Some 35 years ago I sat in a pub in Stoke-on-Trent, a student hoping to stave off the inevitable pricking of the bubble in a post-degree reality, by wishfully stating to a friend that it would be good if we could work out a way of staying in the pub and getting paid for it. Well, as they say, be careful what you wish for. Fast forward to 2022 and I am about to launch my 10th historical Pub Tour of London in as many years.
If you want to know Paris, go to the cafes; if you want to know New York, go to the delis and if you want to know London (you are one step ahead of me here, I suspect), then you go to the pubs. I’m aware that I’m preaching to the converted, but the rich tapestry of London and its inhabitants, woven down through the years, is best seen in its pubs, taverns, inns and alehouses. Treasures all; we ignore them at our peril, for as Hilaire Belloc famously said, “But when you have lost your Inns drown your empty selves, for you will have lost the last of England”.
This tale begins over a decade ago with the foolhardy, though ultimately rewarding, acceptance of a challenge to find London’s oldest pub. Debate rages and criteria range and though I feel that particular challenge has been put to bed (the Seven Stars on Carey Street by the strictest measure), it set off in motion the singular chain of events that has led to ten historical pub tours. As I research each neighbourhood of London In an exacting and painstaking process of narrowing 20 to 30 pubs down to five or six (it is a sacrifice I am prepared to meet head on), I also look out for stories and buildings and tucked-away gems and build a route between pubs accordingly.
Of course, there is time in each pub for a drink and I freely distribute beer, gin and port recommendations. The nature of the research means I am forced to try as many different drinks as I can. It is a noble struggle! I now run two public tours a month, rotating through the current ten tours over the months, though most of the tours I run are private ones, where groups choose their tour, date and start time.
Altogether, it is a magical combination of wonderful history, amazing pubs, great drinks and friendly company, all tied together with a warm, light hearted commentary over the course of a three hour tour. We tumble down alleyways, wander into lost squares and through portals in time to visit the oldest and the most incredible drinking venues in the world’s most fascinating city.
If this article has piqued your interest, please have a look at my website www.londonpubtours.weebly.com. There is a contact form on the website but to enquire further or book, please email me or call/text me on 07504 977267.
I look forward to seeing you on a tour some day and together we will drink in the history.
Vic Norman – Dragon & Flagon Tours