William the Fourth, Leyton, E10

Finally I managed to shake off the post Christmas lack of inertia and drag myself out east to check out this renowned pub. Inside there are two distinct areas, the main bar being situated to the front. A curious shaped affair with a significant central recess in the counter, being almost B-shaped. The bar extends to the rear area but this section was not in use and was cluttered up with kid's toys. Both areas are carpeted, seating is traditional, the rear room has a large vaulted rooflight. Décor includes stacks of interesting brewery mirrors, a mounted antelope head, suspended coal scuttles, pots and pans, toy pram and a French horn. A double bass is propped up in a corner. There is a usable dartboard with an oche set into the carpet and a bar billiards table in the back room. The coal effect gas fire, red walls and ceiling made for a cosy feel. Sky Sports News featured on two big screens on Saturday afternoon keeping everyone up to date with the football. Obviously the main reason I had for travelling across town is the attraction of the various Brodies beers in what is the brewery tap; bearing in mind it was Saturday I left feeling a bit cheated, only four cask Brodies beers on, London Fields Pale Ale, Kentish Town Brown IPA, Amarilla and Bethnal Green Bitter (which went). There were also guests in the form of Hanlon's Port Stout and Milestone Dasher the Flasher. I appreciate that there are also a large batch of keykeg fonts but these are generally not to my taste being cold, fizzy and in my view overpriced. £2.50 for the cask beers however irrespective of abv is excellent value. I assume they put on what they know they can shift but the ranks of unclipped pumps looking forlorn and unwanted makes the place look a bit unloved. I am however glad I made the trip over, The Bell at nearby Walthamstow was a good double too. I do however feel slightly disappointed, perhaps my expectations were too high?

large but slightly scruffy pub with a lovely wibbly wobbly shaped bar.Interesting fixtures and fittings.Craft keg beer sold in 1/3 measures so I tried 3 of the weakest 5.8-7.0-and 7.3.Not exactly session beers but were in good condition. Massive tv screen probably the biggest I have seen had boxing on so that's a plus for me.

We caught a 48 bus from Walthamstow station to visit this pub last Sunday, and it was a bit of a disappointment really as we expected more beer available. Most of the handpulls were empty of clips giving the bar a barren look really. Of the few available, we had Brodies Amarilla and Brodies Simcoe Pale, both in good condition. Maybe a Sunday is not the best day to visit, but would give it another go.