The Cock Tavern, Hackney Central, E8

I'd read somewhere that my favourite pub in Hackney was open, despite wondering where the outdoor drinking was taking place. With the Five Points Summer Tap being a further 10-15 minute walk along Mare Street, we decided to round off our day at the Cock. The barman was just leaving when we arrived. As such, we ended up with a Seacider Passion Fruit Cider and a Kernel IPA on the house served in plastic glasses. With the two of us remaining a little inebriated, we never did find the outdoor tables. In more normal times, I really enjoy visits to this place. It has an excellent range of real ales, real ciders and craft beers, with a fairly funky drinking atmosphere and knowledgeable staff. Hoping to get back inside when this has all blown over.

A stripped-back drinkers' pub, with bare boards, panelled walls and not much furniture in the somewhat dark interior. The long bar has an impressive range of pumps and keg taps, mainly serving craft and small brewery products including some 'alternative' offerings. Sadly we couldn't stay long as a major problem with the drains made the place untenable. Definitely one for serious drinking, rather than a quiet evening out.

Very well described below, The Cock Inn remains an excellent real ale pub with GBG status and a valuable inclusion in a Hackney crawl with its 16 working handpumps and 8 pressure pumps for 'craft' beers and ciders. Originally owned by Truman it is now a freehouse. Architecturally interesting with replacement iron columns and beams on display, and an evident sense of humour (the Specials menu board simply said 'eggs'), it is a pleasant place to drink. Very pleasant bar staff, but I did think £3.50 for a packet of pork scratchings a little excessive. There was a stuffed cock on the bar. I sampled some excellent beers from Howling Hops and Maregade, but sadly time (and a bladder the size of a walnut) did not allow more. I shall most definitely come back when passing in future despite the high prices.