Welcome to Litsy!

The humble pub has played a central role in London's history across centuries. Over time, many old favourites have been lost because of the ever-evolving landscape of the city and changing trends and habits. For the first time in print, Sam Cullen looks back at a selection of 200+ London pubs which have closed in the last twenty-five years. Thanks to extensive research taking in newspaper articles, historic books and even conversations with former patrons of these establishments, this book presents some of the most memorable London boozers we've lost in recent years. London’s Lost Pubs leads readers on a borough-by-borough guided tour of the city, visiting everything from the old haunts of Chelsea bohemians and City workers to favourites on legendary London streets from the Old Kent Road to Fleet Street. Each featured pub’s listing includes interesting facts and quirky trivia which will bring a smile to readers’ faces, while also reminding just how much London pubs can reveal about the city’s history. Along the way, readers will encounter pubs which boasted pets, pools and even pythons! The book is also illustrated throughout with both archive and current photos. London’s Lost Pubs is an essential read for fans and scholars of local history as well as honouring and celebrating countless colourful pubs which have played a pivotal role in the city’s life. * ‘A fascinating directory of the all-too-many pubs this city has lost’ - Londonist * ‘Despite the sad subject matter, this story of London pubs now gone is a thoroughly absorbing read. The accounts and anecdotes are wittily told and bring to mind just how varied, diverse and wonderful London pubs are.’ - Jane Jepchote, Chair of London Pubs Group, CAMRA