Pubs are one of our favorite things to do while we are in London or anywhere in the UK or actually anywhere in del Mundo. The pubs in London have so much history and sadly they are disappearing at an alarming rate. It’s rather amazing and kinda kool to sit in a pub that’s been in existence longer than the USA has been around. We visited several new places this year as well as several “old friends” and each has its own charm and ambiance. On Christmas Eve, Elizabeth and I went on a walking tour with Dr. David Charnick, A Dickens of a City. We did get to stop, but we did not get to enjoy a pint at The George, a very historic 16^th century “coaching house” pub. We were there to learn about the history of the pub and how it influenced Charles Dickens and his writing. But we had enjoyed a pint there during last year’s visit and it brought back many warm memories (even in the dead of winter they have picnic tables in the court yard made cozy with many propane heaters).

On Christmas day we had several holiday quaffs at, what has become a Christmas tradition, the Sunborn London Yacht Hotel. A good friend, Dr. Gary Jones, who was traveling with us a few years ago, introduced us to this great tradition. While this is not technically a pub it is still an elegant place to enjoy a drink, especially during the holidays. This year’s visit turned out to hold a surprise for us. It turned out that an old friend, who we had lost track of, was the bartender that evening. It was like a family reunion to see Nathan once again. We are glad to see that he is doing well.

Travel Tip: Take the time and put in the effort to meet local people. They will greatly enrich your life with their local insights. Do this as often as you can and before long you will have friends all over the world.

On Boxing Day (day after Christmas), we went on a walking tour with Joanna Moncrieff (Footprints of London), which began at The Angel of the Field Pub located in Marylebone. Through a scheduling misstep we ended up at the meeting spot “only” three hours early and in very  rainy weather. What a delightful misstep!  We fell into the middle of a family gathering that the new managers, Martin and Claire, were having. Their daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters were visiting for the “Festive” season from Suffolk and they allowed us to interlope. Millie, their four year old granddaughter, engaged us for over an hour in a game of “indoor football.” We had actually debated about returning to our hotel (one hour round trip) and returning at the appointed time. Really glad we didn’t! It was a delightful three hours that sped by in the company of wonderful people and more than a few pints.

On our self-guided tour of Highgate Cemetery we ended up at The Flask, a pub that traces its history back to the mid 1600’s. We arrived in early evening (around 6 PM) and there was not a seat to be had. We finally found two seats at a picnic table in the court yard and enjoyed a pint and conversation with some locals. The only problem with the Flask is that it is at the top of a very steep hill (from both the cemetery and the Underground station) which left this old man huffing and puffing. But of course, that makes a pint all that more refreshing.

Travel Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask and keep on asking directions. As we wondered around the village of Highgate looking for the Flask we asked several people its location. They pointed in the direction and gave vague guidance, but we still couldn’t locate it. We finally asked a gentleman out walking his dog who went out of his way to lead us to the front door of the pub.

Then there’s the Grapes; a 500 year old institution in Limehouse. We had the pleasure of visiting there on Sunday afternoon when “Sunday Pot Roast” was being served up with plenty of fine local ales. The Grapes is currently owned by Ian McKellen, the renown British Actor who is rumored to often sit in for a pint or two (however, no Ian spotting during our visit). It was again a full house with most patrons seeming to be locals. We were fortunate enough to score two stools at the bar with a front row seat to watch three very busy bar maids. Elizabeth was most interested in all their activity, especially when one of them pulled up a trap door and went to the cellar to change out a keg of ale. We only stayed for two pints, because of our schedule, but this place deserves more time and it will get it next year.

Travel Tip: Take advice from the locals. Last year when we were visiting the Dockland’s Museum, we had a pleasant conversation with one of the volunteer docents, Dave. He enthusiastically recommended that we visit the Grapes. Though it took us a year to get there we’re glad that we took his advice.

Our last place to recommend is The Big Easy at Canary Wharf. For years we would see this place off in the distance as we traveled on the DLR. So, last year after a visit to the Dockland’s Museum, we went for food and spirits. They have a great menu and specials every day of the week. We share a “Starters Platter for Two” and a pitcher of their in-house brew (Grand Appetizer Platter For 2  £23.9 with Voodoo Chicken Wings, Pit-Smoked Bar.B.Q. Rib Tips, Bar.B.Q Wings, Fried Shrimp, Fried Calamari, and Chicken Tenders). We have not been able to finish it yet!

We were there on Sunday afternoon and the place was really cranking. One of their most popular specials is “Bottomless Boozy Brunch” every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 and it was just finishing up. The table next to us literally had mini wash tubs full of proseco, wine, and beer and it was evident they had been there for several hours (not in a bad way but certainly enjoying each other’s company with many stories and much laughter).

We realize not everyone is in favor of alcoholic beverages and that’s quite okay with us. At the same time we still encourage you to visit some neighborhood pubs while visiting London. We have found that bartenders are just as glad to provide you with a cup of coffee or tea, a soda, or even a glass of water. You can also grab a bite to eat as pub grub has greatly improved in recent years.

We have met many wonderful people in the pubs (both locals and tourists) and have great memories of all of our pub conversations. Pubs are very important threads in the fabric of London life and, in our opinion, should not be bypassed but rather celebrated.