In this fascinating piece from the December 1966 edition of The London Magazine, Stephen Gardiner laments the decline of English pubs as bastions of culture and community. He humorously criticizes the rush to modernize traditional pub interiors, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful design that respects history and atmosphere. Gardiner’s detailed analysis touches on the architectural elements that make a pub truly special, from the positioning of the bar to the importance of privacy and display. He calls for a return to authenticity and appreciation for the unique charm of old pubs, warning against the homogenization of these beloved spaces.
https://thelondonmagazine.org/archive-the-architecture-of-london-pubs-by-stephen-gardiner/