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Disappointment of the week with Real Ale Ray
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Detail Pages
London Tavern, E5
E5
E5 8PA
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 4 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Tris C left this review about London Tavern
A mid-Victorian backstreet, very isolated and very basic locals' boozer, denuded of some architectural finery over the years, but home to some very fine Charrington's windows dating from the '30s, which also feature some very rare Marshall Taplow's lettering.
A new owner has arrived since the previous review and the pub has seemingly been de-Gaelified, though the fascia has been painted green.
There's a modern pale boarded floor. The walls are painted claret with a white ceiling. The curved bar (the pub is broadly U-shaped) is also painted a claret colour; lighting comes from traditional ceiling lamps. Furniture comprises studded upholstered banquettes to the perimeter with some slightly tatty tables. There's a pool table which dominates somewhat and a dartboard can be seen along with darts' trophies to a cabinet above the bar, which is painted brick. A large TV to one end is on for no apparent reason and below it is a flashing games machine. The lavs were clean and well maintained. Décor comprises equestrian photos and photos of regulars past and present.
The barmaid was very friendly, presiding over a forest of illuminated chrome fizz founts and two unused pumps, eschewed in favour of a John Smith's tap. I plumped for a Guinness which was well poured and good value at £4.20.
As mentioned, this pub is very basic but clearly fulfils a local need as due to ruthless pub closures in E5 over the years, there's little else within a short walk and as it's a long slog to get here, I don't envisage a return visit.
On 22nd July 2021
- rating: 4
[User has posted 1983 recommendations about 1949 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Rex Rattus left this review about The London Tavern
Evidently this is an “Irish” pub – the landlord was Irish, as were all the customers that I heard speak, plus the odd shamrock around the place and a green garbed leprechaun on one of the walls were big clues. As is usual with Irish pubs, the welcome was friendly. There’s no real ale, although they have retained a couple of the old black brass-banded handpumps on the bar counter, apparently as a decorative feature. There was no sign of any food either when I was in on Saturday lunchtime.
This is another ex Charrington’s pub with most of the green banded windows intact, although some of the glazing has been lost over the years. This is a narrow corner site flat iron shaped pub, which has been completely opened up inside of course. The corner door is now boarded over, and it’s been made gloomier than necessary by the end windows being covered over, I imagine in order that the TV in this end of the room can be viewed. I suppose the TV is seen as more important than letting the natural light in through the windows, especially on a sunny day. Furnishings are banquettes plus reasonably normal tables and chairs, although the table next to the one at which I sat was a strange looking chrome and formica thing.
This is a friendly locals’ pub by the look of it. A real ale would be a big plus in my book, but I guess the regulars don’t create a market for it.
On 15th October 2012
- rating: 4
[User has posted 2606 recommendations about 2520 pubs]