The London Spy (1703) [ Places ]
… his All-a-mode Bows and Cringes, he would needs prevail with me to Dine with him at a Tavern hard by, with some Gentlemen of his Acquaintance, which I, being an utter Stranger in the Town, very readily Embrac’d. He enter’d the Tavern … Charity. But as soon as we were got clear of our Noisie Flatterers, I began to ask of my Friend, what sort of generous Gentlemen those were who had so kindly Treated us? He smil’d at my Enquiry, and told me, I could scarce guess by what …
Taverns | Dining
Anthology