Pub Tales

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, 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

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, 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