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The 18th century saw a huge growth in the number of drinking establishments, primarily due to the introduction of gin.

Gin was brought to England by the Dutch after the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and became very popular after the government created a market for grain that was unfit to be used in brewing by allowing unlicensed gin production, whilst imposing a heavy duty on all imported spirits.

As thousands of gin-shops sprang up all over England, brewers fought back by increasing the number of alehouses.

By 1740 the production of gin had increased to six times that of beer and because of its cheapness it became popular with the poor, leading to the so-called Gin Craze.

Over half of the 15, 000 drinking establishments in London were gin shops.