The Walnut Tree (JD Wetherspoon), Leytonstone, E11

Official site of The Walnut Tree (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

Official site of The Walnut Tree (JD Wetherspoon) - www.jdwetherspoon.com

A classic mid 90s JDW interior (Co-Op conversion) with an affable clientele. Bit of a let-down at the bar as three (!) of the guest cask weren't actually on, leaving just two, a mildly longpour Evan Evans was my pick (NBSS 2). Heard a punter shout "HE'S MUTTON!" so 9/10 on the Cockneyometer. Could do better.

After nearly a year of not going to this particular JDW, I was persuaded to give it another chance. I Shouldn't have bothered. I was served with a pint of 'Abbot' which seemed to have cleaning fluid in it. I tried to change it for 49er but was told that was being cleaned, ditto with the DoomBar. I settled for 'Strongbow'. I was joined by a mate who settled for John Smith's which he said tasted like 'cleaning fluid'. I went back up to the bar and was told the 'Abbot' was now alright, it wasn't so I left the Walnut and went to The Drum at The Bakers Arms for a very decent couple of 'Abbots'. The next day I spoke to my 'John Smith's' mate and he said that other friends of ours who joined him after I left had also had similar problems with various pints. Probably just a really bad day but it will certainly be a very long time before I ever go back. The staff never seem to be 'there' either physically or mentally.

Formulaic Spoons, what you see is what you get, although my ELB Peacock was decent enough, the only reason I found myself here was born of the convenience of being open before other nearby pubs, ordinarily I wouldn't bother.

I would agree that this is indeed a "by the numbers" 'spoons. You have the usual mix of furnishings crammed in, and prints on the walls of local scenes. Apparently it's a conversion from a Co-Op and other stores. There's a raised area on the right, and near the entrance is a most unusual piece of artwork resembling a stainless steel tree looking a bit like an Ent. I'm speculating that it's art - maybe it's there for some more sinister purpose like deterring any unsuspecting Elves or Dwarves from entering. But I was told that the pub supports local artists, so maybe I was right first time. But more importantly the pub says it supports local breweries. And the evidence is there - my pint of Reunion Beardtongue was in great shape, as were the ELB beers (Orchid and Pale I think) sampled by my companions. The traditional breakfast was good as well. The place was doing a good trade when we visited at around 11.15 AM, but not overly busy of course. This pub is everything you expect of a 'spoons.