London Pub Chat at The George Wanstead - Old Traditions, Best Walks, Tube Problems etc. (4K)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ก.พ. 2025
- Sunday chat over a pint in the historic George pub in Wanstead East London. There's been a pub on this site since at least 1716 (see the shot of a historic sign on the side of the pub) and it's reported that Wetherspoons have put the lease up for sale. Read more here wansteadium.co...
While drinking a pint of Adnams Ghost Ship I answer some of your questions and generally chat about London. Some of the topics covered include:
Old London Traditions such as the Knollys Rose Ceremony
encounter with the magical walking elf
the proliferation of St Mary's Churches along the Thames from Battersea to Rotherhithe
Soho in the 1950s and Iain Sinclair's Pariah Genius
visits to North America and the Continent
Favourite tube stations
Problems on the Central Line
Hugenots in London
Roman London around Westminster
Best gig memory
What does it take to be a good Londoner
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I made the mistake of 'popping in for a pint' at the Brewdog Waterloo on Saturday. Its probably the biggest drinks venue I have been in. Bought a pint of Waterloo Gold, £7.55, £8.10 with a forced service charge. This gripped me so much and it seems petty, but I took the glass home and their soap from the toilets too.😆
This is the state of inner London pubs and outer London pubs are dying as very few people drink in them. I suspect I am the last true pub generation being mid 40s. Young people rarely drink in pubs, its too expensive. In 1996 it was £1.50 for a pint and we used to mock Iceland (the Country) for having £6 pints as everything was imported their.
Middle age anarchist, in the UK.
Forced glass charge 😆
Forced service charge? I've never heard of that in any pub, but I will now avoid any Brewdog pub in future.
Not much better in Australia. I struggle to find a pint for less than $11 (about 6 GBP). It's criminal.
There is also St Mary Magdalen Bermondsey c13th Century, which I believe was attached to Bermondsey Abbey and later became Bermondsey parish church, after the dissolution of the monasteries. Just to touch on the fate of the George, Wanstead. My father and I went for a day out exploring the area in October and stumbled accross this beautiful gem (we're from south of the river and have been inspired to explore more of London by watching your vids). We were greatly saddened to learn from a disgruntled local that the pub was about to be closed for good, as a Weatherspoons anyway, at the end of that week. When we visited on a Thursday afternoon, the place was full of friendly locals, great decor, and a lovely vibrant atmosphere. A real shame.
I was brought up in Uxbridge, I have supported Tottenham since I was 14. I have also lived in South Woodford, Woodford Green, Hainault and various other suburbs in and around London. What I love about your videos is that you walk in places I know and love. As I now live in Oregon and miss my England home so much, seeing your videos is really nostalgic. Also, what you said about how you like to take your books along as companions for a length of time....I have been doing that exact same thing with your book, This Other London. I have been reading that book for about a year and I really do not want to finish it. I have been savoring every page, every work and every anecdote. It's one of my favorite non-fiction books of all time. Thanks John,
@@FireStormintheTARDIS ✨🤍COYS🐓N15🇲🇺
@@Marabout75 COYS
@@duckjive1 COYS🐓...im a subscriber to your channel
Ah so glad you’re enjoying This Other London - many thanks
What a nice Sunday chat. Thanks from the other London (Ontario, Canada).
It's full on here today
To be tired of London is to be tired of life. Make the most of it.
I'm the only Orient supporter that I have ever met in North America. My dad, while we were on vacation, took me to match when I was 5, and I've followed them ever since.
The answer to the question, 'why them, of all teams?' was that Fourth (?) Division tickets were cheap and in great supply on a cold and rainy winter's day.
28:35 - think that's true. No new trains but the good news is all the Central Line's 1992 stock is being hugely upgraded, John - new brakes, moquette refurb, LED displays in carriages, new vinyl flooring and automated announcements.
And if you've noticed the trains from Leytonstone to Bank arennot only less frequent, but much slower, you're right. Because of the worn stock, new speed limits have been put in place until units are updated - it should improve travel time as well as go back to more frequent trains👍
thanks for that info Alex
Great video John - I love you pub chats! Terrible to hear that The George has got The Sword of Damocles now hanging over it.😢
Football-wise mate - Leyton Orient (home and away), despite having now moved to The Midlands - to the birth place of novelist and poet George Eliot.
