Star Of The East, E14

Imposing Nineteenth century pub on the Commercial Road, with a fin de siecle atmosphere.On our late May mid Saturday afternoon visit the rambling interior was deserted, with the trade gathered in the grungy yard outback. Back inside,three handpumps offered a couple of beers from East London Brewing, together with the inevitable london Pride. Of the ELB beers, both in good condition,I was most impressed with Foundation, a modern take on the stalwart best bitter.I was amused to note that drinkers of Cowcatcher APA were served with the hipster's favourite dimple jug. I enjoyed this pub, but it's a bit out of my way.

This pub is comprehensibly described by the previous reviewer, and it's unchanged since his visit earlier in the year. The ales on were Fuller's London Pride and Oliver's Island, plus Rebellion IPA. I went for the Rebellion which was indrinkable, but graciously replaced with Oliver's Island, with the barman letting me know that he wouldn't be charging me the extra 25p more that the Oliver's Island cost. To be honest, on all the occasions where I've had to return a drink, it's never been suggested that I should pay any extra for the replacement. They reversed the Rebellion clip, which doesn't always happen. I didn't see a menu, but as there was cutlery in a trug on the tables they obviously do food. In fact I was there on Saturday evening when it was very busy, and people were waiting for tables, presumably to have something to eat. They also provide table service for food and drinks, so it's obviously not your typical local, and definitely much more upmarket that when Alan Winfield visited a few years ago. If I lived locally I would probably use this one occasionally, but definitely not on Saturday evening.

Official site of Star Of The East - thestaroftheeast.co.uk