Martello Hall, E8

What struck me as I entered this pub was the all-pervading smell of josticks. I didn’t see any, but they were definitely there somewhere. All manner of drinks were advertised on small boards and signs – jugs of sangria, bloody marys, jaegershots, etc. Not being tempted by the pickleback shot (?) at £3.50 I went for the Doom Bar (also at £3.50 – but for a pint). The only original features left in this Victorian pub are the cast iron pillars, and possibly the bar counter. Otherwise it’s all bland greys and blacks with nothing of interest that I could see. The seating was OK, being plain old tables and chairs, but there wasn’t really anything that would prompt me to pay a return visit. Perhaps it was the josticks that put me off (for some reason I don’t want my pubs to smell like an Indian bazaar), and I wouldn’t label it a bad pub, just uninspiring. On the plus side the barmaid was cheerful and friendly.