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Victorian London after dark. Gaslight flickers. Etched glass gleams. The city’s Gin Palaces weren’t just pubs - they were trinkets of booze and style.

In this episode, Guide, Eric Blair introduces us to the subject of London’s Victorian Gin Palace pubs, exploring two of the flashiest suspects: The Salisbury in Covent Garden and The Argyll Arms on Argyll Street. Expect velvet chairs, scandal in the shadows, and a guest list of poets, actors, and troublemakers.

From etched glass and gaslight chandeliers to scandalous stories of Peter O'Toole in full Lawrence of Arabia costume, and Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor’s second marriage reception, this episode is where London pub history meets old-school celebrity gossip.

We explore the Gerard Mankiewicz photo of Marianne Faithful taken at The Salisbury for her album Come My Way, reveal the origin of the saying “Bob’s Your Uncle”, and stroll through the golden age of British pub culture. Whether you're planning a historic London pub crawl, a London walking tour, or just want top-tier London travel tips, this episode is your ideal pint-sized guide.

Perfect for fans of the London theatre district, hidden pub gems, and seekers of a cheeky laugh with their London history podcast turned London travel podcast.

Tune in for the ultimate London travel podcast adventure — a historic pub tour that'll leave you thirsty for more.

Show Map

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing

References

• Ted Bruning  -- Historic Pubs of London (ISBN 978-0658005022) and London By Pub (ISBN 978-0658005022)
• Wikipedia
• https://londonspubswherehistoryreallyhappened.wordpress.com/  by Ann Laffeaty
• Andy Owens - The Salisbury - A Legendary London Pub, glintoflight.com
• CAMRA -Pub Heritage - Historic Pub Interiors, pubheritage.camra.org.uk

Intro Music

Vivaldi - Spring Allegro by John Harrison with the Wichita State University Chamber Orchestra

Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com

E-mail: [email protected]