Swifties rush to The Black Dog following mention by Tortured Poets Department

The Black Dog Pub in London has seen a surge in visitors following a mention in Taylor Swift’s latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department.” Swift’s song, “The Black Dog,” references the pub as a location where the singer’s ex-boyfriend walks into, causing her heartache. Fans, known as “Swifties,” quickly identified the pub as the one mentioned in the song, leading to a pilgrimage of sorts to the Vauxhall establishment.

One such fan, Dewmi Fernando from Singapore, made sure to visit the pub during her time in London. She expressed her long-standing admiration for Taylor Swift and how the singer’s music has been a constant presence throughout her life. Another fan, Charlotte Garratt from Bedfordshire, also made the trip to London with a friend to track down the pub after the album’s release.

The sudden influx of visitors has been a stroke of luck for the pub, especially during a challenging time for English pubs facing rising costs and a decrease in customers. The Black Dog Pub has capitalized on its newfound fame by adding “Taylor’s Version” burgers and cocktails to its menu. The pub has also seen an increase in bookings and sales, with tables reserved for the evening and a steady flow of fans taking photos of the chalkboard with the song’s lyrics.

The pub even offered free beers to fans who could sing a Taylor Swift song during the album release week, although they had to adjust their plans due to the overwhelming response from Swifties. Lily Bottomley, the events manager for the pub’s owner, SC Soho group, mentioned that the pub has had to extend its opening hours to accommodate the surge in visitors.

Despite the increased interest, there have been no confirmed sightings of Taylor Swift or Joe Alwyn, her ex-partner, at the pub. However, the pub is already fully booked for all of Swift’s upcoming concert dates in London this summer. Some critics have accused the pub of going too far by checking security camera footage to see if Swift or Alwyn had visited recently.

Overall, The Black Dog Pub has become a must-visit destination for Taylor Swift fans, adding a new chapter to its history as a quiet London establishment. The “Taylor Swift effect” has brought a wave of excitement and energy to the pub, showcasing the power of music to connect fans from around the world and create memorable experiences.