One For The Road

The saying “one for the road” rolls off the tongue so easily you probably don’t think twice about it. It’s part of pub going lexicon, a throwaway phrase used to coax a pal into staying for just one more, or, depending on your morning, to add a little more weight to the next day’s hangover.

But, like so many seemingly harmless expressions woven into drinking slang, its origins are steeped in something darker. To find its true roots, we have to step back into a London where the road in question didn’t lead home, but to the gallows.

For centuries, those sentenced to death at Newgate Prison, on the site of today’s Old Bailey,  faced a grim final journey. Their destination was the Tyburn gallows, near what is modern day Marble Arch. The route wound west through the heart of the city, and crowds gathered along the way to jeer, cheer, or simply watch.

These processions became known as Tyburn Fairs. Apprentices were given the day off work, street vendors flogged food and drink, and the atmosphere often bordered on festive. For the condemned though, and their loved ones trudging alongside, there was nothing to celebrate.

Roughly halfway to Tyburn stood the parish of St Giles-in-the-Fields. This was the last major stop before the condemned left the bustle of the city for the open road west. Here stood The Bowl Inn, a public house that would become infamous for its role in these grim parades.

According to tradition, the publican would step outside and present the prisoner with a drink — the “St Giles’ Bowl.” This wasn’t just random generosity. The St Giles’ Bowl was an organised charitable custom, ensuring those on their final walk had one last drop of ale before their date with the noose. The pub right beside St Giles in the field would go on the become known as the Bowl Tavern in fact. 

Often the executioners would get an ale for their troubles too. The ale hits well as it always does, so they would fancy another and another. The execution procession would end up stopping at several taverns and alehouses along the Tyburn road.

The site of The Bowl Inn is still occupied by a pub today, The Angel, at 61–62 St Giles High Street. While the name and interior have changed over the centuries, the history lingers in it’s bricks. Stand outside and it’s not hard to imagine the scene: the rumble of the cart wheels, the press of the crowd, the publican stepping forward with a bowl of ale, the prisoner savouring every last drop!

Next time you’re in the area, it’s worth popping in. I’m sure you won’t be facing the Tyburn gallows afterward, perhaps an even more frighting prospect if you tell the Mrs you’re having one for the road!