Pubs

The King’s Head & Eight Bells, steeped in history and tradition, is the sole survivor of the 13 taverns, inns and beerhouses that once stood on Cheyne Walk (now one of London’s most fashionable and sought after addresses).

Standing on the site of two original Tudor alehouses, (hence the name), its hospitality has been used (and occasionally abused) by Kings, Princes and some of the greatest names from the worlds of literature, sport, music, film and TV.

The current building is approximately 200 years old, dating from the time of William IV (1756 – 1837) but retains its original cellarage complete with ghost (a Tudor serving woman who while not being violent or threatening is certainly “nosey” and her efforts to help with cellar management are not always appreciated!).

A refreshing alternative to Soho’s designer bars, Jerusalem is situated across the Oxford Street border that divides Soho from burgeoning “Noho”. Jerusalem is a haven from the hustle and bustle of London for those wishing to enjoy a relaxed evening whiling away the hours in comfortable surroundings with an atmosphere conductive to creativity and informal chatter, in essence a return to basics.

Designer Shaun Clarkson’s brief was to take influences from the warm welcoming feel of a country pub, mixed in with the faded grandeur of Parisian salon. He has done this with wonderful panache blending in a contemporary flavour and, most important of all, a feeling of familiarity – the most important ingredients for relaxation.

At one time, notorious for gangland crime, the East End of London was home to many criminals – most famously Jack the Ripper, and the Kray twins.

The Blind Beggar Pub is renowned for a gruesome night in 1966. The Kray Twins had a confrontation with the South London Gang, the Richardsons at the Astor Club, Berkeley Square. This is where George Cornell is said to have referred to Ronnie as a ‘fat poofter’.

On 8 March a shoot-out in a South London Club, between the Richardsons and a local gang, resulted in one of the Krays allies, Richard Hart, being killed.