Fitzroy Tavern, London

The Fitzroy is a pretty big deal. It's so important that it even shares its name with the neighborhood it's in. Back in the 1920s to the 1940s, it was the go-to spot of bohemian London, the ultimate pub for the movers and shakers, the ultimate hangout for the saucy Bloomsbury crowd who were all about living wild lives. Originally, it started as a local coffee house in 1883, then became known as the Hundred Marks because of all the Germans in the area, and only got its current name after the First World War.

Writers, artists, and sculptors 鈥� including Dylan Thomas, Jacob Epstein, Michael Bentine, George Orwell, and Nina Hamnett 鈥� would pool their money from their successes and drink until they ran out of cash and had to get creative again. But, hey, they didn't just party here. The pub had a heart, too. The legendary landlord, Pop Kleinfeld, started a local charity called 'Pennies from Heaven' in the 1920s. Customers would stick envelopes filled with coins to the ceiling using darts, and the money went to help needy local children.

Nowadays, the award-winning pub has been all spruced up, you can still experience the old-school atmosphere in the Writers & Artists Bar, enjoy a pint on the sunny street corner (they've got a fantastic selection of ales at reasonable prices), or explore the literary heritage displayed on the walls. So, if you're ever in the area, the Fitzroy is definitely worth a visit 鈥� maybe even two!

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Fitzroy Tavern
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

London's Historic Pubs Walk

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