The Cross Keys

History tells us that the use of the pub sign can be traced back to Roman Britain, when early wine traders would hang vine leaves outside their premises to highlight their wares and differentiate them from other sellers. Later, medieval brewers would advertise their ale by hanging a sprig of greenery on a wooden pole or a stake outside their house. This simple use of green leaves would eventually germinate into the pub sign, which soon became known as The Bush. This ancient practice still exists to-day not far from the doors of the Cross Keys in Cusco. It is an Andean custom in rural Peru to hang red flowers on the end of a stick to proclaim that the local brew Chicha ( (Maize Beer) is on sale. The History of pub signs like the Cross Keys reflect in modern day Peruvian rural life.

In England, as most of the population of the day was illiterate, the inn or tavern needed to ensure that it could be easily distinguished from its rivals in order to attract custom. Many inns were actually religious establishments that were duty bound to provide rest and shelter for weary pilgrims and other travelers. They took on early Christian symbols prompted by the pilgrims, that subsequently evolved into the familiar pub signs such as The Angel, The Lamb, The Salutation, The Mitre and The Cross Keys. The Cross Keys was a common sign in Christian heraldry and referred to St Peter to whom Christ had said: "I will give unto you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven." These keys, one silver and one gold, were always presented in saltire – the form of St Andrew's Cross – and were first recorded as a pub sign in Leicester, England in 1552. Although most trading establishments were banned from hanging signs above the street – all too frequently a sign crashed down on somebody’s head – pubs were exempt from this ruling. In fact, the pub sign had become compulsory in 1393, when King Richard II passed an act decreeing that all inns must display a sign outside their premises.

Although The Cross Keys does not serve Andean maize beer and we cannot promise you the Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, we can promise a wide selection of beers, wines, spirits and our famous cocktails. As in ancient times we provide rest and shelter, albeit for a few hours, from the hustle and bustle of Cusco City and a little bit of home. Peru is still there when you walk out of the door!