That would be Nuneaton I presume. I’m from Northampton and follow the ‘mighty’ Cobblers. Like yourself, you can’t beat a bit of John Rogers !
@@markstarmer3677Spot on Mark. Been to NTFC quite a few times. Best of luck next season mate. 👍🏻
Once again evoking fond memories for me - I lived in E11 from 2013 - 2016 and loved a drink in The George and The Walnut Tree because of their fine selection of real ale. A refreshingly non-snobby take on Wetherspoons.
In my mind when I think of London now I think negatively.Your videos have cheered me up I’m getting more positive ❤now .I love London really .I must go an explore. Thank you 🤩
Great to hear- it’s an amazing city
Watching you in 'The George' takes me back to my younger days, whilst I've lived in Portugal for many years now, I often frequented 'The George' when I lived in Ilford!
Going back to my youth, well back to the early 1970's, The Nightingale (102 Nightingale Lane, Wanstead) was a hidden gem.
You know what Brian, I've never been in there
@@JohnRogersWalks Go get a pint. Let me know how bad it is these days? 🤣
@@JohnRogersWalksfrank lampard senior (West Ham) runs that pub the nightingale 👍⚒
I used to frequent the youth club back in the day 😊
I grew up around Tottenham Fans and met player Steve Perryman he had a shop locally, a sports shop. He was really kind and gave me front row tickets to Wembley, 1973 they beat Norwich. I was a young boy in a children’s home. So I stayed loyal to the team for a long time.
I was drinking Adam’s Ghost Ship, zero alcohol today. Good choice if you have to stay off booze or drive or not want alcohol. Because it tastes great, as does Zero Guinness, and the Leffe.
I do hope The George survives. On the subject of 'Spoons, it's great that they have a bit of local history on the walls.
The Guilds are indeed fascinating; like an unseen skeleton to the life of a city.
Nice one John. 🌟👍
Born in Hackney / Supported Tottenham 41 years... Love your content John particually the stuff around Clerkenwell
Always love your videos John. Thank you!!
Cheers
Great video, yet again. I was born in Kingston but my parents moved from Teddington to Hampshire when I was three. I spent exactly (to the week) ten years living in SW London between 2005 and 2015. When people ask where i'm from I never know how to answer but London feels like home. I'm a Southampton fan - not sure you will have many Saints fans as viewers!
thanks Ben
Lot of Gooners from Southampton ❤
I grew up around NYC (never lived in the city, but was never too far from it and spent a lot of time there) and then went on a university exchange in London in the early 90s. About a year after that exchange I moved to Asia, where I've now lived for most of my life. I've traveled a lot around the world as well, and I don't think I've ever consciously thought of New York as most resembling London (or vice versa), but I get it. It's hard to put my finger on it--it's not necessarily the geography or anything concrete like that, but there is _something_ that feels... akin, I guess.
Also: Go Gunners! I started supporting them during my exchange, and though I don't follow them as closely as I used to, they're still my team.
(The England match was a bit frustrating for most of it, but boy were there a few exciting minutes at the end there.)
COYG ❤
Loved the video John, I support Liverpool, and I also went to City Poly, it became a University while I was there. It's a long time since I've been in the George in Wanstead. I had a friend who lived in Wanstead, his house backed onto the park, I had some great times there. I now live back up North.
My family have spent some really happy times in the George there. It was great. I've moved from London now shame.
The George is a lovely pub and a landmark, hope it stays open.
As a Manchester United fan, I like to forget you're a Liverpool fan! Enjoyed the video. Had a great walk from West Hampstead to Kentish Town yesterday, across the heath. Lots of history and lovely architecture around there!
Hello! I live in Kentish Town!!
@@ronaldm8235Hello! I used to have family there but not anymore. I’m down in deepest South London.
Thanks John great " pub chat". love it..best nugget.
It's just after 9am on a Monday morning here...a bit early to be joining you on the turps, but it looks like a great spot.
Admirable restraint sir!
Leeds United John. I live in the southeast and work in London but hail from the north originally. Love the channel btw.
