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Good Samaritan, Whitechapel, E1
E1
E1 2AE
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 5 of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Tris C left this review about Good Samaritan
The pub nestles in the shadow of the mighty Royal London Hospital and was originally built around 1785, shortly after its foundation. The current incarnation has been here since 1937, designed by Truman's in-house architect, A. E. Sewell.
Oddly, on entering, the doormat states that the pub was established in 1666 - errr...no it wasn't. This date can be seen to the eagle motif at the parapet, the Truman's logo with the date of 1666 relating to the year the brewery was founded, not the pub.
Inside, and not one element of Sewell's deft hand remains, apart from possibly the simple carved wood bar back with mirror; the bar itself would appear to be modern field panelled, decked out with a forest of shiny electrically illuminated chrome founts dispensing the likes of Strongbow, Guinness and Eurofizz, though surprisingly there was a choice of three real ales: Pride, Yardbird and Tribute at a reasonable £4.40 and surprisingly good too, served by a very friendly barmaid. The floor is modern herringbone laminate with a patterned bar apron. Furniture is modern traditional dark wood. The colour scheme comprises pale grey painted Anaglypta below the dado rail, then plain white walls up to the picture rail, thereafter more Anaglypta up to the white ceiling. Lighting here is very bright coming mainly from rather naff chandeliers and sconce lights, but also from two ugly flashing games machines, at least one TV showing sport and a flashing jukebox, playing The Nolan's I'm in the Mood for Dancing a little loudly for comfort. There's hardly any décor aside from a few gin bottles holding flowers to a couple of high shelves. Customers were rather studenty, probably medical students as the Royal London is a teaching hospital.
This is by no means a great pub, so a return visit is essentially off the cards.
On 29th October 2020
- rating: 3
[User has posted 1993 recommendations about 1959 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Good Samaritan
Quite an imposing corner pub, located one street back from the main road but right by the Royal London Hospital so probably gets a steady trade from staff and visitors. Opened-out out to leave a 'J'-shaped interior, with mostly modern furniture and decor (although the traditional bar-back on the shorter side catches the eye). Two pairs of handpumps, dispensing Doom Bar, Greene King IPA Pride and Tribute (£4.10) plus some standard keg offerings.
On 25th August 2018
- rating: 6
[User has posted 8117 recommendations about 8117 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Rex Rattus left this review about Good Samaritan
Judging by the pub sign, the good Samaritan in this case appears to be a doctor, which is fair enough I guess as the pub is right outside the back entrance to the Royal London Hospital. The pub’s livery is that of the T&J Bernard pub chain, but I didn’t spot any evidence inside of who owns it. There were two ales on – Old Speckled Hen and London Pride. The Pride was a decent pint, and although I didn’t make a note of the price I think that it was a bit over £3. They do food during weekday lunchtimes; the menu was fairly basic with sandwiches at £4.95, and the pub staple of burger, chips and salad at £5.95. There were also daily specials available, and a big board at the back of the pub advertises roast beef Sunday lunches.
The pub itself is nothing very special, but it is comfortable and clean with tables cleared promptly as diners depart. They were doing a brisk trade in meals at Wednesday lunchtime, and the main meals that I saw punters tucking into looked to be some decent scran. The bar counter is straight in front of you as you enter from Turner Street, with some seating in front of the counter, as well as to the left and right of it. It’s carpeted, and furnishings are the pub standard of banquettes, normal tables and chairs, and small stools. There are numerous prints on the walls of all manner of things and people, and shelves at picture rail height containing books, assorted jugs and other nick nacks.
Overall this is an unsurprising pub in that contains all the features one expects in a pubco pub, but nonetheless I found it comfortable and welcoming after walking past so many dismal pubs along Commercial Road. The sandwich I had was good, and the pint of Pride I had tasted fine. So, I would be happy to visit again, although I would probably not go far out my way to do so.
On 2nd March 2011
- rating: 6
[User has posted 2606 recommendations about 2520 pubs]