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Pub Tales

February 20, 2011

At one time you could find a pub on virtually every corner of the East End. Changing demography and the conversion of many pubs into luxury housing has diminished the number of drinking houses dramatically. My ‘local’ for many years was the Alma in Spellman Street run by the late Steve Kane. It now has a different use far removed from the serious business of consuming alcohol.

Tour guide in the Alma pub

Tour guide in the Alma pub, 1989

As the licensee and owner of the Alma Steve Kane was always looking for ways of improving business during hard economic times. By organising historical walks he was able to attract coach loads of unsuspecting tourists into his bar at the end of their tour around historic Spitalfields. In reality they were Jack the Ripper tours but for various reasons they were never advertised as such. The two gentlemen photographed (above & below) were the tour guides who were attired in Victorian clothes.

Tour guide in the Alma pub, 1989

Tour guide in the Alma pub, 1989

The ban on smoking has resulted in drinkers leaving their beer for a cigarette outside the pub. This has facilitated the following photographs taken on Commercial Street where a number of pubs still trade.

Smoker outside a pub in Commercial Street

Smoker outside a pub in Commercial Street, 2008

Smoker outside a pub in Commercial Street, 2008

Smoker outside a pub in Commercial Street, 2008

The George Tavern on Commercial Street is housed in a Grade II listed building. The pub holds regular live music, exhibitions and theatrical productions. Below is the conclusion of a performance consisting originally of a number dancers with skipping ropes.

Performance artist in the George Tavern, 2008

Performance artist in the George Tavern, 2008

5 Responses leave one →
  1. February 21, 2011

    I’m liking this one and i believe the performance artist was at my degree show after party! x

  2. june moynihan permalink
    February 21, 2011

    Hi Philip have happy memories of many a ‘happy drink’ at the alma over the years
    june

  3. Raju permalink
    November 6, 2012

    the top photo…..hahaha I knew I had seen George Galloway before….HAHAHA

  4. Eddie Kane permalink
    October 23, 2016

    Takes me back, different times.

  5. Steve Ray permalink
    March 1, 2018

    I used the Alma in the early 90s when I was roofer bin a house in spelman Street Steve Kane was a great Publican in times of a very tough any staff Wayne inspiration flamboyant and the salt of the Earth I even had the pleasure and painting his pub for him Bottle Green very sad to hear that he is now the late Steve Kane he will be sadly missed an old friend and customer

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