Wonderful video. Perfect Sunday fodder. Ever been to The Dorsetshire Gap? The meeting of the Wessex Ridgeway and several drove roads. A sense of place
Thanks. Never heard of the Dorsetshire Gap - will have to look it up
Thank you for answering my question. It turned out you had a great answer. Theresa
I haven’t been in that pub since 1994, sadly. I feel I need to visit that part of London again. I used to know someone that lived in the area back then.
Great beer choice.
Clapton F.C
I went past The George today so it was good to see this video. It was so nice to be back in the area.
Always look forward to your videos! Beaming in from Arizona!
That was my fav ride in London when i lived there .....up to Hamstead then to Wanstead on sundays.
Hey John, I sat in that very booth at The George last week with Michele . We regularly eat there as its only a short schlep from east ham. Love you're walks and respect your expertise on all things London. Good luck and keep up the good work, hope to bump into you one day. Best regards George the Gooner.
Many thanks George - it’s a great pub
I'm from the Whipps Cross Area and loved the George. I've moved now to Yorkshire but have good memories of this Pub. My main one and a definite favourite was the Hitchcock opposite the Hollow Ponds. I was watching one of your walking videos yesterday and was saddened to see another favourite of mine had been demolished. The Three Blackbirds in Leyton.
Great chatty video, John!🍺 Totally agree with your final point about how characteristically passionate and curious Londoners are about the city.
I’m a West Ham supporter and my husband is a Liverpool FC fan so we both hit your predictions list there!
thanks Anna
Many thanks for answering my question John, I will make a point of visiting Gants Hill Tube station in September. Cheers!
Hi John, I discovered Ghost Ship on a tour of Adams brewery Southwold, been a fan ever since, mind you am a fan of most ales, hic!. Lifelong Man United fan after meeting Denis Law & Matt Busby who took me onto the team coach back in 1966, never forgotten it. Also my local team Hornchurch who won promotion this year to National League South. Cheers mate love the walks 🍻.
Thanks! That pint looked wonderful!
Thank you very much - cheers!!
Watford FC, for my sins. Must've done something terrible in a previous life. Thanks for the affable chat, John. I look forward to your next walk, wherever and whenever that may be.
Oh my goodness. I used to live in Wanstead. Many a happy memory. My haunt was the british queen and the fir trees.
The British Queen has been converted to housing sadly
Really enjoyed this. It was like we were sat with you just talking.
I love Wanstead and to see you in the George brings back my 1960's memories and of course 1950's when I lived in Wanstead as a young boy. When left school I worked for the Express and Independent printing works which was in Wanstead. My parents owned a Cafe at the top end of Nightingale Lane ( Now Indian I think ).
Superb these chats, cheers John.
Thanks so much Steve - massively appreciated
@@JohnRogersWalksPleasure John. To answer your questions, I’m from Derby; went to my first match at the Baseball Ground in 1965, and I’m having a nice cold Pelforth Blonde. Have a great week.
One of my favourite pubs. I was there only a few days ago
If you are ever in a new town and want a low down on the local history. Just go to the local spoons and look at the posters on the wall.
Amstrad Ales has a ring to it! I’m drinking Old Peculiar whilst watching.
That’s a great pint Ken
Canal Museum was terrific (really enjoyed on last visit to uk)
Another Tottenham fan here John. I loved reading Mrs Dalloway and will do so again soon. The ending is magical. Cheers 👍
I agree that NYC is somewhat like London. L.A. Is where I grew up but my home is San Diego. You should visit here. WAY better than L.A. I would love a show about the guilds. Fascinating !😊
Great to see you back! Hope to get more of these again
Thanks Carole
the George is a Good pub. Also like the Walnut Tree down the road. Favourite being the North Star.
Yes have to admit I do also have a fondness for the Walnut Tree
You might have a lot of Norwich supporters, but I'm an Ipswich supporter (living in York - there's only a handful of us up here!!). Great video, John. I really enjoy these pub chats as much as the walks.
I've been in the George twice this week, taking photos from all angles of the pub, It's been surprisingly quiet. I was in for the 2nd half of the game last night
Bedankt
Many thanks indeed
John, really enjoyed this pub talk video. You've got a point about what it means to be a good Londoner, the passion to discover every corner of the city. That passion brought me to London! And I'm proud to be trying to know as much of it as I can, even though, as you and your friends from university said, it's such a huge and ever changing city, we'll never get to fully know it, but that's the beauty of it.
