Historic Punch: Resurrecting The Georgian Salon

M@
By M@ Last edited 120 months ago
Historic Punch: Resurrecting The Georgian Salon

Historic Punch copyright Adrian Teal

Salons. There was a time when the word didn't conjure up images of scissors and hair curlers. In the 18th century, a Salon was more like a Saloon, with wits and wags congregating together in ‘veritable hothouses of political and cultural agitation’.

The salon format has been revived plenty of times before if, indeed, it ever went away. But Historic Punch sounds as close to the real thing as you'll get without donning a periwig.

Historic Punch, revived by this historical trio, is held in Blacks Club, Soho. It pairs talks with booze for those who enjoy the more unusual side of history. "While expert speakers offer lively orations on the given theme of the evening, guests guzzle traditional gin punch (gin being the tipple of choice in the 18th century)."

The first event in January sold out quicker than you could say 'Mrs Miggins's Pie Shoppe'. So, get your ticket finger ready to book a place on the next salon, The Ecstasy of Decay (14 April). Caitlin Doughty, founder of The Order of the Good Death​ and star of 'Ask a Mortician', will take a look at the medieval way of death, and discuss the cultural and personal benefits of relishing your own eventual decomposition. You might need a stiff gin after that. Find out more here, and grab tickets here.

Historic Punch, 14 April 2014, 6-7.30pm, Blacks Club, 67 Dean Street, Soho. Tickets £15 including gin punch. Facebook. Image by Adrian Teal, one of the hosts and author of the superb Gin Lane Gazette.

Last Updated 26 March 2014