Pour Some Misery Down On Me

[dotinthesky]

Victoria, Mile End, E3
Originally uploaded by Ewan-M

The Victoria's jukebox plays the insides of my head. From when I was 18 up until now: The Cure, The Smiths, The Pixies, Joy Division, David Bowie, The Shangri-las, My Bloody Valentine, Smashing Pumpkins... on repeat. And stuff like The Damned and Lords of the New Church too, which I don't know well but can appreciate in a setting of black Victorian wallpaper and stuffed animals that would make Norman Bates squee like a fangirl. The pub even has a photo of Boy George above the bar, not too far from the stuffed squirrels playing cards.

We spent the afternoon indoors, with all the leather couches in the world to choose from, while London enjoyed the sunshine. We ate late breakfasts, overdosed on coffee, read the papers, set the world right, wrote in our journals, proofread novels, and generally watched the hours go by in the most relaxed way possible. sushidog met desayuno_ingles and her boyfriend A., and plans were made for hanging out together again in the future (a Regina Spektor concert, a night at the movies, a dinner party.)

I worry that the pub isn't getting enough customers and will get shut down soon. It would be a tragedy. London needs more spaces like this, that play the sort of music pubs don't play anymore, that is a home to folk that don't want a telly above their heads showing Sky News or football. Even the bar staff, so sweetly ineffectual and not-quite-there, only add charm to the place.

Comments

[dilvsy.livejournal.com]

sounds like a pub I'd feel nice and comfy in

=)

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

I think you'd love it.

[petercampbell.livejournal.com]

I noticed the last time I was down there that every pub seems to be merging into one homogeneous gastro-pub. The same food, the same decor, and very, very bland. It's where the money is, I guess.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

It's very true.

[amberholic.livejournal.com]

You should check out the Retro bar near Charing Cross. It's not very big but most of the music they play is punk and new wave and there's pictures on the walls of Siouxsie Sioux, David Bowie, etc.

It's probably the only gay bar of its kind that I know of in London.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, i don't think i know that pub! Will definitely check it out.

[amberholic.livejournal.com]

Speaking of which, do you want to meet before the film for a drink on Friday?

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

I have a work do until 7.30 in Brick Lane, so I'll probably only arrive at the BFI close to 8.30. Perhaps we could have one afterwards, and that way we can talk about the film too?

[amberholic.livejournal.com]

Sounds good! See you at 8:30pm!

[tonight-we-fly.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a smashing pub, I'll definitely visit the next time I'm in the area. Thanks for the tip-off!

The Bush Ranger used to be like that ten years ago; my favourite pub in London. All dark and cavernous, we were constantly putting people like Pixies and The Auteurs on the jukebox, and the landlord was one of the nicest people I've ever met. Two "refurbishments" since, a change of name, and it's now a strong contender for the worst pub in London. Bah.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

That sucks. What happened to the landlord? Did he open another pub?

[kevyn-kronycles.livejournal.com]

I too often worry about certain pubs that I like closing due to lack of business or not enough of it. Some great places I used to go to are now shut for good and I dread that happening to any other places I like to frequent.

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

How's the world economy slump affecting Toronto in general?

[kevyn-kronycles.livejournal.com]

It's seems every time I go out I notice another 'out of business' sign.

[idioticpoet.livejournal.com]

that's the kind of pub I'd go to.

[britpopart.livejournal.com]

mile end...love Mr.Jarvis' description of that place

[zenithed.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a great local, would love to head over some time.

Me and C discovered a nice pub over the weekend, a place called the Faltering Fullback round the corner from Finsbury Park tube. It was cluttered, candle lit and played decent indie music, and although it was pretty heaving I gather it has a nice garden that could come into play when spring kicks in.

When's the Regina Spektor concert, by the way?

[commonpeople.livejournal.com]

Hester and I, the last time we were there, agreed how it would be cool to hang out there with you and C. We must organise something.

I don't think there's a concert yet scheduled for Spektor, but we know that she'll be touring soon her new album, so we talked about getting tickets together and going as a group. I'll let you know if I hear anything.