It is essential to visit a pub when visiting London, preferably one steeped in history.
When we popped in yesterday a coal fire was smouldering in the hearth adding to the atmosphere. You half expected to see Dickens sitting in the corner as he often did and he alluded to in "A tale of Two Cities". He was just one of many great literary figures who frequented this pub, Twain, Goldsmith, Tennyson and Dr Johnson were some of the others who took a tipple at this establishment.
As with many of London's old establishments this one has its ghost story too. In a tale told in 1680 a midwife haunted the house until the new residents were induced to dig up the bones of the illegtiimate children she had "done away with" and buried in the cellar. Probably just a fantastical story, but gets better after a couple of beers.
14 comments:
The perfect place for a pint or two.
What fantastic photos! I've walked by this pub many times while exploring the secret passages around there but I've never been inside.
"cough" Are there any you have not seen.....? "cough"
I am sitting there with Steffe.
SOunds a bit like the Eagle & Child in Oxford where Tolkine & Lewis used to hang out, around the same age as well
We used to have four "Cheshire Cheese" pubs but we are down to three now and one of them is in danger.
You must have had fun visiting this historic pub. The literary types knew a thing or two about relaxing, I guess!
A few years ago I tried to find this place and couldn't find it. It must be hidden away.
Oh absolutely Mo, to visit England without having a drink in ye olde English pub would be unthinkable! I enjoyed the insight into this little beauty :)
Just imagine if we really found Dickens sitting in the corner.
Wait just a minute! Ted recently told us that the Doll doesn't drink beer. I hope the lad was misinformed . . .
Now that is an amazing name for a pub!
I've popped in there for a quick one before heading to Victoria to get the bus. I even chained the bike to the railings.
The outide area alone is so atmospheric. I can only dream of how powerful the atmosphere must be inside. A favourite of Dickens eh?
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