The Crooked Billet, Clapton, E5

There’s no real ale here, just the usual stuff with Courage Beat and John Smith’s on keg probably being the best bets. I didn’t see any sign of food when I was in on Saturday morning, although I spotted an advertisement for a a 2-course Sunday lunch for £7. There’s a single island bar slap bang in the middle of the room, with some flagstone flooring around it and fireplaces at both ends, with the one the right having been stone cladded at some point. The drinking area to the left of the pub has both a pool table and a dartboard. There was a TV on showing some kids show followed by some football. Some standard homilies adorned the walls; one was something about strangers being friends you’ve yet to meet. I was in bery early on Saturday so it was very quiet with just me and a couple of other punters in, one of whom was in the beer garden at the back, probably to have a smoke. Seating is the usual banquettes plus normal tables and chairs – there are no airs or graces in this place. I saw a chalkboard advertising various events, such as “The Vibe” playing on Saturday night, plus a “music night” on day as well as a poker night. This is a pretty standard and unremarkable pub that’s handy for Clapton Station, but it’s not one to which I would make a point of returning to.