ReviewEver since Brodies Ales starting popping up on my travels I have had the Wiiliam IV as psrt of my “must do” portfolio. It can now, not just be ticked off, but added to the list of “must returns”.
A large traditional style East End boozer, the interior is divided into the main bar and rear bar although the general décor and ambience is the same between the two. The main bar itself is quite eyecatching feature and unusual with its severe curves that make it twice the length it would be it were straight as one would normally expect it to be. There are several artifcats dotted around the walls or hanging from the ceilings including petrol pumps, antique prams, musical instruments, an antique clocking-in machine and a good collection of old pictures, photos and some splendid large brewery mirrors. The rear section has its own bar with an Ind Coope mirror back. A brick fireplace is overlooked by stuffed buffalo and deer heads and note the unusual high barrel ceiling. A piano sits in the corner, at least I assume that's what it was as it was covered up but if any East End pub has a piano (and they all should) it would be this one. A small walled courtyard houses the microbrewery and if you are not lucky enough to be shown around, you can at least peer through the windows at the equipment.
As for the beers, naturally Briodies takes centre stage although with 16 hand pumps there is scope to cater for whatever they fancy. There were 5 Bridies on during my visit, all at £1.99 a pint (Red, Ginger, English Best, Special and Gold) with 2 (IPA and Porter) with reversed clips. No other guest beers on offer but an interesting choice of Dabinetts cider and Ross perry made up 2 of the remaining pumps.
I wouldn't ordinarily go into the food side of things but the English & Thai menu had enough selection to suit even Mrs B' fastidious veggie tastes. Virtually every Thai dish came with a veggie option, prices were very good (most dishes under a fiver) and portions generous.
Although my visit was on a Saturday night, there were plenty of tables available although there was still a healthy crowd of people. It must also be mentioned that, despite some people maybe having reservations about venturing into the area, there was no sign of any unsavoury customers to the extent that I didn't even hear any swearing all night (apart from me). The bar staff were chatty, attentive and very approachable, happy to steer you through what beers may suit your taste if you are new to ales or just Brodies beers. The only gripes are relatively minor; the music / TV balance is never going to keep everyone happy and, although not exactly a fault of the pub, parking in the area is a problem which makes it a bit of a personal issue as we only ever go anywhere Leyton in the car on the way to/from watching Spurs.
All in all, the Bill 4 (as we now refer to it) is a pub that is rapidly becoming an essential part of the London pub scene.
