A late Victorian pub survives

Walking the streets of London provides many pleasures and also some sadness, particularly when it comes to pubs.

So many pubs, once an important part of local life, have been closed in recent years. Where once people enjoyed a pint of bitter, a half of mild ale or a bottle of India Pale Ale, there are now scruffy cafes or shops. Some pubs have been converted into offices or homes. Others still function as bars or restaurants but have been given stupid names and sell fizzy lagers and alcopops while being blighted by TVs, gambling machines and large sports screens.

One very grand place that still survives and is flourishing is the Salisbury, which can be found at the end of the Grand Parade in Haringey, on Green Lanes at the junction with St Ann´s Road.

This fine establishment opened at the very end of the Victorian era, in 1899, and it was known as the Salisbury Hotel. In those days Haringey was a posh place to live with many fine homes for well-off families. The builder was the Scotsman, J.C. Hill. Although the pub had fallen on hard times, a full renovation in 2003 has restored the Victorian glory, with many fine interior features, such as the stained glass skylight in the back room and the impressive main saloon.

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©Phillip Bruce 2009