In British culture, few traditions are as cherished as a visit to the pub for a roast dinner or a casual pint. For 55-year-old Feargus Cribbin, this pastime has evolved into an extraordinary mission: to visit every pub in London. Since 2017, he has documented over 1,127 of the estimated 2,278 pubs with a London postcode, earning him unparalleled expertise in the capital's drinking establishments.
The Mission Behind the Pint
Feargus's journey began with a personal connection to pub life. His parents were landlords of a pub in Dalston during the 1970s, but on a nostalgic drive years later, he discovered their old pubs had been demolished or converted into flats. This loss of heritage inspired him to document London's pubs before they disappear. He told MyLondon, "We realized apart from a few photos, they've got no documentation of it. So I set myself a mission to document every pub in London with a London postcode."
Stoke Newington: The Crown Jewel of London Pubs
When asked which area boasts the best pubs, Feargus didn't hesitate to highlight Stoke Newington. "It's a tricky one, but right now I'd say Stoke Newington," he explained. "There's 22 pubs in Stoke Newington, and the calibre of pubs in N16 is very good." He praised the area for maintaining backstreet pubs that attract loyal locals, unlike many pubs situated on main roads. This local adoration, he notes, preserves the authentic community feel that defines great pub culture.
Stoke Newington is home to highly rated establishments such as The Auld Shillelagh, Coach and Horses, Army and Navy, and The Londesborough. Feargus particularly appreciates how these venues blend history, architecture, and affordability, creating spaces where people can connect over a drink.
A Favorite Pub with Old-School Charm
Among his top picks, The Army and Navy in Newington Green stands out. Feargus admires the pub's Irish landlord, Jimmy, for embodying the "old school way of running a pub." He described, "He walks around the floor, talking to people and collecting glasses. It's got a lot of history and architecture, with old-school décor inside." While the pub's popularity has grown, making it "overly rammed 24/7," Feargus sees this as a testament to its quality, even if it might challenge local regulars.
The Impact of Social Media on Pub Culture
Feargus shares his experiences on Facebook and Instagram under the handle 'London Pub Map,' amassing a following that highlights both the benefits and drawbacks of publicity. He acknowledged the dilemma: "Obviously, pubs are local people pubs, so when it goes viral on social media and a lot of people come down, then it feels like you may be buggering it up for the locals because it's their pub, isn't it?"
This catch-22 underscores the balance between preserving a pub's essence and ensuring its survival through increased patronage. Feargus emphasized that independent pubs, often run as livelihoods, face greater pressures from the cost of living compared to multinational chains, making community support crucial.
The State of London's Pub Scene
London has witnessed a dramatic decline in pubs since the 1990s, with numbers dropping from around 10,000 to 3,600. However, Feargus offers a glimmer of hope: "Right now though, it seems that we've got as many pubs opening as there is closing." This resilience reflects the enduring appeal of pubs as social hubs where strangers can strike up conversations and share unique experiences.
For Feargus, pubs are more than just buildings; they are defined by the people who run them. He recalled an incident in Forest Hill where poor management led to a negative review, but the landlords later thanked him for bringing the issue to light. "To me, I don't think there are bad pubs; I think it's always the people. People make pubs," he asserted. "Chairs could be falling apart, but if you've got someone running the pub who is passionate about it, it doesn't matter. It's the people running it that make all the difference."
Other Notable Areas and Pubs
While Stoke Newington tops his list, Feargus also mentioned Sydenham as a favorite area. He highlighted The Birkbeck in Leyton as another standout, where he usually stays for one pint but ended up having three due to its welcoming atmosphere. These examples illustrate the diversity and richness of London's pub landscape, from historic gems to modern favorites.
Through his mission, Feargus Cribbin not only celebrates London's pubs but also advocates for their preservation. By showcasing exceptional venues and providing constructive feedback, he hopes to help others enjoy the same meaningful experiences while supporting the pubs that form the backbone of British social life.
