The Red Lion, East Ham, E6

This pub dates from 1841 though I suspect the current structure may be a rebuild. The two previous reviews seem to apply: scuffed floorboards, games machine, dominant pool table, modern tables with tubular steel chairs then pus-coloured banquettes to the periphery (some with very tatty, ripped vinyl), unnecessary rough bare brick and abraded walls; the white Anaglypta ceiling was the only element not requiring remedial attention, from which hung some Victorian-style glass and brass lanterns. Décor took the form of some old dials which looked like they’d come from a decommissioned power station, then a pile of old – some very old – TVs and radiograms. There were six other customers at the time of my 9.30pm visit, some looking a bit transient, one actually watching one of the three TVs showing the football, with loud commentary, he cackling away. There’s no cask here anymore, with a half of Neck Oil (£3.65) served by Darren, the taciturn landlord. This down-at-heel place really isn’t worth the effort; the Boleyn is a modest walk.

This pub is unchanged since the previous reviewer's visit late last year, and there is little to add. I would emphasise that the beer garden is really quite large, and much bigger than the single room inside of the pub. About half of the garden is covered by a tent, on which looked like artificial turf. Inside I also spotted a red neon illuminated sign pointing towards a function room (not explored) which would indeed be very hard to miss. There's also a small informal library on a shelf, and the pile of old TVs and radios mentioned by Komakino is still there, plus at the end of the counter is what looks like an old Ind Coope illuminated lantern. As stated, the walls are all exposed brickwork, showing bricks that were never meant to be seen by the human eye. Personally I don't think seeing old and knackered bricks adds anything positive to a pub's appearance, but that's just my opinion. The ale selection wasn't brilliant on my visit. Of the four handpumps, only one was in use use dishing out Timothy Tailor Landlord (£2.40 a half). Food is mainly pizze, with a margherita at £7.75 (no indication of size), up to something called a "mad dog" at £14.50 which had loads of toppings. I saw Sunday roasts advertised, as well as quiz nights and live music. I didn't think that this pub was anything special, falling into the "OK" category. Perhaps if all the handpumps were in operation providing a better beer selection I would have rated it higher. But the Landlord was in good nick, even if quite expensive.