A London pub mentioned on Taylor Swift’s new album said the sudden international recognition was “surreal” – and had already turned people away from its premises.
The Black Dog in Vauxhall, London, was name-checked on the US singer’s 11th studio album, The Tortured Poets Department, and fans have already been flocking to the pub with some buying pint glasses as souvenirs.
The pub said its security had been increased and expects more fans to visit during June and August when Swift is set to perform at Wembley Stadium as part of her Eras Tour.
Staff also urged the US singer to visit the pub and stop by for a drink.
Amy Cowley, marketing consultant for the pub, said: “We’ve been really excited about the whole thing.
“To now get that sort of international level of recognition is surreal but it’s lots of fun. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but we’re enjoying it.
“Last night we were turning people away because we were at total mass capacity.
“We’re expecting a lot more. We’re all hands on deck, getting more team members in, getting security at the door to help manage the big crowds.
“She’s got nine nights at Wembley, so when that happens we’re really expecting an influx at that point. We’re definitely preparing for it.
“When she’s next here, please stop by, we would love to have a fun thing with her. Come on in and have a drink with us.”
The Black Dog pub in Vauxhall
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She added staff had checked CCTV footage to see if Swift had been to the pub with her former boyfriends, but “the answer is they absolutely could have been, but we’re just not entirely sure”.
A track on the album, called The Black Dog, directly references a “bar” of the same name in the lyrics.
Swift sings: “And your location, you forgot to turn it off. And so I watch as you walk. Into some bar called The Black Dog. And pierce new holes in my heart.”
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What do the lyrics in Swift’s new album mean?
The tracklist for Swift’s record has already offered hints on whether songs refer to her English ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn.
Fans have also speculated whether the pub is a reference to The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, with whom she briefly had a relationship.
Ms Cowley said they were leaving it to the fans to work out the references on the album: “If anybody can crack it, it’s [the Swifties], right?”
The pub has been stocking more pint glasses after fans bought them as souvenirs.
“The fans are really supportive. They want to come in and just be a part of it,” added Ms Cowley.
