E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Pim’lico (London).
At one time a district of public gardens much frequented on holidays. According to tradition, it received its name from Ben Pimlico, famous for his nut-brown ale. His tea-gardens, however, were near Hoxton, and the road to them was termed Pimlico Path, so that what is now called Pimlico was so named from the popularity of the Hoxton resort.
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“Have at thee, then, my merrie boyes, and beg for old Ben Pimlico’s nut-brown ale.”—Newes from Hogsdon (1598).
