pubs and flea markets in London
 

Going to UK. <BR>Can any of you recommend some interesting <BR>pubs in London. "Interesting" can be exciting <BR>or historical or mysterious or cozy. Also <BR>decent flea markets in the area. <BR> <BR>Thanks.

The Ten Bells Pub is located on Commercial Street near Fournier Street in London's East End. Formerly called "Jack the Ripper" because so many of his murders were committed in the adjacent streets, the pub is decorated with documents, papers, pictures and photographs related to him. The pub's design and its furnishings all date to the late 19th century when Jack roamed the streets. Shoreditch is the closest underground station. You could really tie a visit to the pub into a visit to the Tower of London. London's East End begins right by the Tower. <BR> <BR>Here's a walk that covers four rather historic pubs in a relatively concentrated area. Take the tube to the Charing Cross station. Walk across Trafalgar Square to St. Martin's Lane. (It's between the National Gallery and St. Martin in the Fields church. At 90 St. Martin's Lane, you'll find The Salisbury Pub which dates from the mid 19th century and is notorious for the bare knuckle fights that were held there in that era. It's a stunning pub and you may find it filled with theatre people. Leave the pub, cross St. Martin's Lane and enter Goodwin's Court at 55-56 St. Martin's Lane. Goodwin's Court is a wonderfully authentic 18th century street. At its end turn left on Bedfordbury, then right on New Row, cross Garrick Street and continue straight onto Rose Street to 33 Rose, The Lamb and Flag pub. This one is really old, being one of the few wooden structures to survive the Great Fire of 1666. It was once known as the "Bucket of Blood" because of all the fights that broke out in it. It was also one of Charles Dickens favorite spots on his pub crawls. Backtrack to Garrick Street, turn left, continue down Garrick (which changes its name to Bedford) to The Strand and turn left again. Continue on The Strand to 91 The Strand and The Coal Hole pub. Now a popular refuge for theatre people, it got its name in the early 19th century from the coal haulers who unloaded boats on the river and went there to restore themselves. Leave the pub, cross The Strand and walk straight ahead to Southampton Street. Walk up to Maiden Lane, turn left and continue on Maiden Lane which changes its name to Chandos Place. At 51 Chandos Place you'll find the Marquis of Granby pub which dates to the 17th century when it was called "The Hole in the Wall" and run by a mistress of the Duke of Buckingham. It's a friendly tavern which, like the others, attracts theatre people. Now backtrack on Chandos to Southampton, turn left on Southampton and continue up the hill to Covent Garden Market where you won't find any pubs of historic significance but you will find three pubs on the north side of the market, any one of which serves pretty good traditional pub food. <BR> <BR>Remember that most pubs are of the self service variety. You order food and drink at the bar and pick it up yourself. Also, traditionally, bartenders are not tipped. <BR> <BR>

These street markets are well worth a visit. If you're really serious about <BR>antiques, the Bermondsey Market at Long Lane and Bermondsey St. is the place to be early Friday morning (really early, it opens for serious collectors before 5 AM!). London Bridge or Borough, served by the Northern Line are the nearest underground stations. For something a little different, consider the Camden Lock Market, on Buck St. Camden Town on the Northern Line is the nearest tube station. Camden Lock Market open Thursdays and Fridays from 9 to 5, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 to 6 offers handmade crafts,fashions, books and antiques. It also features street performers and is located on the Regent's Canal. For an interesting diversion, take a canal boat ride from Camden Market to Little Venice, where you can pick up a bus or the underground at the Warwick St. station back to the center of the city. Little Venice is a charming area with canals lined with houseboats and floating restaurants. <BR>

You might want to take one (or more) of the London Walks Pub Tours we took one in the spring and thought it was excellent and plan to take more when we return in a couple of weeks. <BR> <BR>We really liked The Kings Head and Eight Bells unfortunatly I can not remember exactly where it is but it is supposed to be somewhat well know. <BR> <BR>You may also want to pick up the CAMRA "Good Beer Guide" which list a great # of pubs not only in London but throughout the UK. I don't know if it's avaialable here i n the U.S. but you should be able to get it at any book store once in London. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps and have a good trip. <BR> <BR>MarkJ <BR> <BR>H

Back again! <BR> <BR>The King's Head and Eight Bells is certainly historic, dating as it does to the 16th century, but it's in a somewhat remote area of London. The pub is on Cheyne Walk just off the Thames' Chelsea Embankment. There is no tube station near; your best bet is the number 19 bus to Battersea which you can pick up at Piccadilly, Knightsbridge or Sloane Square. Don't confuse the King' Head and Eight Bells pub with the King's Head pub which is also in a remote area. The latter has the advantage of being in close proximity to the Chapel Market and the Camden Passage Market. The nearest tube station to the Chapel Market and King's Head is Angel.

The Windsor Castle near both Kensington and Notting Hill, not too far a walk from Portobello Road. I had lunch there after the Saturday Portobello market. It received its name because over 100 years ago you could see Windsor Castle in the distance.

historical: The George, off 77 Borough High Street, SE1 - the only remaining coaching inn in London. <BR> <BR>cozy: The Red Lion, 23 Crown Passage, SW1 (note the address; there are a couple other Red Lions in the area).

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I never expected to get so much information! And yes,Mark, I am interested in antiques, so your information will be used. I'll try to visit every pub that was recommended. I can go on the wagon when I get back home. <BR>

Wish I could take credit for the info about antiques but it came from the ever helpful and extremly wise Wes Fowler. <BR> <BR>MarkJ

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