This is the 206th in the series of caches set out to celebrate that wonderful Great British establishment, the pub. It is the first to be placed in London.
Although it is not a listed building, it boosts an interior of very special national historic interest, The original part of c.1900 is on the right but expanded later into the property on the left. The most striking feature is on the far right, a former carriage entrance which has now been turned into an extra room with seating. It is awash with tiling, even on the ceiling. A disembodied hand points the way to the ‘Saloon Bar 2nd Door’. This is a small snug which has been recreated as part of an excellent refit in the 1990s. The screen between the carriageway and the bars is original and has swirling designs in etched glass. The bar counter in the right-hand part is original but the bar-back is a replacement. The left-hand room would seem to have been taken into the pub about 1930 judging by the sleek style of the counter: the seating is quite modern. At the time of writing it was possible to detect the shadow of a former opening between the two main rooms: it was filled in during the 1990s work and returned the pub to having separate rooms once more.
The dark, tradional and twisty interior typifies old London..This historic building has survived the recent revamp of St Giles and the surrounding area. First mentioned by name on the historical record in 1546, it almost certainly existed on this site from an earlier date as one of the Spittal Houses of the Monastery and Hospital of St Giles. The site is first mentioned by name in 1546 on an indenture drawn up at the time of the Dossolution of the Monasteries in England and Wales. Due to its historic proximity to Dury Lane it retains a strong link with the history of London theatreland. It is decorated, particularly in the public bar, with signed and framed playbills and posters from many productions, including many National Treasures such as Derek Jacobi and Pete .Postlethwaite.
If you would like to help expand the series by placing your own cache please click the link below 'I can see the pub from here'
