This London Pub Is Going Viral Following Taylor Swift Mention

It’s been a busy weekend for Swifties, who have been deep in forensic analysis mode following the release of The Tortured Poets Department. Taylor Swift’s mammoth double album is jam-packed with references that are sending fans wild, but in London there has been particular excitement surrounding one song: ‘The Black Dog’. That’s because we have reason to believe it’s named after a pub right here in the capital.

The Black Dog From Taylor Swift’s Album Is A Pub In London

The theory is that ‘The Black Dog’, which is track 17 on the 31-strong album, is named after a pub in Vauxhall. Swift sings: ‘I am someone who until recent events you shared your secrets with and your location. You forgot to turn it off. And so I watch as you walk into some bar called The Black Dog.’

Like many songs on the album, it’s thought the song is about Joe Alwyn, Swift’s ex-boyfriend who she lived with in north London – reportedly in Crouch End. The pair dated for six years before confirming their split last year.

(c) Olivia Emily

Unsurprisingly, fans have been flocking to the pub in question ever since the album dropped – so much so that people were being turned away as the venue was getting overwhelmed.

Staff told the Evening Standard they don’t recall Swift or Alwyn ever visiting, but they joined in with the fun anyway, offering free half pints of Black Dog lager (‘Swift Halves’) to anyone who recited Swift lyrics at the bar. One bartender told the paper: ‘This is the Taylor Swift Effect – anything she touches goes viral. We’re super excited. It was a great atmosphere last night with the fans.

‘We’re not sure if she visited. She might have done – we wouldn’t even know. It’s a possibility but it’s great to keep her fans in suspense. Obviously, we’re in planning mode now because of her upcoming Wembley shows.’

 

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This isn’t the first time London has popped up in Swift lore. Her 2019 album Lover includes a song called ‘London Boy’, which is filled with references to the capital: Brixton, Shoreditch and Bond Street are all namechecked. Fans are also speculating as to whether The Bolter, another song on the new album, could be referencing The Bolter Pub in Bank.

Where Is The Black Dog Pub?

The pub is located in Vauxhall, London. It’s an upmarket pub offering a Spanish-inspired menu, with a mixture of tapas and larger plates, plus a popular roast. The venue has a classic British pub exterior, with a stylish, cosy inside area plus two outdoor spaces. Planning a trip? The address is: 112 Vauxhall Walk, London SE11 5ER. 

You can find out more and book at theblackdogvauxhall.co.uk