
06 Dec 2024
Great Pubs of England by Horst A. Friedrichs and Stuart Husband explores the best of England’s illustrious pub culture in all its idiosyncratic glory and infinite variety. Whittling it down to 33 of the country’s finest and most distinctive inns, this book takes an in-depth look at pubs in every corner of the country, featuring striking photography by acclaimed photographer Horst and text by seasoned journalist Stuart.
Great Pubs of England illustrates the range of pubs we have in England from old-school saloons to modern reimaginings of traditional hostelries and Michelin-starred gastro-temples. It brings together 33 of England’s finest and most distinctive examples, from Yorkshire dining destinations to Cornish beer shrines. It features expertly lit photographs of centuries-old snugs, elegant marble bar tops, rich wood-paneled anterooms and pressed tin ceilings that convey the warmth and deep tradition that’s kept these establishments going for nearly 500 years.
An artistic statement, social hub, foodie pilgrimage site, personal fiefdom of legendary landlords and landladies and repository of history – the English pub remains the ultimate happy place for those seeking refuge, recreation or refreshment and this book shows its readers why.
As in their previous collaboration, Bookstores, Horst and Stuart showcase the beauty and singularity of their subject matter. They delve into what makes English pubs so inviting. The result is more than just a travel guide but a virtual pub crawl, which documents and memorialises an important and rapidly changing aspect of Britain’s national heritage.
Highlights include The Palm Tree in Bow, which is perhaps one of the best examples of a pub that has remained steadfast whilst its surrounds are rapidly modernised. The gorgeous photography showcases the oval-shaped woodern bar, psychedelic carpet, and vast array of photographs, trophies and memorabilia that lend to this East End establishments personality. There’s also The Blue Bell in York, an intimate Edwardian hostelry that can house sixty guests at its maximum. Here, staff bonuses are dependent on their acing a regulars-themed questionnaire: What does Corridor John drink? Why does Corridor John actually drink in the corridor? (Answer: because he doesn’t like the heat.)
For lovers of food and culture, other recommendations include The Boleyn Tavern in Barking, where visitors can snuggle into a curtained booth; Whitelock’s Ale House in Leeds for its gleaming copper-topped tables, stained-glass windows and red Chesterfield-style seating; and The Dog and Duck in London where George Orwell celebrated the publication of Animal Farm.
Honorary mentions must go to The Royal Oak in Swindon – winner of the 2022 Cesar Award for Inn of the Year from The Good Hotel Guide – and The French House in London, which has been running since 1891! You can book tables with both of these pubs through Dish Cult.
“From historic hostelries to art hubs, via ultimate locals and gastro-temples – we explore the infinite variety of England’s pubs, and celebrate their idiosyncratic glory in words and pictures. The English pub is an abiding obsession. This book celebrates 33 of the finest contemporary examples with sumptuous photography and intoxicating prose. Discover Cornish beer shrines, Yorkshire gastro-temples, and Norfolk art hubs that mix history, hospitality – and just a dash of eccentricity,” says Horst A. Friedrichs and Stuart Husband.
Great Pubs of England is available from Prestel | HARDBACK RRP £35.