Craft Beer Co, EC1

Grade II-listed and rebuilt in the mid-19th century, as the Coach & Horses, this dates from 1785 and until CBeebies turfed up, it had been known as the Clock House – there’s a clock to the corner splay – by at least 1974, when it appeared in the GBG and first visited by me in March 2016. With a CAMRA heritage citation of *, the green banded occluded windows are a clear indication that this was once a Charrington’s house and a nicely retained touch; the etched glass partitions are a modern addition, courtesy of Taylor’s Classics of Stafford. It’s the ceiling that’s the star here, with the ribs and ventilation grills dating from the 19th century, likewise the attractive mirrored bar back; the ceiling’s mirrored panels with Roman numerals are a late 20th century addition; also of note is the pretty fireplace, topped with the to-die-for Charrington’s mirror. Given the small interior, furniture is tall stuff to the periphery, décor is thin and customers are mixed with quite a few for my Tuesday visit at 9.34pm, all in good spirits. The pump selection here seems somewhat pneumatic, with more coming online later in the week, six on the go, with a good selection of strengths and styles as expected, my first choice of Macintosh Best (£2.85 a half) was in good nick, likewise the Mill Hill Mallow Monsta (£2.85), both served by attentive bar staff. This is a decent place and although it doesn’t have the 10-pump selection of sister pub Cask (visited the day before), it does offer a far more authentic pub experience – probably because it’s a pub – and also the beer here was in drinkable condition.

Official site of Craft Beer Co - www.thecraftbeerco.com

Official site of Craft Beer Co - www.thecraftbeerco.com

The last time I visited here was in 2014. Back then, they had 12 real ales spread over the 16 handpulls and also a couple of real ciders. These days they have dispensed with real cider and only have 2 real ales. Covid has certainly affected City pubs badly and the once successful Craft chain seems to be struggling a little, with at least 2 of their branches having closed. This one survives, albeit with only one other customer present on a weekday afternoon other than ourselves. The reduction in real ales may also be due to the increasing popularity of craft beers, of which they still have a good selection, presumably as they are easier to keep. Kent Craft Pale Ale & Siren Broken Dream were the 2 ales. The barman was friendly and knowledgeable and we had the choice of sitting anywhere! Downstairs has a fantastic mirrored ceiling, whilst there is further seating upstairs. Still a decent place for a drink, but it desperately needs thing to get back to normal.