Pubs of East London

“Pubs of East London” East London is home to some of the oldest and best pubs in the world. Some are historic, steeped in tradition, while others put on popular gay nights or serve locally made beers. And at the heart of what makes them worth visiting is their staff – the bar men and women who pull pints, keep locals entertained and often come to be like the closest of families. Inspired by the 18th century conversation piece and the traditional family portrait, The Photographic Guide to the Pubs of East London is a series of group portraits that introduce viewers to the colourful and dedicated teams behind some of East London’s public houses. From The Kenton and The George Tavern, to The Glory and the Royal Oak, the series is a lively tour of the places and faces that make East London’s pubs the finest to visit for a friendly pint, a mid-week dance or even a jellied eel. I’m fascinated with British traditions, groups or communities that continue to survive in spite of modern day challenges. We live in a fast-changing world where communication and ways of socializing have increasingly found their place online and UK pubs have been affected by this, as well as by rising alcohol taxes and the smoking ban. As a photographer who specializes in documentary and portraiture (and a fan of British pubs), I felt compelled to make a record of them. For me, a pub’s staff is at the centre of what makes it special which is why I chose to pose and photograph them in particular. It used to be that your local pub was like a second home, and staff play a huge part in this feeling for the communities around them. I also wanted to show that pubs aren’t empty spaces but are filled with characters determined to remain open. As the project progressed, some of the pubs I photographed closed for good, so while the series celebrates East London’s pubs, it continually finds itself acting as a historic record of what the area has lost in recent years.