In regards with New York I totally agree with you, it's very similar to London. I went a few years ago with friends who also live here and we all agreed, we felt like we were in London. Very jealous of all the times you've been, I definitely need to go back there and explore more.
The central line situation is caused by trains being taken out of service for full refurbishment so there is a shortage of available units , this will carry on for the foreseeable future till all the units are done , they're also changing the motor units so will be more reliable , see Geoff Marshall, he did a spot about riding on one , nice video John makes me feel like eating crisps 😉🌈
Thanks for that Leslie
Liverpool fan here too 👍
I saw your Hackney Wick video screened at Close Up in Sclater Street on Thursday. It was in great company with some excellent experimental work. A great evening of movies. I also thought of you last Sunday as I was visiting the interior of the Great Barn at Harmondsworth - what a wonderful building.
Brilliant- gutted I couldn’t make it Mark. I need to see the inside of that barn
I loved this pub chat John, cheers.
Best tube station has to Maida Vale, architectural masterpiece.
I am a QPR fan born in Paddington.
If you like Ghost Ship, try Oakham brewery's Citra it's excellent.
Cheers - my Dad's good friend Mike Powell played for QPR in the 50s - used to love looking through his photo album from his playing days
@@JohnRogersWalks Brilliant to have memories like that.
Been to the Orient and West Ham many times following the Hoops, great times.
One of the question mentioned Edgware Road, This is a walk I would like to do as I remember this is the route my dad would use to drive into central London in the past. Great video as always
Thanks for the chat John. Aston Villa though I bumped into you when I went to see Leyton Orient vs Stevenage
Now I must research the three day walk you suggested when answering my question. Thank you!
Nice one JR.
Thanks John, always enjoy your vids.... I'm a Sarf London Tottenham fan
Three family long time JR followers and ⚒️ fans.👍
A great conversation, John! Hope the pub survives! 🍺🇬🇧
Cheers
Coventry city fc great videos cheers 😅
KP cheese and onion are the best John my wife told me that i had to txt this as we both work for KP .
😊👍
ha fantastic - haven't seen them for a while
@@JohnRogersWalks We don't do big production runs of them these days most of them are sent to Holme House Prison nearby apparently. Really enjoying the pub chats by the way. 👍
Great video John and my favourite beer is Ghost Ship and thankfully can get it at Dan Murphys here in Aus. ( Port Macquarie). I was born and bred in Watford which many people think is London…and I do love London which my father adored as well. He taught me a lot of little back routes which amazed my husband when we used to walk around the Greys Inn Rd and Covent Garden areas where I used to work. You might guess…my football team is Watford - come on you Horns! Which I still follow here …don’t understand all the Aussie footy. I keep telling them it’s not footy ☺️ keep on with your wonderful walks and I think I might try Iain’s book and Mrs Galloway.
Thanks for sharing that Jacqui
arg! now i want some chips [canadian kind, not french fries] and the house is completely empty of them!🙃 great talk today, john, thanks! 😊
cheers - hope you get those crisps!
Sorry to hear its going john, i had a chat with a gentleman in there a few years ago, he told me the most frequent bus in london, that used to be every 2 minutes, used to stop outside the pub, he told me the number, and im sure he said it served the ford factory? good stuff john.
I guess that must’ve been the 145 to Dagenham
Cheers, John. Drinking a pint from 8th Wonder Brewing - Cougar Paw - Houston, Texas. Enjoy your videos. Hope they don't close the Central Line or the pub! Looking forward to seeing you on the next walk... Wherever That May Be.
That sounds like a good beer Linda - cheers
OMG My favourite pub, i often pop in when I'm staying in Buckhurst Hill, if that goes it will not be the same coming down from the North East !!
Let's hope they change their minds James
Before I emigrated to NZ in 1974, we lived in Fillebrook Avenue in Enfield.
Any relationship to the river you mentioned?
Gd result btw....2 last minute goals! 😉
Chris
NZ
That’s very interesting- there’s a Fillebrook Road in Leytonstone pretty much on the river
I would be very interested in Guilds of City walk/s. Love a Ghost Ship as a lady pint drinker! Real shame that spoons is closing. Thanks as ever, appreciate what you do even if I don’t get all the deeper references, some sink in and some get looked up!
