Ye Olde Rose And Crown Theatre Pub

Alright, gather 'round, gather 'round! I've got a tale to spin about a place that's been tickling the fancy of Londoners and theatre buffs alike since the 16th century. That's right, you heard it here first, we're talking about Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre Pub, the granddaddy of them all, the original theatre pub, the... well, you get the picture.

Back in the Day

Picture this: it's the 1580s, Elizabeth I is ruling the roost, and Shakespeare is still a twinkle in his dad's eye. Along comes a certain Master John Baker, who decides to build a tavern on a spot where the River Lea meets the River Thames. He calls it the 'Sign of the Rose and Crown', because, you know, why not? Fast forward a few centuries, and that humble tavern has morphed into the theatre pub we know and love today.

Now, you might be thinking, "That's all well and good, but what's so special about this place?" Well, buckle up, because here comes the fun bit.

From Tavern to Theatre

So, fast forward to the 19th century. The place has seen a few facelifts, a few name changes, and even a stint as a music hall. But it's in 1848 that things start to get really interesting. A fella by the name of John Hollingshead takes over the place and decides to turn it into a theatre. And not just any theatre, mind you, but one of the first ever purpose-built music halls in London.

Now, I know what you're thinking, "That's all well and good, but what about the 'pub' part of the equation?" Patience, my friend, we're getting there.

Enter the Punch Bowl

So, fast forward again, this time to the 1950s. The place has seen better days, and it's in dire need of a makeover. Enter Tommy Eytle, a man with a vision and a penchant for the dramatic. He decides to turn the place into a theatre pub, combining the best of both worlds. And thus, Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre Pub was born.

But here's where things get a bit... unexpected. You see, Tommy had a bit of a soft spot for the occult. So much so that he decided to install a punch bowl that was said to be enchanted. Legend has it that if you drink from it, you'll be blessed with good luck. Now, I'm not one to encourage superstition, but if you're ever in the neighbourhood, it might be worth giving it a try. Who knows? You might just become the next Shakespeare!

From Stage to Screen

Alright, so you've had a drink, you've had a laugh, and maybe you've even caught a glimpse of the ghost of Master Baker himself. But what about the theatre part of the equation? Well, that's where things get really interesting.

Ye Olde Rose & Crown | Bars and pubs in Walthamstow, London

You see, Ye Olde Rose and Crown has a bit of a reputation for launching the careers of some of the biggest names in showbiz. We're talking the likes of Barry Humphries, Russell Brand, and even Alan Rickman. Yes, you heard it here first, the man who played Severus Snape cut his teeth on that very stage!

But here's where things get really, really interesting. You see, Ye Olde Rose and Crown isn't just a theatre pub, it's also a film location. That's right, folks, if you've ever watched a movie set in a traditional London pub, there's a good chance it was filmed right here. We're talking the likes of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, and even Harry Potter.

So, next time you're watching a movie and you see a shot of a classic London pub, take a closer look. You might just spot the punch bowl, and who knows? Maybe you'll see the ghost of Master Baker raising a pint from beyond the grave.

In Conclusion

So there you have it, the tale of Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre Pub. From humble beginnings as a tavern to its current incarnation as a theatre pub and film location, it's a place that's seen it all. And if you ever find yourself in London, do yourself a favour and pop in for a pint. Who knows? You might just become the next big thing in showbiz. And if not, at least you'll have a good story to tell.

Until next time, folks. Cheers!