Hold on for a rollicking romp through two of Soho’s most iconic pubs: The Coach and Horses and The French House. Meet Norman Balon, the self-proclaimed rudest landlord in London, who turned insults into an art form.
Sip alongside Jeffrey Bernard, chaotic writer of the “Low Life” column whose missed deadlines were so legendary, they inspired a hit play called Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell, and who may or may not have accidentally killed a horse racing tipster. Uncover naked pub singalongs, boozy rebellions, and theatrical tributes that made these pubs more than just watering holes - they’re living legends.
Then there’s The French House, a pub so steeped in culture and claret that Charles De Gaulle himself (allegedly) scribbled a revolution on a napkin there. Toss in a stop at the Colony Room Club (aka Muriel’s) and its lively revival, and you’ve got yourself a tour of Soho’s sauciest social scene that makes for a fun London historic pub crawl full of the craziest pub stories and the best of London pub legends. Put this one on your bucket list of London walking tours when looking for London travel tips.
Whether you're a London history podcast lover, a fan of quirky London pubs, or planning your next London pub crawl, this episode delivers the laughs, legends, and libations to enrich your London walking tours. Perfect for those craving London travel tips, seeking hidden London gems, or just wanting a wildly entertaining London travel podcast, or a podcast about London pubs.
Show Map
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing
References
Jeffery Bernard Doc: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doA__PRdZ-Q&t=908s&authuser=0
Jeffery Bernard is Unwell (play):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6cYbZe1WYU&authuser=0
Tweety’s Pubs – Why are there so many Coach & Horses: https://youtu.be/NtE03V0sXLw?si=D4odW6oSOKPVpdsz
https://mysohotimes.co.uk/2024/02/26/the-colony-green-club-my-soho-times/
https://www.whatsonstage.com/shows/london-theatre/west-end-theatre/norman-balon-its-all-true_292090/
https://www.mylondon.news/whats-on/whats-on-news/london-pub-you-used-able-20625964
Intro Music
Vivaldi - Spring Allegro by John Harrison w/ the Wichita State University Chamber Orchestra
Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com
E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com
