ReviewThis is an attractive, traditional pub on the main road through Aveley, retaining a four room, ground floor layout. To the right, there's a rather basic bar with bare boards covered with a load of covid-era, one-way arrows, a row of slot machine on the back wall and a few high tables and stools. The larger room to the left has tables and chairs arranged around a smart fireplace, with various mirrors on the walls. Both rooms have been decorated with some horrendous glitter wallpaper, which detracts from the amazing leaded, stained glass windows. The servery has a very nice wood panelled counter with a simple pot shelf gantry and mirrored bar back. Two further rooms can be found to the rear, with the right-hand, bare boarded space having its own bar access, a few tables and chairs, a tasselled back wall which suggests a stage for live music would be expected here, a dartboard and a load of DJ equipment. The largest space is to the rear left, with rows of long tables and chairs in front of a TV showing live football with the commentary on. A nice tiled fireplace stands to one side and a few quirky bits have been put on display, including a model yacht collection and a load of Russian dolls on a high shelf. There is apparently a first floor games room with two pool tables, but I never got that far.
One Abbot Ale branded handpull made me hope for cask ale, but it was sadly off, so I tried the Guinness, which came in at a hefty £5.70. The landlord was very friendly, especially with a bunch of away fans going to watch their team at nearby Aveley FC, but I can't help but feel that he overcharged me for my Guinness, unless the shortage has been particularly acute in these parts.
I was slightly surprised to subsequently learn that this pub is listed as having an interior of outstanding national importance by CAMRA, as the glitter wallpaper, loud TV screens, tasselled stage effects and flashing slot machines certainly detract from any traditional features present. The windows and parts of the servery were of some interest, as was the fine fireplace, but ultimately, this felt like a tired and rundown place doing little to attract many locals. Maybe worth a quick look for the interior, but I was happy to swiftly move on.
Date of visit - 2nd November 2024
