The Cock Tavern, Hackney Central, E8

Very well described below, The Cock Inn remains an excellent real ale pub with GBG status and a valuable inclusion in a Hackney crawl with its 16 working handpumps and 8 pressure pumps for 'craft' beers and ciders. Originally owned by Truman it is now a freehouse. Architecturally interesting with replacement iron columns and beams on display, and an evident sense of humour (the Specials menu board simply said 'eggs'), it is a pleasant place to drink. Very pleasant bar staff, but I did think £3.50 for a packet of pork scratchings a little excessive. There was a stuffed cock on the bar. I sampled some excellent beers from Howling Hops and Maregade, but sadly time (and a bladder the size of a walnut) did not allow more. I shall most definitely come back when passing in future despite the high prices.