This insightful walking tour of Fitzrovia and Bloomsbury will uncover London’s many pub styles – from grand to humble, chain to independent – reveal how similar concepts exist around the world, and investigate how Covid-19 is forcing a reappraisal of these important public spaces everywhere.
Led by pub enthusiast Rob Fiehn, this socially-distanced tour will use audio broadcast technology and a series of guest voices to bring these spaces alive and highlight the extraordinary details – architectural, social and economic – which make pubs so important and worth protecting.
Speakers will include Madeleine Kessler and Manijeh Verghese, co-founders of Unscene Architecture and curators of the British Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale.
These guest voices will each focus on a different pub and tell the story of how outstanding architecture, community spirit, and the careful operation of privatised public space have resulted in a unique experience which can be enjoyed the world over.
Providing a safe and fun way for enthusiastic urbanists to explore the city in our post-pandemic era, this pubs walking tour is part of a new series of events responding to the core themes of the Open House festival. It will celebrate the enigmatic qualities of London’s pubs and discuss their wider cultural and global relevance at a time when many such venues are sadly under threat.
Meet: 6.30pm North side of Fitzroy Square Garden, corner of Fitzroy Street W1T. End: Fitzrovia, exact tbc. Duration: 2 hrs approx.
Cost £14.50 / £9.50 concessions (students/unemployed). Get in touch with Adrianna at tours@open-city.org.uk with any queries.
General Info