There’s more to a hot summer’s evening in Clerkenwell than beers and bustling crowds. A conspiratorial look here, an enquiring glance there, is sufficient to track down the tribe of translators gathering beneath the shiny, modern façade of Farringdon Station. Name badges sorted, off we went – a perfect blend of established LRG glitterati, new recruits (me included!) and ITI Chief Executive herself, Sara Robertson.
Guided by knowledgeable historian Roger Bone, whose passion for local history led us down sunlit streets with a somewhat shadier past, we began with an introduction to The Castle at Cowcross Street. A busy and popular venue where King George IV is reported to have pawned his pocket watch to settle a gambling debt. Not wishing to engage in any unseemly cockfighting for the sake of a pint, Roger guided us away to the Holy Tavern on Britton Street to quench our thirst. Formerly known as the Jerusalem Tavern, we discovered the site upon which the Holy Tavern now stands is rooted in monastic history – dating back to the twelfth century, at which time it was the site of the Clerkenwell Priory. A well-scheduled stop indeed: a notable pub serving, some did say, the best beer in London. Roger’s impeccable timing no doubt influenced by the watchful eyes of the area’s once prolific clock and watch makers.
The beautiful St John’s Gateway is quite a sight to behold and well worth a look if you are ever in the area. Just around the corner is the Sekforde, a pub notable for its presence on the street since the 1800s but whose modern restoration blends in well with the architecturally beautiful Georgian street in which it is located. En route to our next stop at the Crown Tavern, we took in the Marx Memorial Library and the Clerkenwell House of Correction. By now a few beers down, our little group of linguists was busy chatting and enjoying the buzz of a warm summer’s evening in London.
Experienced translators and new entrants enjoyed the opportunity to chat and socialise in busy pubs steeped in history. As we ambled through dusky streets, it was remarkable to note that with a short departure from the main drag, it is still possible to find peace and quiet in the capital. To be liberated from the thunderous roar of modern-day London’s ubiquitous 4×4. To take a step back in time, whilst developing and nurturing professional relationships is perhaps the unique selling point of this particular event.
A final stop at the Betsy Trotwood for food and another pint (well, why not, it is a pub crawl after all!), but perhaps the most important part of the evening too: the opportunity to relax and consolidate those connections.
Author: Sarah McColgan