens, Samuel Johnson, and Mark Twain, and yes, a parrot with a sailor’s mouth – Polly The Parrot. Now deceased and perched, stuffed, above the bar. Welcome to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, and welcome to The Historic London Pubcast. We’re glad you stopped by. Show Map https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing References
Intro Music Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||
| Historic London Pubcast Trailer | 30 Jun 2024 | 00:01:47 | |
Google map with pubs covered in previous episodes pinned, courtesy of Andy Meddick: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing Or TinyURL: https://tinyurl.com/bduca5dv Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com | |||