| Raising a glass to
an Irish institution
 FOUR hundred years
of history and still going strong — it’s set to be a very
special year for Britain’s oldest Irish pub.
For The Tipperary in London is celebrating four centuries of uninterrupted
trade on Fleet Street in the heart of the capital.
Its owners reckon it must have sold more pints of Guinness than anywhere
else in the country — and not surprisingly so as it was the first
pub outside Ireland to pull a pint of the black stuff way back in 1700.
And that’s not the only piece of history attached to the building.
The site on which the Tipperary stands previously housed a monastery whose
origins can be traced back to the 1300s. Appropriately enough the monks
brewed ale — perhaps giving a clue as to its future use.
The building also survived the Great Fire of London in 1666 — largely
because the property was built from stone and brick whereas the surrounding
neighbouring premises were of wood.
But throughout its 400 years The Tipperary has remained decidedly Irish
— and present landlord and landlady James and Patti Hunt are planning
some typical Irish celebrations to mark the occasion.
Patti said: “It promises to be a fantastic year.
“There are so many Irish theme events planned to continue right
throughout the summer and into next year including a Guinness week, an
Irish whiskey week and a Magners Cider week.
“There is lots for customers to look forward to.”
And despite renovations and alterations over the years the pub retains
its distinctive traditional style.
Patti said: “The great thing is that we’re celebrating 400
years of Irish tradition here.
“The building is still completely in authentic Irish style with
its long narrow bar and beautiful mosaic tiles decorated with shamrocks.
“And although the building has been renovated to keep up with
modern standards all the panelling, fixtures and fittings still reflect
the original character of the 1700s.”
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