The Kings Head and Dive Bar, Chinatown

When I met my partner, Bob, in 1972, he was working part-time (evenings) in the Dive Bar. I got a job upstairs for 2 or 3 evenings a week. May and George were great. I remember them going out one night, all dressed up in evening dress and furs (May) for a boxing match in the East End. They were from Aldgate, originally.

The Dive Bar was gay, or most of the staff were. Paul, Bryan, John from Enfield and Ron. Tony and Sue, Vera and Andy were regular customers. It was not always very busy down there! The staff all drank CC & Coke.

Upstairs could be quiet too. Regulars there were Rose & Marie (the latter over 70 and still "on the game"), Chinese dealers and bent coppers. Highlight of the night was when the dance troupe and their dresser came in from the Talk of the Town on their "tea break".

Alan Lake used to come in looking for Diana (Dors).

Oh, happy days!

We now live in Spain but have fond memories of our 4 years at the Kings Head. We still use the egg spoons from a breakfast set May gave us when we got together.

17 Oct 2010 19:06