Friend at Hand

Friend at Hand is truly a quirky venue that plays host to equally eccentric famous patrons such as Noel Fielding. The pub was established in 1797 and was formerly known as the Handsome Carriage. Arguably one of the most notable historical figures that have ever frequented the pub is Thomas Stearns Eliot (September 26, 1888 to January 4, 1965). He was a publisher, playwright, literary and social critic who wrote about Friend at Hand pub in his book the 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats'. This book was a collection of poems about the psychology of cats, which later inspired Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Catz. The Friend at Hand also lays claim to some seriously voyeuristic history. The area in which it lies was in fact known for the 'ladies of the night' in the Victorian era. In more recent times, its more family friendly and offers a welcome reprieve from busy London streets for a cosy pint.