The Clarence, a Southampton stalwart, was a pub that lived up to its motto "We Never Closed," even in the darkest of times. 

Once located on the bustling High Street, this historic establishment witnessed the city's evolution, from its humble beginnings as a coffee house to its role as a beacon of resilience during the Second World War.

Originally known as the Mitre, the pub later transformed into the Bugle before being acquired by Brickwood Brewery in 1907.  It was then renamed The Clarence, a nod to the Victorian tradition of naming pubs after royalty.

The Clarence's finest hour arrived during the Blitz of 1940. While much of Southampton lay in ruins, the pub remained open, providing much-needed respite and refreshments to weary emergency service personnel. 

Landlady Hilda Gledhill, despite facing personal hardship and the constant threat of air raids, refused to yield. She and her family sought shelter in a nearby air raid shelter, only to return to their damaged pub to serve the community.

The pub's resilience was truly remarkable. With candles illuminating the interior and water sourced from the neighbouring Dolphin Hotel, The Clarence continued to operate, a symbol of hope in a city scarred by war.

In 1963, The Clarence underwent a significant renovation, reopening as the Clarence Bars. 

The new establishment featured a modern design, incorporating embossed and sandblasted glass to create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. It even experimented with a German bier keller in the late 1960s, though this venture proved short-lived due to the high cost of imported beer.

The Clarence Bars ultimately closed its doors in 1982 to become a furniture shop, marking the end of an era. However, its legacy lives on. The pub's unwavering spirit during the Blitz, its role as a social hub for generations of Southampton residents, and its unique place in the city's history ensure that The Clarence will always be remembered.

Just as The Clarence stood strong during the Blitz, London's Windmill Theatre famously defied the odds. With its motto, "We Never Closed," the theatre continued to entertain audiences throughout the war, even as bombs fell on the city. 

The Windmill's iconic nude tableaux, performed with meticulous precision to avoid violating strict licensing laws, became a symbol of defiance and a source of escapism during a time of great hardship.

The Clarence and the Windmill, two establishments separated by distance but united by their unwavering commitment to their patrons, exemplify the strength of human spirit. Their stories remind us that even in the darkest of times, hope and resilience can prevail.