Salutation and Cat ... ?

So...What's in a Name?

We all know that public house names can be somewhat mysterious as to their meaning. Here's one for you.
Back in the late 1890s there was a tavern - also termed a dining tavern - at No. 17 Newgate Street in London, called the "Salutation and Cat." It had been long tended to the landlord, a certain Mr. Thomas. Many thought that the meaning of this title had to do with saying hello to a mate and then something to do with a cat. Most, however, could not fathom the connection between the two. A hint could be found hanging in a frame on the wall of the tavern.
This painting in question depicted a gentleman of the era saluting a friend he met on the street. Part of the greeting included this gentleman offering his friend a pinch of snuff out of a snuff box that was part of the top of his cane. These "box knobs" on a cane were also known as "cats," although it must be said that why these box knobs were called cats has been obscured by time.
Anyway, by the turn of the century the Salutation and Cat was simply referred to as the Salutation Tavern - no mention of a cat.

Source: Old London Taverns, by E Callow - 1899.

Your Poem for the Day...

From the tiny pamphlet "Cries of Banbury and London and Celebrated Stories" published in 1840.
By the way, a "Grenadier" was an old-time soldier that specialized in tossing grenades.
Cheers,
Dave

The Grenadier

Who comes here?
A Grenadier,
What d'ye want?
A pint of beer.

Where's your money?
I forgot;
Get you gone, you
Silly sot.

Beer is Just as Nourishing as Fruit Juice

This is an advert from the brochure for the Franco-British Exhibition, which was held in London during the fall of 1908. The event was a celebration of what was known as the Entente Cordiale, a sort of political, commercial, cultural agreement between Great Britain and France.
It is interesting to note that the Schweppes Ltd company was quite proud of the benefits of their “Proset” Fruit Beverage, claiming that “Its nourishing qualities equal those of Beer and Stout.”
The big question - put to you - is whether you would like a glass of fruit beverage, or a pint of really good stout?


Now, Here's An Idea I Can Really Support...

As much as I love my cars, this is an idea I can handle. According to an article on the BBC, the city of Bologna, in an effort curb car traffic and the attendant emissions, has developed a plan where one gets rewards for walking, using a bike, etc… to get around parts of the city. Called “Bella Mossa” (Good Job), it is a smart phone app that tracks your journey, and then rewards you wiht points for your effort. These points can be redeemed at local businesses for things like a pint of beer. Brilliant!
Here’s the link.

Helping the American Serviceman Pay For His British Beer - circa 1954

Helping the American Serviceman Pay For His British Beer - circa 1954

The following is a page from a U.S. Department of the Army pamphlet given to Army soldiers who were going to be stationed in the United Kingdom back in the early 1950. It was to help these soldiers make heads or tails (no pun intended) of the British monetary system. A wise thing to know before ordering your round of beer.

Want to know how much a British florin was worth back in the 1950 - well here you go.

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Another "Best Of" List - Great Photos, Anyway...

I have never been a really big fan of”Award Winning” or “Best Of” lists. You know - The Best Beer, The Best Burger, The Best Whatever. The trouble is that many “Best Of” lists concern tastes that are highly personal. Let’s face it, if you don’t like IPAs, the “The Best IPA’ is not something you care about.

Also, considering that most “Best Of” lists are highly subjective, arguments tend to be the result. So, I saw this list on the Daily Mail, and I only post it here because of the great photos. I think all of these places look great, and I would like to visit them all.

So, click here, and try no to get too worked up if your favorite local is not on the list. Cheers!

Here it is - Scientific Proof That Going to a Pub is Good For You...

Yes, well we all knew it, but now there is scientific proof that going to a pub is actually good for you. Here is a brief except from the study:

The survey data suggest that respondents who have a ‘local’ that they visit on a regular basis are more socially engaged, feel more contented in their lives, and are more likely to trust other members of their community. On some, but not all of our social measures, those who drink ‘casually’ were more socially engaged than those who didn’t drink at all, suggesting that there are independent effects due to being a drinker and having a regular drinking venue.

The study is called: Functional Benefits of (Modest) Alcohol Consumption, and was published by in December 2016 by a number of learned individuals. To read the entire paper, please click here. 

So, finish your home work and head down to the pub.

The Old Queen's Head Tavern - is it still there?

From the book "National History and Views of London and Its Environs," by C.F. Partington - published in 1857. Located "in the Lower Street" of Islington, legend has it that the Old Queen's Head Tavern was named for, and in honor of, Queen Elizabeth. It is noted as a "strong wood and plaster building," so I wonder if it still exists.

Drop me a line if you know whether or not the Old Queen's Head Tavern is still in business. Cheers!