Rarely seen footage of 1950s London pubs shows how different they were

Rarely seen footage from the 1950s has given us a glimpse into what London's pubs were like back in the day. Most of the footage was shot in the Lord Palmerston in Kilburn in 1956. Although there is another pub named Lord Palmerston in Tufnell Park, the one featured in the old footage has sadly closed its doors for good.

It's now home to a Nando's chicken restaurant. After World War II, London's pubs became bustling social hubs where friends and family would gather. The footage shows how packed these places were, with barely any room to move as people enjoyed their drinks and conversations.

READ MORE: How King's Cross got its name and why it was once known as Battle Bridge One clip highlights the crucial role pubs played in the community. In this scene, patrons are huddled around a radio, eagerly listening to the election results. Pubs also served as venues for community events.

One video from 1956 shows a harvest collection taking place at the pub, with customers donating items for the children's hospital in Paddington Green. The congregation watched as a preacher led a service and the publican, Bill Harding, handed over the donated items to Sister Joyce Williams. While the Lord Palmerston may no longer be around, there are still plenty of historic pubs in London.

Determining which London pub is officially the oldest is a tricky task. However, Ye Olde Mitre makes a strong case for the title, having been established way back in 1546. Before it became a pub, the site was home .