“Now Whose Round Is It?” Local Legends: Hidden Pubs of London | My Soho Times

Celebrating the unique charm of London’s less explored yet highly authentic taverns, this new book offers cultural insight into the city’s most exceptional off-the-beaten-path pubs in all their glory. Editor Kai Lutterodt shares more.

My relationships with pubs were pretty much non-existent before I moved to Soho twenty years ago. Despite being a born and bred Londoner, culturally, the phrase; “I’m off to the pub” was only something I heard from watching Eastenders or Corrie on TV, not from anyone in my household. And as an adult, I’ve always been more drawn to bars and clubs (lured by the option of dancing which I love to do), than to just drink in a pub. However moving to Soho introduced me to the world of cultural significance and communal value that my local pubs embody.

It’s often assumed that because I live in Soho, I’ve visited all the restaurants and pubs of the area. What many fail to realise is that we locals are creatures of habit – we like familiarity! Thankfully, my role as editor of My Soho Times allows me to break out of such moulds. Recently, I decided to suggest a pub just north of Soho in Fitzrovia for a casual date, rather than a bar. I was pleasantly surprised by the experience. Bradley’s Spanish Bar (featured in Local Legends) exudes an abundance of character. I took a peek downstairs and it didn’t surprise me to see a few familiar faces I recognised from Trisha’s, Gerry’s and the newly opened Colony Room Green, starting their night on Hanway Place.

‘It seems that every epic night always begins, or more than likely ends, on Hanway Place.’ – Local Legends, p.100

It really is difficult to tell any story of Soho without including pubs, so when an invite to the book launch of Local Legends: Hidden Pubs of London arrived, I knew I’d be doing myself a disservice if I didn’t attend.

Local Legends: Hidden Pubs of London

Even to this day, they rarely feature in lists of the most famous or must-visit pubs of London, and they certainly don’t seek such accolades. Most don’t even have a website and, with almost zero social media presence, you’ll soon realise that the pubs themselves are the social network. – John Warland & Horst Friedrichs

Local Legends delves into the lesser-known pubs, steering away from the famous establishments immortalised in literature or showcased in popular travel magazines. Instead, it uncovers the tucked-away gems, nestled in alleyways, behind archways, or off the beaten path. These hidden treasures, celebrated by pub tour guide and founder of Liquid History Tours, John Warland, along with acclaimed photographer, Horst Friedrichs, are introduced with a foreword by Madness frontman, Suggs.

Foreword from Madness frontman, Suggs

Soho and its pubs and clubs were a magnet for all sorts of misfits: jazz musicians, painters, writers, poets strippers, prostitutes, coppers and toffs, plain old deviants and transvestites. – Suggs

Suggs’ forward in this book encapsulates a sense of nostalgia felt by many of my old-school Soho friends, and his deep-rooted connection to this bohemian area is captivating. From his love for April Fool’s Day and sharing the tradition of pouring the first 568 millilitres of the day behind the bar of The French House, to reflecting on how pubs played a significant role in his life and career, providing a platform to hone his performance and build a fanbase as a musician. He name-drops Soho establishments and local personalities; The French House, The Colony Club, and Jeffrey Bernard proudly covered by our drinks contributor Nick Cox.

Your Guide to London’s Hidden Pubs

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MY SOHO TIMES (@mysohotimes)

Local Legends is a captivating book that delves into 38 of London’s hidden pubs, each permeated with personality and a deep-rooted passion for traditional hospitality. The book provides insights into the rich history of these establishments, with contributions from the custodians of some of London’s oldest pubs. This book brings to life the unique character and charm of these authentic backstreet boozers, making it an informative piece for enthusiasts of London’s lesser-known pubs.

While the interiors might not boast architectural wonders, their unique qualities are brought to life through Friedrichs’ stunning photography, which illuminates their character and charm, their idiosyncratic hosts and patrons, the menus scrawled on chalkboard, worn leather stools, and quirky artefacts. The pubs are the stars of this invaluable book that’s as informative as it is collectable.

Editor’s Picks: Central London Pub Crawl

Take a leisurely stroll from the edge of the City of London’s Holborn down New Oxford Street onto Oxford Street, the famous battleground that divides Soho and Fitzrovia. Keep an eye out for hidden gems, like these Central London taverns waiting to be discovered… And much like Suggs, you too might contemplate the age-old query, “Now whose round is it?”

Ye Olde Mitre
1 ELY CT, ELY PL, HATTON GARDEN EC1N 6SJ

Bradley Spanish Bar
42–44 HANWAY ST, FITZROVIA W1T 1UT

The Toucan
19 CARLISLE ST, SOHO W1D 3BY

The Champion
12–13 WELLS ST, FITZROVIA W1T 3PA

Whether you’re a seasoned pub-goer or just a curious adventurer, there’s always a story to be told and a pint to be enjoyed in these historic establishments! Discover these and more taverns in Local Legends: London’s Hidden Pubs.

Local Legends: The Hidden Pubs of London by Horst A. Friedrichs and John Warland, with a foreword from Suggs is out now. RRP £32.50, Published by Prestel more info here.

Written by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl

Share your thoughts in the comment box below!

More from the blog:

Get social with us – follow and tag us! @mysohotimes #MySohoTimes