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Why are so many pubs called The Red Lion? In this episode of The Historic London Pubcast, we go on a classic London pub crawl through not one, not two, but three iconic Red Lion pubs—each with a rich backstory tied to royals, rebels, and even Charles Dickens himself.

We find political secrets whispered at the Red Lion Westminster, just steps from the Houses of Parliament.

Then we duck into the Red Lion St James, rumored to be a secret royal rendezvous spot near Buckingham Palace.

Finally, we wrap up at the Red Lion Mayfair, a dazzling Victorian pub known for its ornate mirrors and lavish design.

We’ll hear tales of Charles Dickens, Division Bells, rebellious monarchs, and maybe even a secret tunnel or two. A famous sausage even makes an appearance. Oy! Saveloy!

If you love London pub history, enjoy historic London pubs, or want London travel tips that go beyond the tourist trail, this is the episode for you. Whether you're planning your own London walking tour, dreaming of London pub tours, or just enjoy a good story, you're in the right place.

Show Map

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/4/edit?mid=12c-WKa3XiT1qTLydK8psZocUR7Y_Wes&usp=sharing

References

• Ted Bruning -- Historic Pubs of London (ISBN 978-0658005022) and London By Pub (ISBN 978-0658005022)
• Wikipedia
• https://londonspubswherehistoryreallyhappened.wordpress.com/ by Ann Laffeaty (Red Lion Crown Passage article)
• Fuller’s Red Lion Parliament St website (see “Gallery” - 360 Tour): https://www.redlionwestminster.co.uk
• Fuller’s Red Lion Mayfair (see “Gallery” - 360 Tour): https://www.redlionmayfair.co.uk
• Guardian Article: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/aug/06/mps-wanted-to-nationalise-westminster-pub-for-their-own-use
• https://www.mentalfloss.com/posts/most-popular-british-pub-names
• https://victorianweb.org/authors/dickens/dc/redlion.html
• https://knowyourlondon.wordpress.com/2018/01/26/red-lion-tavern-crown-passage/
• https://www.london.camra.org.uk/viewnode.php?id=212812

Intro Music
Vivaldi - Spring Allegro by John Harrison w/ the Wichita State University Chamber Orch

Website: https://historiclondonpubcast.com

E-mail: hosteric@historiclondonpubcast.com