Earl Of Essex, Manor Park, E12

This large pub was empty on recent Thursday Afternoon visit, apart from a small group of Irish locals sitting at the end of the bar arguing about a man of the cloth they’re all acquaintances of. The woman behind the bar was friendly enough, but I wasn’t that impressed as the pub furniture was sparsely laid out and I got the feeling that this place survives through weekend trade and people staying in the rooms upstairs that are available from £40 a night. There is a dartboard and two pool tables at the front of the pub and a few signs were up advertising an upcoming pool night and the stage area at the rear of the pub is probably used for the advertised disco and karaoke on Friday nights when the pub shuts at 2am. The pub also shuts at 2am on Saturday nights and there is a half hour extension every other night of the week. I didn’t spot any hand pumps leaving a standard draught selection and only sandwiches are served during the week, but a full roast dinner is available for a fiver on Sundays. The Guinness was ok, but I cannot see myself returning here.