The Desi Pub began as a story of resistance. First established in the 1960s to break the racist colour bar, which saw many non-white customers refused service, they have since evolved into a modern-day celebration of multiculturalism. This is how ‘desis’ – people with Indian heritage – saved failing pubs and turned them into a joyful festival of mixed grills, naans and curries all washed down with plenty of beer.
In this new book, the first of its kind, British-Asian journalist and Beer Writer of the Year (2023) David Jesudason travels the length and breadth of the country, visiting ‘desi pubs’ run by British-Indian landlords who have stamped their unique identity on a beloved institution and helped to challenge our preconceptions of the pub customer: from rowdy cricket fans to vibrant bhangra nights via football supporters enjoying pre-match mixed grills and beers.
Desi Pubs will take you on a journey to parts of Britain that are seldom visited. This is a celebration of Britain and the forgotten people who created our modern multicultural country.
Richard Croasdale, Ferment: ‘A phenomenally compelling writer.’
Boak and Bailey: ‘One of the most exciting books about beer and pubs in recent years.’
Roger Protz, Protz on Beer: ‘Deeply researched and beautifully written.’
Phil Mellows, Morning Advertiser: ‘The most important volume about pubs for half a century.”
Jonathan Nunn, food writer and editor of Vittles: ‘A sensitive and compelling oral history of British-Asian culture.”
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About The Author
David Jesudason
David Jesudason is a British-Asian journalist and beer writer whose bylines include BBC Culture, The Guardian, Wired, Huff Post, Atlas Obscura and Good Beer Hunting. His previous work reporting on desi pubs has been commended by the British Guild of Beer Writers.
How do British-Indian pubs become vibrant hubs of multiculturalism and community in the UK? This book dives into the unique cultural fusion found in British-Indian pubs, known as desi pubs, exploring their role in fostering inclusivity and diversity. It provides vivid descriptions, historical context, and personal anecdotes from various desi pubs across the UK. David Jesudason, a respected writer and journalist, brings his expertise in multiculturalism and the British-Indian experience to this compelling narrative.
– Explores the vibrant atmosphere of desi pubs like the Aroma Lounge and the Tamil Prince. – Highlights the challenges faced by pub owners during the Covid pandemic. – Delves into the personal journeys of landlords at pubs like the Century Club and the African Queen.
– Discusses the transformative impact of desi pubs on British-Indian culture through stories from the Grove and the Ivy Bush.
This book offers a captivating look at the evolution of desi pubs in the UK, providing insights into multiculturalism and community building, suitable for those interested in cultural studies and the immigrant narrative.
David Jesudason is an award-winning British-Asian journalist specializing in food, drink, and cultural history. He writes for prominent publications like BBC Culture, The Guardian, and Wired. In 2022, he won the British Guild of Beer Writers’ awards for Best Communication about Diversity in Beer and Pubs, and Best Commissioned Beer Writing, and was named Writer of the Year by Be Inclusive Hospitality.
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David Jesudason is an award-winning British-Asian journalist specializing in food, drink, and cultural history. He writes for prominent publications like BBC Culture, The Guardian, and Wired. In 2022, he won the British Guild of Beer Writers’ awards for Best Communication about Diversity in Beer and Pubs, and Best Commissioned Beer Writing, and was named Writer of the Year by Be Inclusive Hospitality. 
