Shoehorned between bland red-brick buildings on the London School of Economics’ doorstep, Ye Old White Horse looks massively out of place with its olde worlde black-painted frontage, floral displays and fancy gold lettering. What a find.
The history
EST: Circa 1800. Monarch: George III
Dickens’ London was a labyrinth of streets and cobbled alleys where thieves and thespians, lords and ladies, cads and costermongers all rubbed shoulders in an ever-changing kaleidoscope of noise and colour. London in those days also boasted markets galore – vibrant, throbbing places where you could barely hear yourself speak above the sound of stall-holders calling out their wares.
Clare Market was one such a place. Dickens himself described it in his 1879 Dictionary of London as “a collection of lanes where every shop is tenanted by a butcher or greengrocer and where the roadways are choked with costermongers’ carts”. On a Saturday evening, housewives would criss-cross between the gas-lit shops in search of a bargain for their families’ Sunday lunch. According to Dickens, many of these so-called “bargains” consisted of strange, dark-coloured lumps of meat that bore no resemblance to the chops, steaks or legs of mutton we would usually regard as the centrepiece of a meal. And as the wives haggled over these dinner-table monstrosities, their husbands would be happily ensconced in a nearby pub, drinking themselves to a point of stupidity (Dickens’ own words) and spending the difference between the cost of a misshapen lump of meat and a proper Sunday joint. A little pious there, Mr D – we all know how much YOU liked a drink.
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Were in the area and looking for a pub for a quick drink. We had such a good time and were made to feel so welcome by Niall that we stayed for 3 drinks. Looks small from the outside, but very spacious inside. A very impressive selection of whiskey, another reason for staying for more than one drink ;)
Bartender is very rude, pub was quiet and he kicked us out because my friend didn’t buy a drink. Don’t recommend this pub. The owner clearly doesn’t like LSE students as he said ‘we’re not affiliated with LSE’ as a reason we should buy a drink even though we aren’t even LSE students. Don’t give him your business, he doesn’t deserve it.
Nice small pub with a good selection of beers, wines and spirits. The staff were friendly and welcoming. They have 3 TV's to watch different sports
Small but inviting pub near LSE. Some great Beers on tap. Very pleasant service.
Small traditional pub, open seven days a week, good beer with a range of both keg and cask. Shows sports on a couple of screens. Pleasant staff. Good place to visit. An extra star for Woking to open up after the Great Plague of 2020. Small steps much appreciated.
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