London's public houses evolved from two separate institutions: the inn, providing accommodation, and the tavern, serving drinks. The author has chosen over 150 places of refreshment, some old, some new, but each with its own distinctive character. He has grouped them into areas so that the thirsty explorer may visit several at a time. He describes their location, tells something of the history and legend of the older houses and mentions famous customers of the past. About the author John Wittich has lectured on London and architecture for many years. A guide-lecturer of the London Tourist Board, he holds Fellowships of the Royal Society of Arts and the Ancient Monuments Society. He is a Freeman of the City of London and Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, and a Member of the Court of the Worshipful Company of Parish Clerks. Other titles for Shire by this author are: Discovering London Curiosities (currently out of print) Discovering London Street Names London Villages (currently out of print) Discovering Off-Beat Walks in London