On this last Wednesday afternoon in the year of our Lord 2016, a band of some 15 souls did gather for to be taken on a tour of historic public house. Our guide, authorised by the City Corporation, was a certain Tony Tucker; a fine fellow with ready wit and a gullet as open as his mind. Without his help we would not have happened upon The Olde Mitre, off Hatton Garden.There was no hesitation to sample a drop from our own local brewery, Fullers,in pannelled rooms dating back to 1546.
Then by way of Barnard’s Inn and Wiseacre’s Hall to Gough Square. Here did we view the statue to Mr Boswell’s cat Hodge and the striking buildings across The River. Thence to The Cheshire Cheese. Many a writer and poet has so visited this establishment, renowned for its pies,our own Trading Hut Secretary has oft dined, and we were all able to sit in one dark room. The visit down the steep stairs and the open fire brought much relief.
Emerging onto Fleet Street, we did see the “wedding cake” tower of St.Brides, and thence to The Old Bell. This fine ale house was built by the same Sir Christopher Wren for his masons, and though now owned by Marstons retains much character with stained glass and bare floors.
Then just down the noxious thoroughfare did we partake of gin and good ales at The Punch. A more modern building, opposite Edgar Wallace’s broadsheet stall, but with wondrous glass and lights. One flickering light did so entrance one of our throng, who oft mumbled QPR, that he did stay and dream of beating a foreign team at that game played with feet.
And thence to The Cockpit, a favourite haunt of one of our number, and rightly so, with its pit, galleries and drawings. But first did we sneak into the grounds of The Apothecaries, and did also observe the steepest rail gradient in the Kingdom.
Finally did we repair to The Black Friar, another more modern house , profusely decorated with copper Art Nouveau work, illustrating the life of friars. Discussions took place about the work that four of the company had undertaken in the vicinity; highway controls;
Many of us would have lingered longer, and there were some comely wenches and lads from Spain and Japan, but great was the hubub and so it was “and so to” The West for most. However, a few remained and echoed the others’ sentiments that such a venture should be repeated, such had been the instruction and merriment.
A fascinating and enjoyable event, so do let Jill know if you’d like to go on another such trip; later in the summer perhaps when it might be warmer.