The afternoon sun brightened the stone bricks of Fleet Street, and sacks filled with malt were piled at the entrance of the Old Cock Tavern at No. 22. A few lazy printing apprentices leaned against the bags, smoking and chatting idly.
"The Sign of London's 'Old Cock Tavern'"
Perhaps it was still early, but the tavern wasn't very crowded inside. Looking around, there were empty tables everywhere, and the oak floorboards were glistening under the sunlight. A few sun-warmed flies buzzed around the windows, occasionally resting on a small notice board with price lists.
The idle bartender leaned against the counter, yawning as he flipped through the order lists delivered at noon. Every now and then, he lazily shouted out the window, "George, deliver three barrels of Porter to No. 16 St. James Street! Their club's stock is running low!"
"Fleet Street's 'Old Cock Tavern' Restaurant" drawn by British artist Philip Norman in 1886
Bang!
