Well, that’s a wrap for this year’s Pelikan Hub. This event, the annual simultaneous gathering of fountain pen enthusiasts in cities around the globe and orchestrated by Pelikan, took place on Friday 25 September 2026.

For us Londoners, the venue chosen by our Hubmaster was The Grocer, a spacious English pub located in a corner of Spitalfields market, a short walk from Liverpool Street station. In fact we had two Hubmasters, as the London registrants numbered around 130, I think. A large section of the pub’s seating area was cordoned off for our event.

Officially, the Hub runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, local time. Those organising were there much earlier to set up tables. Every person registered and attending receives a nice goody bag from Pelikan (which the Hubmasters bring to the chosen venue, – no small achievement). Aside from setting up spaces for fellow pen-lovers to sit and meet each other, there were designated tables for ink swatching and a Karma table where people could donate items such as preloved pens, inks, washi tapes, notebooks, rubber stamps and other stationery items, for others to take home.

Our Hubmasters and a few other helpers, had worked hard to make the event an entertaining and enjoyable one for all, whether seasoned pen addicts or newbies. A few of us had been appointed as Hub Ambassadors (identified by name tags on purple lanyards) to be a point of contact for any newcomers who might not know anyone. I was one. With so many in attendance, there can be a natural temptation for folks to gravitate towards those they already knew. Most of our London Fountaineers pen club members were present, save a few who were overseas or tied up with work. However, it was good to see so many newcomers mingling and being welcomed.

I brought along my own flock of Pelikans, numbering seven fountain pens. Aside from my M205 and M800 most of these had been gifted to me by generous friends. The green and black M120 was a gift from a doctor in Sweden who reads my blog and whom I had not even met. We have since enjoyed corresponding for many years.

During the evening I was able to try a few other less common Pelikans, including a beautiful vintage model with a tortoiseshell barrel and a gold coloured metal cap, belonging to José.

During the evening, I met several new people, including Lawrence, a police officer who introduced himself as a reader who enjoys my blog – which was very gratifying to hear. Later I made a rough tally of people I had spoken to in the evening: it was at least 26, which is a lot of conversations for someone usually leading a quiet, retired life!

The two hours soon went by. There were many other people to whom I did not get to speak but I hope that others found them and no one felt left out. A shared passion for fountain pens (not limited to Pelikans) makes a lively topic for conversation, often before learning people’s names and occupations.

Towards the end of the gathering, anyone who had not yet done so was reminded to sign the Pelikan banner. A free raffle took place, during which time a large number of prizes were given out. Two of these were fountain pens: one a John Garnham maker’s pen in a colourful resin, won by Biran. This had been donated several years ago but a tradition developed whereby the lucky winner would be custodian of the pen for a year and then return it to be raffled again at the Hub the following year. The same took place with The Good Blue R615 fountain pen generously donated by the brand last year and first won by me. This was won by a new custodian who also welcomed the idea of returning it next time.

With all the mingling and conversations, I took barely any photographs during the evening. However a photographer was on hand to provide a record of the event. Also a large group photo was taken at the end of the evening.

Before leaving, people were reminded to visit the Karma table to take something for themselves or a friend. I had contributed a number of my old “beginner” pens. Being long past the stage of needing any more pens, I still could not resist an old Osmiroid calligraphy pen from the table, in black with ecru-coloured plastic cap band and a semi-inlaid medium italic nib. I have today enjoyed giving it a good rinse and testing it out, inked with a soothing Waterman Serenity blue. However many pens you have, there is always room for one more, especially if in need of a bath and a new home.

As always, thanks to our Hubmasters Kee and Shauna, the many others who helped, to The Grocer pub for the use of their cosy venue, to Pelikan for facilitating and for the goodies – and to all who attended: who together make this such a much loved and anticipated annual event.