The Director General (DG), a beloved local pub at 55 Wellington Street, served the community until its demolition in 2008 for town center redevelopment. Known for its ornate interior and stained-glass windows, it catered to diverse patrons, including locals from the nearby printing press and the LGBTQ+ community. Despite efforts to preserve its historic features, the pub's demise paved the way for a Tesco superstore, later criticized as the UK's ugliest building. The DG's story is now chronicled in Sam Cullen's book, London's Lost Pubs, which highlights over 200 pubs that have disappeared from London in recent decades.
In the heyday of the Director General, it was a favorite with workers from the printing press across the road, embodying community spirit and local history.
Despite opposition from local MP and heritage groups, the beloved pub was demolished in 2008, replaced by a Tesco that won the Carbuncle Cup for its design.
Author Sam Cullen's book, London's Lost Pubs, seeks to document over 200 pubs that have vanished in the past 25 years, preserving their histories and unique characters.
The DG was named after a Victorian-era gun and became known for its ornate interior and welcoming atmosphere, particularly as a gay friendly venue.
Collection
[
|
...
]