The Griffin, Shoreditch, EC2

This is a good sized, traditional, street corner pub set in the backstreets of Shoreditch. The pub has a deep but narrow interior with dark floorboards and wall panels, and a large servery down the right-hand wall. The bar has a traditional panelled counter front painted the same colour as the walls, with a parquet style counter top lined with tall lamps. The bar back has some modern shelving units in front of contemporary etched glass mirrors, one of which bears the pub name whilst another reads "East London Liquers". An attractive frieze with gold detail runs across the top of the bar back with a beer bottle display to one side. Seating can be found to the front and rear, with a few small tables squeezed into the space opposite the bar, with almost all of the seating coming in the form of low stools, with some high stools along a ledge towards the rear left corner. Large windows down two sides will let lots of light in during the day, but the pub had a nice, muted lighting set up on my evening visit, which combined well with all the dark wood to create quite a cosy, traditional feel. To the rear there are some fine etched glass mirrors, possibly originals, whilst a TV screen was showing muted live football with a rock and indie soundtrack playing in the background. On the bar, just the one operational handpull which was knocking out Sambrooks Junction. I fancied something a bit more interesting and plumped for the Milson Pale Ale, which I immediately regretted when the barman told me it would set me back £8.40 for a pint. Several other decent craft options from likes of Deya and Beavertown were also available and the staff were all friendly enough and seemed to be having lots of fun. A trip to the toilets was the low point, as they absolutely stank. This pub had been closed for a while, so it’s good to see it back open again and packed full on a random Thursday evening. The interior has been tastefully refitted to keep some of the pub’s history in context, although the beer prices are very much of their time and I would definitely risk the cask if I found myself back here. On the whole, I felt like the positives outweighed the few downsides and I enjoyed my time here enough to consider repeat visits. Date of visit - 14th November 2024

A good sized pub located just off Shoreditch High Street, it was pretty much full to capacity on our recent Friday evening visit and really very noisy, not helped by the harsh acoustics. We just managed to grab a small table by the door as someone was leaving, but if it weren’t for that it would have been quite an uncomfortable drinking experience. It’s all one large, open plan room, with cream painted wood panelling on the ceiling, old wooden boards on the floor and very dark paintwork on the walls. Large windows all up one side but make for a light and airy feel in daylight hours. To the right behind the large bar counter was some green paintwork along with some attractive gold relief in the cornicework at the top, marble style pillars and a number of etched brewery mirrors together with a large selection of beer mats. I did spot a projector on the ceiling, although no sign of a screen, so presumably major sporting events are shown. The solitary beer on tap was Rebellion IPA whilst a second pump appears unused. Other reviewers have mentioned a large craft selection, although I did not spot this. The solitary cider meanwhile was Orchard Thieves.

A very attractive external appearance,with Charrington's brown glazed tiles and Meaux branded etched glass windows,the many doors to this street corner pub hint at an original multi room interior which must have been opened out at some stage.There are cast iron pillars,fine cornising above the long bar with an interesting mirrored back,and more etched glass. The floor is wooden throughout and away from the bar much wood panelling remains while all external doors are traditional.Pew seating ,brittania tables,small and bar stools make up the furniture,the overall effect is pleasing. The handpumps are unused ,this is a keg only establishment but certainly in the craft style.17 options on my trip,some national brands,sparkling cider,German lagers but also output from respected brewers such as Wylam,Thornbridge,Magic Rock and Brew York.My Burning Sky Saison Ete was very good,but keg pricing is high here with pint pricing between £5.60 to £7.80.Cocktails and wines were also on the drinks menu and there was no sign of food.Cool muzak. I enjoyed my visit ,the very decent range of craft keg marks this pub out in the area,so it's worth a visit.

Official site of The Griffin - the-griffin.com

Official site of The Griffin - the-griffin.com