Independent pub The Blue Maid, on Borough High Street, in London, celebrates its first anniversary on Saturday (11th April).
The Blue Maid is rich in history, dating back before 1542. The site was once a coaching inn, which served as a starting point for horse-drawn journeys and accommodated people arriving in London too late to cross the bridge.
The pub wasn’t always known by its original name, The Blue Maid. At some stage in its history it was renamed as The Blue Eyed Maid, before its relaunch in 2025. This name is referenced in Little Dorrit, by Charles Dickens, who had lodgings in
Lant Street, to the south of Marsalsea Road, as a child, whilst his father was in the nearby Marshalsea debtors’ prison in 1824.
To celebrate The Blue Maid’s anniversary, all draught beers will be £5 all day. This will include a special edition Maid of Borough pale ale, an exclusive release from UnBarred Brewery, of Brighton.
The event will include an hourly raffle and, later in the day, a DJ. And, referencing their logo, a modern mermaid, the pub will also be offering a free beer to anyone who attends their celebration wearing a mermaid costume.
“We’ve been open for a year now and I couldn’t be prouder,” said co-owner and operations manager Simon Wallen. “The support from our regulars has been incredible, and this celebration is really about saying thank you to everyone who has made The Blue Maid what it is today.
“We wanted to throw a proper party with great beers, music, and atmosphere. We can’t wait to celebrate with you all!”
