Five years ago, Tim Harrison began researching the story of The Toby Jug, a pub which was one of south west London’s landmarks for nearly 70 years.

It was also the pub where David Bowie launched his most enduring musical character – Ziggy Stardust.

Now published as a 152-page book, Hello Tolworth, I’m Ziggy tells the story of that famous gig as its 50th anniversary approaches.

It also charts the life of the pub, from the architect’s drawing board to the final swing of the wrecking ball, and celebrates the other bands and musicians who played there, including Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, Fleetwood Mac, The Stranglers, Rod Stewart, Status Quo and Genesis.

The book reveals its role in a 1960s spy scandal, the fact that it was one of Hitler’s invasion targets, and details how John Lennon’s dad lived, worked and proposed to a Surbiton teenager there.

Packed with facts and illustrated with more than 300 pictures, Hello Tolworth, I’m Ziggy is the definitive history of a remarkable pub.