Aston Villa this end. Born in Fareham but all of the family from Brum.
I'm an Ipswich-supporting Ghost Ship-drinker. Love your videos.
Hi John. Mary is known as our lady, star of the sea (Stella Maris) providing protection for mariners, fishermen etc. Numerous churches, schools, rowing clubs located in coastal parts of where I live in Ireland, named as such. Even in coastal communities in Spain, so many devotional shrines to Mary. No surprise such churches in the likes of Rotherhithe, battersea with their maritime connections etc.
Another great video John as usual, but i wonder who nicked the picture off the wall behind you, right next to the copper ?
Hi john hope your well, love your passion and your videos about the Thames and other areas in london keep it up i very much enjoyed and watched keep going now john ok i love the spoons your hanging your pint out 😂 glad you had a good holiday with your family regards john south of the river a pround kingstonian son 😂 ps spoons in kingston good you buying me a pint or me 😂 no serious great stuff john keep it up love your videos on london and the Thames regards john.
Nice pub chat loved it. I was born in Merseyside so will Liverpool to do well
Any recommendations for good London books please.❤
Love the chats!
Great chat John. You may well have nodded off in front of the football. I refuse to believe I’m the only Bradford City fan of the channel.
Like the pub talks, could this be made a regular feature
Thanks - I’m doing them about every 6 weeks- this is episode 4
Congrats on the win, thought 🏴 was done
Thanks Jim - we were down and out but somehow turned it round
Great session sir! I'm beginning Pariah Genius next week...still finishing American Smoke by the great man! 🙂
I loved American Smoke Phil, think you'll really enjoy Pariah Genius
@@JohnRogersWalks It's fabulous...yeah, looking forward to it...
Love your videos, very calming and interesting, amusing tonight to watch the bloke behind you give the camera the bird around 2 minutes 40 secs 😂
Great spot Paul
Fulham Fan here, add that to your list 😂@@JohnRogersWalks
Hey John. Here is a question for your next Q&A. Were you always going to end up working in the arts or did you consider getting a proper job? 🙂
Also I support Saracens.
Can’t argue with Gants Hill. Portal to the world as a youngster. The tentacles of its subways traversed often to change buses and move between different sectors of the manor…
Hi John, question from me regarding your 2nd book. Are you planning on narrating your 2nd book on Audible? Love the 1st, being dyslexic it’s a great way to get that slice of literature. Your book one of my favourite listens always going back to it. Regarding the football question I know nothing about it so I refer to my son Dylan who passionately supports Liverpool and is a big fan of Bellingham. Many thanks for the walks love to start my week watching your perambulation’s. Enjoy the beer 🍺. Thanks again from Taunton, Somerset.
West Ham All day thanks John
What a lovely video from swansea and I support swansea city thank you for your videos
Did anyone know there is a station masters flat above wanstead tube station three bed front door off the tiny car park round the back...I used to know the motorman who lived there with his family in early 80s...just thought I'd say..
Hi John, Really enjoy watching your walks. Although Im not a native Londoner living in Cambridge, I have been driving down the M11 to watch the Hammers for 45 years now! I feel I know East London .Since the move to London Stadium I park up still on the Barking Road and cycle across to the Stadium -which is ok but wondered if you could suggest a much safer, easier place to do my drive+cycle journey on match day? Keep up the great work John!
West Ham, John
What I want to know is at what juncture in your eyelids sweating episodes did you make the connection to your salt and vinegar crisps? What it a 'Eureka' moment? Did you immediately sweep the crisps from the table and all was well? Or was it a slow process of elimination? It's important we know. 🙂
Ha, it was a pure association between the consumption of the crisps and the onset of eyelid sweating
That pub has always been a staple of the East End. They can't close it! I'm one of your Tottenham Hotspur contingent! COYS!!!
Brill video John, spoon’s wings are a def fav
Yes Peter! That’s exactly the conversation we were having in Marrakech, Joe reckoned I’d over-hyped them
Nice...👍.
Hi John. Remembering your video on the partial remains of the Roman wall. Be cool to know how they made there beer and wine.
Great question Michael
I discovered some of my ancestors had freedom of the City of London while researching the family tree. Seems to have been a number of generations and then the records stop. Would be interested to find out more.
There'll be a record at the Guildhall I'd've thought Chris