Book
London Gin
An East End ensemble comedy set in 1899, where one crashed wagon turns a whole street into unlikely entrepreneurs.
Book Summary
Set in East London between 1899 and 1901, London Gin follows Cobblers Row after a stolen gin wagon is stolen again, crashes into the corner shop, and leaves a street full of ordinary people in possession of extraordinary untaxed spirits. What begins as panic quickly becomes a collective scheme to survive.
The novel runs as an ensemble comedy: Elsie Roland and Dave Tanner anchor the emotional centre, while neighbours, market traders, police enquiries, gang pressure, and the hapless Needle and Stitch keep every chapter in motion. As sales spread from local streets to the West End, the community has to balance secrecy, loyalty, and risk.
Under the farce, the story is about people choosing each other under pressure. As the threat tightens, Cobblers Row uses wit, trust, and stubborn solidarity to protect home, family, and dignity, ending with warmth, momentum, and the sense that this street is not done yet.