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Picture source: T C
The North Pole was situated at 74 Manilla Street. This pub closed in 2014.
In 2014 I was looking for somewhere new to live and a friend told me someone they know had taken ownership of some land including a pub on the Isle of Dogs. They said the person was looking for someone to tenant it but also act as security – like a property guardian… I spoke to the person in question who I had met a couple of times previously, he a property magnate and arranged to view the pub where he said he would meet me. When I visited I got a text sating he couldn’t make it but a couple there would show me round. I met them at the door, a lovely older couple who had been the Landlords of the pub for many many years. They showed me round the pub which was lovely and steeped in history. The photograph below was on the wall and the man in the centre in the white shirt the father (or grandfather? I can’t recall regrettably) of the landlord John Read. The pub was earmarked for demolition and the couple being moved out. They invited me upstairs to theirs and we had a cup of tea and a chat. They were salt of the earth and just seemed sad with a resigned acceptance of the end and demolition of this history. I left with a heavy heart and clear that despite being offered accommodation in the building for free there was no way in good conscience I could be complicit in any aspect of its demise.
Barney Green (December 2018)
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Contacts
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Name Dates Comments Bob Hackett 1987/1991 I used to drink at the North Pole with workmates from the Telegraph when its offices were in Marsh Wall, a short walk from the pub. The Telegraph moved to Docklands in 1991. John Read 1975/2010 I'm trying to get in contact with my father John William Read, he was the last landlord of the pub, can anyone help me get in contact with him please.
Other Photos
Picture source: Barney Green
Travelling toothbrush, 1980s	Picture source: Bob Hackett