London Tavern, E5

Facebook page of London Tavern - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of London Tavern - www.facebook.com

Evidently this is an “Irish” pub – the landlord was Irish, as were all the customers that I heard speak, plus the odd shamrock around the place and a green garbed leprechaun on one of the walls were big clues. As is usual with Irish pubs, the welcome was friendly. There’s no real ale, although they have retained a couple of the old black brass-banded handpumps on the bar counter, apparently as a decorative feature. There was no sign of any food either when I was in on Saturday lunchtime. This is another ex Charrington’s pub with most of the green banded windows intact, although some of the glazing has been lost over the years. This is a narrow corner site flat iron shaped pub, which has been completely opened up inside of course. The corner door is now boarded over, and it’s been made gloomier than necessary by the end windows being covered over, I imagine in order that the TV in this end of the room can be viewed. I suppose the TV is seen as more important than letting the natural light in through the windows, especially on a sunny day. Furnishings are banquettes plus reasonably normal tables and chairs, although the table next to the one at which I sat was a strange looking chrome and formica thing. This is a friendly locals’ pub by the look of it. A real ale would be a big plus in my book, but I guess the regulars don’t create a market for it.