The sign hanging above the Blue Posts Pub in St James’s features two chairmen transporting a passenger in a sedan chair while passing by two bright blue posts. Although, the original pub was destroyed during World War II, a pub of the same name was first mentioned at this site as early as 1667. Two blue posts once stood in front of the pub to advertise for sedan chairs which were available for hire nearby. During 18th century London, the sedan chair was considered a fashionable mode of transportation for the wealthy, and unlike the taxicab, travelling by sedan chair allowed for short cuts down narrow alleys and for passengers to be carried directly into their homes. In 1760 it cost one shilling (5 pence) to travel one mile or less, and passengers would often tip the chairmen extra to protect them from robbers. (www.museumoflondon.org.uk) Today, the Blue Posts pub is owned by Taylor Walker and serves traditional English pub fare.
- Blue Posts Pub
- 6 Bennet Street, St James’s, London SW1A 1RP
- www.taylor-walker.co.uk
- Underground: St. James’s