As long as we're talking about pubs, here's one that hasn't fared well in recent years. You may remember I blogged it before, more than four years ago -- Swan & Edgar, with its outdoor bookshelf. It once claimed to be London's smallest pub, with a bookish decor and a bathroom paved with Scrabble tiles. But it closed in 2013, and as I understood the plans, it was supposed to become a residence.
As you can see, it hasn't. It hasn't become anything at all, in fact.
I'm not sure why it was more economical for someone to buy and close this pub and let it sit empty than to allow it to continue to operate. I'm sure there's a story behind it but some perfunctory Googling didn't reveal anything new.
Anyway, the outdoor bookshelf is still there, looking even more mournful. The books have become illegible shapeless lumps.
Our tree trimmers did come yesterday, and although they moved incredibly slowly, they were very careful and got the job done. We're happy with the service and I'll share some photos tomorrow!
How strange about that pub...
ReplyDeletePerhaps if the shelves in your library were that high it would reduce book borrowings and consequently the stress and unbridled anger associated with overdue loans.
ReplyDeleteThe answer to the current state of the former very small pub will rest with the accountants, more than likely. What an eyesore it is.
ReplyDeleteAnd your garden tree trimmers, working slowly is a good thing. It suggests they were working carefully.
Alphie
What a very sad pub.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see some pictures of your garden.
I love the IDEA of that bookshelf, but the reality seems not very ideal. Now, a mosaic up there that looks like a bookshelf would be VERY cool.
ReplyDeleteI like the Bug's idea. if whoever now owns the building ever does anything with it, they should do that.
ReplyDeleteIt took me a while to find the bookshelf.
ReplyDeleteYes, I love the idea of a mosaic that looks like a bookshelf. We have little tiny libraries here all over town. People drop off and/or take books. We've gotten some nice old editions by Kerouac out there.
ReplyDeleteIt does make you wonder when a building sits empty for such a long time. There has to be some kind of story. I feel especially bad for those books that have become lumps. That's no way to treat a book.
ReplyDeletegood news about the trees! looking forward to the photos!
ReplyDeleteThe past readers of those books apparently have gone to the Kindle and no longer have need of dusty tomes. I have a Kindle but it gathers dust while I still go to the library and check out books. The pub sounds interesting so it is doubly sad that it has died.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like such a lovely, interesting place to visit. I, too, wonder why it still sits empty. Such a shame to waste a good place. I love the idea of the bookshelf, but it saddens me to see books wasting away like that, with mold and dust and the ravages of the weather. This would probably make a really cute little breakfast or lunch nook with books to read while you enjoyed your coffee or sandwich. I'm looking forward to the photos of the newly trimmed garden. You have a wonderful day, hugs, Edna B.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of an outdoor bookshelf unprotected from the weather makes absolutely no sense to me! Even having books in an unheated building exposed to dampness, not rain, is hard on books. Aargh! (Breathe, Jenny, breathe :))
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