The Pride of Spitalfields facts for kids
The Pride of Spitalfields is a well-known pub in the East End of London. It's located on Heneage Street in an area called Spitalfields, very close to Brick Lane. This pub, once known as The Romford Arms, has a long history and some interesting connections to the past.
A Look at the Pub's History
This pub has been around since at least the mid-1800s. Heneage Street itself was built between 1802 and 1822. This means the street and the pub have seen many changes over the years.
In 1889, a business guide listed the building at 3 Heneage Street as a place that sold beer. Its owner at the time was James Stewart. Right next door, at 5 Heneage Street, there used to be a brewery called Best & Co. A brewery is a place where beer is made. This brewery closed down in 1902.
Connections to a Famous Mystery
The Pride of Spitalfields, when it was called The Romford Arms, is linked to a famous historical mystery. Some people who researchers have studied were known to visit this pub.
For example, a person named James Hardiman lived nearby on Heneage Street. He was known to drink at The Romford Arms. Another person, George Hutchinson, was also connected to the pub. Some researchers believe he might have been there on a specific night in November 1888, before a significant event happened. These connections make the pub a small part of a big historical puzzle.
The Pub in Recent Times
The pub's name changed from The Romford Arms to The Pride of Spitalfields between 1983 and 1986.
In 1998, the famous musician David Gray filmed his music video for the song "Sail Away" right inside this pub.
In 2013, the pub received a special award. It was named "East London Pub of the Year" by CAMRA. This group, the Campaign for Real Ale, celebrates pubs that serve good quality traditional beer. The Pride of Spitalfields shared this award with another pub called the Eleanor Arms.
