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White Horse Tavern

White Horse Tavern (42)

You are standing before a legend. This is one of the few wooden buildings left standing in New York City. Built in 1880, it was initially a popular meeting place for sailors and longshoremen due to its proximity to the Hudson River, and later became a clandestine bar during the famous Prohibition and then a gathering spot for artists and intellectuals in the 1950s and 1960s, especially famous British writers and drinkers. 

English, Scottish and Irish folk frequented this pub, which reminded them of their homeland, to drink a few pints and sing some folk songs.

One of its biggest fans was the Welshman Dylan Thomas, the great poet and whisky drinker. The poet died after drinking 19 whiskies and, before his death, is said to have uttered, "I've had 18 straight whiskies. I think that's the record!" There's a plaque on the wall commemorating the night in November 1953 when the poet, at just 39 years of age, took his last drink. He staggered out and collapsed at the nearby Hotel Chelsea and was taken to St Vincent's Hospital, where he died.

Today the tavern has an entire room dedicated to the poet and they say that he often returns from beyond the grave to sit at his favourite table.

The White Horse Tavern was also a favourite of Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison and The Clancy Brothers, among others.

Now you know, why not go in and experience a little bit of New York history? It is a place of legends.

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