A song and a thousand theories. Since the release of her new album on April 19, American star Taylor Swift has broken all listening records on platforms with “The Tortured Poets Department”, and a place is at the heart of this success: a London pub.
As CNN tells it, a song from this new album called “The Black Dog” highlighted a location in the Vauxhall district of London (United Kingdom). In this track, Taylor Swift sings: “And I watch you walk into a bar called The Black Dog while you drill new holes in my heart.” According to fans, these lyrics refer to Joe Alwyn, the star’s ex-boyfriend, from whom she separated in April 2023 after six years of relationship.
A Swift burger created by the pub
In her songs, Taylor Swift has regularly referenced other iconic locations in London, which put fans on the trail of a bar when they discovered the song. Maddie Essig, an American student studying in London, was among those who immediately started Googling. “Joe and Taylor spent a lot of time in London. I told myself there would be something around there,” she told CNN.
For the pub, excitement began the week before the singer’s double album was released, when “The Black Dog” was confirmed as the 17th track, Lily Bottomley, events manager at the pub, told Reuters. Faced with the attendance, she had to call on additional staff. The pub also decided to capitalize on its sudden and unexpected fame, by offering a “Swift” burger and “(Taylor’s Version)” cocktails.
“We are a very welcoming little neighborhood pub, so an event like this is a dream. We are very grateful to our fans, who have been extraordinary,” insisted Lili Bottomley.