Running Footman

One of the oldest pubs in London, the Footman has been in place since 1749. Originally called The Running Horse it was frequented by the footmen who were in service to the households of Mayfair. They would run ahead of their master’s coaches, paying any tolls in advance and clearing a safe passage ahead. As the fashion for footmen dwindled, one bought the pub and named it after himself. Often the source of the best gossip, the pub soon became well known.