Local Legends

Londons leading pub tour guide and host of the celebrated Liquid History Tours guides readers off the beaten path and through the doors of London's lesser known but most authentic pubs, lovingly captured on camera by esteemed photographer Horst A. Friedrichs. Welcome to the world of Londons finest backstreet boozers. Its easy to stumble into London's iconic pubs. The ones where Shakespeare trod the boards, or Dickens scribbled his next novel. Whats more difficult and ultimately more rewarding, is finding that special pub that has just the right vibe; the pub thats tucked away from the maddening crowds of tourists and noisy out-oftowners; that almost mystical pub that youll want to return to on a rainy evening, or show off to your friends. These are the hidden gems that Friedrichs and Warland introduce you to. Covering every corner of London from the city centre to its outer limits and beyond, these watering holes are permeated by personality and a passion for traditional hospitality. While the interiors might not boast architectural wonders, their unique qualities are brought to life through Friedrichs' stunning photography, which illuminates their character and charm, their idiosyncratic hosts and patrons, the menus scrawled on chalkboard, worn leather stools, and quirky artifacts. The pubs are the stars of this invaluable book thats as informative as it is collectible.

Horst Friedrichs photographs have appeared in the Independent, The New York Times, and Stern magazine. Prestel has successfully published more than ten of his books including: Im One20th Century Mods (2009); Cycle Style (2012), Best of British (2016), Bookstores (2021), Great Pubs of England (2022) with Stuart Husband, and Local Legends: The Hidden Pubs of London with John Warland (2024). JOHN WARLAND established Liquid History Tours in 2011. As a noted garden designer, winning six RHS Gold Medals at the Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows, he explores the streets of London for quirky history, liquid refreshment, and horticultural bounty. Little wonder that a beer garden is his happy place. He is the author of the bestselling book Liquid History: An Illustrated Guide to Londons Greatest Pubs and is based in London.