Back to the Local

"Probably the most delightful and evocative book ever produced on the English pub." - Slightly Foxed

<BR><BR>"Wonderful . . . a detailed study of life in London pubs." - Islington Tribune

<BR>"A book that glows like the logs on an open fire or the ruddy features of the regular ordering another glass of Burton." - Andy Miller, author of A Year of Dangerous Reading and co-host of the Backlisted podcast

<BR><BR>In this love letter to the London pub, our genial guide takes the reader through all aspects of the local hostelry as it was in the 1940s - a time of dark wood, dark corners and dark beer. Back to the Local is a fascinating nostalgic ramble around the post-war pubs of London: we are introduced to The Regulars and Barmaids Old and New; we venture into the familiar surroundings of the Saloon Lounge, Saloon Bar and Public Bar and squeeze into possibly the lesser known Jug-And-Bottle Bar, where customers queue to buy ale to drink elsewhere; we learn about 'lost' drinks such as 'The Mother-in-Law' or 'The Snort'. A truly memorable pub crawl, illustrated by the wonderfully atmospheric drawings of Edward Ardizzone.