Join us on a pub walk London won’t let you forget. In this episode of The Historic London Pubcast, we take a leisurely but legendary London pub crawl from the iconic Battersea Power Station through the historic backstreets of Wandsworth, exploring the city's Victorian pubs, quirky local legends, and centuries of London beer history.
Our pub tour kicks off at the Grade II-listed Battersea Power Station — a marvel of London industrial heritage now home to high-end shops (and a beautifully theatrical Marks & Spencer Simply Food). Along the way, we relive the bizarre tale of the Pink Floyd Battersea pig balloon that made Heathrow air traffic control sweat.
Next, we raise a glass at the Prince Albert pub Battersea, salute the ever-evolving Woodpecker pub (jazz lounge, Creole kitchen, and now live music haven), and visit The Woodman, saved by 4,000 loyal locals. This walking tour London detours to riverside gems like The Waterfront and The Ship, each boasting a different take on pub architecture and atmosphere.
In Wandsworth, the history gets deeper (and boozier). Discover the roots and revival of Ram Brewery Wandsworth, where 500 years of brewing tradition meet craft beer comebacks. Sip in style at the Spread Eagle pub Wandsworth, dripping in stained glass and Victorian glam, and finish at The Cat’s Back pub, a charming relic with one very elusive feline.
This episode is a must-listen for fans of:
- London travel guide inspiration
- Hidden London history
- Quirky London pubs
- Off the beaten path London
- And of course, anyone planning the ultimate London pub tour
Whether you’re into London podcast adventures, love a good history podcast UK style, or just want solid UK travel ideas, we’ve got your pint poured and your path mapped.
Cheers, and mind the pink pigs.
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Show Map:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1xXDGJSfJIUy2gw_6uCASi-C45FpOg_M&usp=sharing
References:
- Ted Bruning -- Historic Pubs of London (ISBN 978-0658005022)
- Wikipedia
Battersea, Prince Albert, Woodpecker, Woodman
https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/about/heritage-history/
https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs///BatterseaEast/PrinceAlbert.shtm
https://camra.org.uk/pubs/prince-albert-battersea-140365
https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/BatterseaNorthWest/HighStreet42.shtml
https://www.closedpubs.co.uk/london/sw11_battersea_originalwoodman.html
https://camra.org.uk/pubs/woodpecker-battersea-140315
https://camra.org.uk/pubs/woodman-battersea-140457
https://pubwiki.co.uk/LondonPubs/BatterseaNorthWest/HighStreet42.shtml
Ship & The Waterfront
London’s Riverside Pubs by Time Hampson ISBN 978-1–5048-0021-1
Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com
E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com
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