Our History

The Knave of Clubs has a rich and vibrant history as a notorious East End boozer.

Through the process of restoring this remarkable building, we dug through the archives, swapped stories with old regulars, and unearthed some really special gems. One of the best? A series of photos taken in 1976 at The Knave by award-winning photographer Markéta Luskačová.

Opened in 1880, The Knave of Clubs was an East End institution. For many years it was known locally as The Bird House, because traders from the nearby Club Row market would sell songbirds in the pub.

Given its notoriety it became the meeting place for various East End rascals. Perhaps somewhat fitting given the Old English definition of a Knave is a tricky and deceitful fellow. Closed for over 30 years, and nearly lost forever, The Knave of Clubs has now been lovingly restored to its former glory.

Whilst the beer is probably better, not much else has changed, and once again this remarkable public house is back open to serve the East London community.

All images courtesy of Markéta Luskačová.
You can explore more of Markéta’s photography, capturing The Knave of Clubs and the surrounding East End in the 1970s, on Spitalfields Life