Welcome to The Big Smoke Variety Show!
This week, we raise a glass to Britain’s most beloved institution — the pub — and explore how these living rooms of London connect history, community and creativity in ways as rich as any museum or gallery.
First, our guests pull up a stool: its pub historian Charo Havermans and artist Lydia Wood. Together they explore how pubs began in the hands of women, why they became vital community “third spaces,” and how a good pub can feel like stepping into someone else’s living room — or even stepping back in time.
On our Parish Noticeboard, we wander from one place of warm company to another — Hoxton Hall. A Victorian music hall with over 160 years of creativity, care and community under its rafters. Once home to circus acts and performing dogs, now home to a powerful Creative Health Initiative.
After all that history (and a few imaginary pints), it’s time to consult our hilarious and historical Doctor Quack, who finds himself called upon to assist with a delivery — a job he isn’t entirely equipped for.
Finally, we catch our breath with Archie’s Neuro Nuggets, as he strolls through Battersea Park to explain the soothing science of white, pink and brown noise — the perfect counterbalance to the lively chorus of the pub.
So pull up a chair, pour yourself your favourite pint, and join us as we wander from bar rooms to music halls, from questionable medicine to calming soundscapes — all here in The Big Smoke.
🎟️ The Big Smoke LIVE Christmas Special is at The Phoenix Arts Club in Soho on 14th December — expect ghost stories, games, music and festive mischief.
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Chapters
(00:00) Intro
(01:38) Pub Quiz: Kings Head or Kings Bed?
(02:30) Charo Havermans and Lydia Wood Interview
(51:46) Parish Notices: Hoxton Hall
(58:47) Dr Quack
(1:06:58) Live Christmas Show
(1:08:27) Archie’s Neuro Nuggets
(1:14:28) Pub Quiz Answers
(1:16:31) Outro
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Links
📚 Locals – Pre-order Lydia Wood’s Book
🗓️ Lydia Wood – 2026 Pub Calendar & Website
🍺 Book a Historic Pub Tour with Charo Havermans
🍻 Back Behind the Bar: Pub Landladies of East London
🐊 Dr Quack – Crocodile Dung Contraceptive
🥛 Dr Quack – Milk Blood Transfusion
🧠 Archie McAlpine – Neuro Nuggets
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Credits
Hosted & Executive Produced by Kevin Bennett
Produced & Edited by Alex Graham
Assistant Produced by Adam Wright
Original music by Giles Terera
Music arranged and played by Joseph Atkins
Dr Quack written and performed by Jolyon Coy
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