The Lord Tredegar, E3

Yes the previous few reviews cover this pub very well and I liked this one also. Clearly there is a focus on food as a previous reviewer observed, but the front original pub building with its main front bar and two sections either side still retains very much a pub feel and it seemed to be the sky lighted extension beyond that functions as the main dining section. I initially sat underneath the world map in the left hand section, but you do get quite a lot of noise from the diners in the extension when it is full, as it was for my visit just prior to one of England’s important football World Cup group games so I moved to a free high table in front of the main bar which was a good spot for a more traditional drinking pub exp and also gives you a view of the four hand pumps that adorn the bar. For my visit these were dispensing Shep Neame Masterbrew, Arbor Simcoe,Three Acre Brewery Hazy Pale and a cider. I tried the two non Shep Neame brews and they were both in good condition. It’s a short stroll to and from Mile End tube station from this one so highly recommended if you are in the area.

Another first into this attractive terraced backstreet pub; an unusual combination. Dating from the 1860s and there's still a Taylor Walker hanging sign frame on display, but the pub is now under the aegis of the consistently good Remarkable Pubs group, which seems to specialise in acquiring attractive pubs and restoring/maintaining them in a more traditional state than most other pubcos. The interior is indeed attractive, with the entrance shrouded with a semi-circular full height curtain. The pub is bare boarded and wood is dark and lacquered, with full height velvet swag curtains. The front and back rooms both have beautiful marble fireplaces, the latter sporting a real coal fire, both surmounted by antique mirrors. It also features dark red Anaglypta walls with black field panelled wood below the dado rail, which gave an almost regimental feel. The ceiling is white Anaglypta with a couple of spherical opaque white lanterns punctuated by an ugly office ceiling fan, but an attractive cornice. This room also featured some prints to the walls illuminated with picture lamps. One photo was of a blue plaque commemorating the detonation of the first V1 on nearby Grove Road, 13th June 1944; above, a little V1 model dangled from a strand of wire. A kilim was laid in front of the fire and furniture comprises t 'n' g settles to the periphery, then a couple of Britannia tables and a pair of battered red leather wingback armchairs. In all, it had a slight gentlemen's club feel to it. There's a fair amount of etched and cut glass and mirrors, with a stuffed fish and stuffed pheasants mounted in cases above the bar, just like in the Approach Tavern. The bar itself is field panelled with scrolls and features a brass footrail. Due to the seating and movement restrictions I couldn't really explore, but there's another little snug with the very busy rear, heavily geared towards dining; beyond, is a good sized partially covered garden. Lavs are decent though down steep stairs, but boast two cubicles, no less. Music played over the jukebox at an agreeable level. Staff were friendly and efficient with just the two ales on: Pride and Ilkley's Lotus IPA at a hefty £4.80 but at least this is a 5.9% ale and cost 20p less than the 3.8% beer served up at the nearby Palm Tree. It was though a bit strong for a session ale but was in great shape. In all, I thought this was a very nice pub indeed and would make a point of returning, as this is one of E3's best.

Official site of The Lord Tredegar - www.thelordtredegar.co.uk

Official site of The Lord Tredegar - www.thelordtredegar.co.uk

A very good backstreet pub that although has one eye firmly fixed on food, it very much is still a pub and an interesting one well described yet again by Rex. Extremely busy on a Sunday, the ambiance was good, as was the beer, London Pride, for the easily satisfied, along with Marble Pint, One Mile End Great Tom and a very good Thornbridge Jaipur IPA. A must visit pub if and when in the area.