Local Legends: The Hidden Pubs of London

London’s leading pub tour guide and host of the celebrated Liquid History Tours guides readers off the beaten path and through the doors of London’s lesser known but most authentic pubs. Welcome to the world of London’s finest backstreet boozers.

It’s easy to stumble into London iconic pubs. The ones where Shakespeare trod the boards, or Dickens scribbled his next novel. What’s more difficult and ultimately more rewarding, is finding that special pub that has just the right vibe; the pub that’s tucked away from the maddening crowds of tourists and noisy out-of- towners; that almost mystical pub that you’ll want to return to on a rainy evening, or show off to your friends.
These are the hidden gems that Warland introduces you to. Covering every corner of London from the city centre to its outer limits and beyond, these watering holes are permeated by personality and a passion for traditional hospitality. While the interiors might not boast architectural wonders or famous artwork, their unique qualities are brought to life through Horst Friedrichs’ stunning photography, which illuminates their character and charm, their idiosyncratic hosts and patrons, the menus scrawled on chalkboard, the proudly polished brass, worn leather stools, and quirky artifacts. Warland is a delightfully engaging companion, but the pubs are the stars of this invaluable book that’s as informative as it is collectible.

John Warland studied for a finance degree in the City of London before moving into garden design, for which he has won six RHS Gold medals at Chelsea and Hampton Court flower shows. He established Liquid History Tours in 2011. Now based in Richmond, he spends his time exploring the streets of London and beyond for quirky history, liquid refreshment, and horticultural bounty. He is the author of the bestselling book Liquid History: An Illustrated Guide to London’s Greatest Pubs.

Horst Friedrichs’ photographs have appeared in the Independent, The New York Times, and Stern and in numerous books, including I’m One--20th Century Mods; Or Glory--21st Century Rockers; Cycle Style, Drive Style, Denim Style, Best of British, Coffee Style, Bookstores, and Great Pubs of England, all published by Prestel. He lives in London.