The Londoner – a pub that feels like a second home
When “Bye Bye Miss American Pie” starts playing, many locals and visitors immediately think of the Londoner. Since 1976, the pub has been a fixture of Kitzbühel’s nightlife – and has long been more than just a bar.
A piece of London in the Alps
The Londoner was founded by Rik Gunnell, who once came to Tyrol from London – and stayed for love. In Kitzbühel, he met his future wife and brought a piece of British pub culture to the Alps. His idea was simple: a place open to everyone. Over the decades, this has grown into an institution, a meeting place for locals, visitors and winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world.
Over the years, the Londoner has become a second living room for many – a place where people celebrate, make friends and share stories, night after night.
From the cockpit to behind the bar
In March 2020, a new chapter in this story began: David Jamieson took over the Londoner and has been running the bar ever since with great respect for its past. His own journey to Kitzbühel was anything but planned. The former airline pilot came to Tyrol after the financial crisis, originally just for one season.
“I wanted to work and then get back into the cockpit. But in the end, I found my place right here. I sort of slipped into it.” — DAVID JAMIESON, OWNER OF THE LONDONER
When a new pilot’s post was lost due to Covid in 2020, he took over the bar. Today, the Londoner continues to stand for what has always defined it: openness. “Everyone is welcome here. It doesn’t matter whether someone orders a beer or champagne – everyone stands side by side at the bar.”
Between the Ski World Cup and the regulars’ table
The Londoner also has close ties to the skiing scene. Among others, David supports the Swedish World Cup downhill skier Felix Monsen. “It’s turned into a real friendship.”
American Pie, Short and Curlies and bench dancers
Music is also part of the Londoner’s character. Songs like American Pie or Sweet Caroline have long been part of its DNA – moments when everyone sings along, strangers smile at one another and generations celebrate together. For around 30 years, the English band Short and Curlies have been a staple of après-ski at the Londoner. When they play, people dance and sing – and more than a few benches are quickly turned into stages.
The Londoner will remain
The atmosphere is legendary and, for many guests, an integral part of a winter’s day in Kitzbühel. David sees his main task as preserving this feeling. Wood, tapestries and familiar corners remain, whilst careful development continues in the background.
“The Londoner is allowed to change – but it mustn’t become something else.” — DAVID JAMIESON
After more than 15 years in Tyrol, Kitzbühel has long since become home to him. “When I go to Wales, everyone says: ‘It’s lovely to have you back home.’ And I say: ‘My home is Austria.’”
And what’s next? David smiles. “Long-term. Very long-term.” The Londoner will remain – as a meeting place, as a stage, as a part of Kitzbühel. And as a place where new memories are created every night, whilst the old ones are never lost.
