In Chapter 72, Strike has arranged to meet his old mate Graham Hardacre (of the SIB) in the Freemasons’ Arms before being shown inside the Freemasons’ Hall for the first time.

“Hardacre had suggested meeting in a pub called the Freemasons’ Arms, which lay a short distance from Freemasons’ Hall, because, as he’d told Strike by text, ‘we might as well do the thing properly’. However, as Strike saw when he entered, the pub was disappointingly free of masonic emblems, placing an emphasis instead on old football photographs.”

Although the interior lacks for any sign of Freemasonry, the exterior, even since renovated, shows some Freemason symbols on the facade.

When Strike arrives, Hardacre is at the bar. They exchange their usual half-hug, half handshake, and take their pints to a table near the window.

They have a short personal catch-up and then start discussing the Freemasons, since Graham Hardacre is one himself. Hardacre asks Strike what he specifically wants to see in the Freemasons’ Hall.

“‘Museum and Temple Seventeen,’ said Strike.” Strike wants to visit this specific Temple because William Wright was interested in it.

After more discussion of the Freemasons, Strike and Hardacre leave the pub and walk to the Freemasons’ Hall.

The Freemasons’ Arms has since been renovated and the name has been changed to The Bull & Egrett.

The pub does, however, still have old football photographs…

… and football t-shirts on the ceiling.

The pub, as well as being close to the Freemasons’ Hall, is also very close to another pub which features earlier on in the book: The Prince of Wales.

Find the Freemasons’ Arms/The Bull & Egret on the map below.