The Blind Beggar, Whitechapel, E1

Last Thursday afternoon I paid a long overdue, and very disappointing, trip to this infamous pub. The interior is L-shaped with floorboards throughout and open plan seating at the front that is flanked by large fireplaces in the left and right walls. Banquette seating runs down the left wall and is also found on the rear wall adjacent to another identical fireplace. The wood paneled L-shaped bar counter is found mid-way along the right wall and behind is a kitchenette that faces rearwards into a pool room where access can be gained to the toilets. There was no real ale available, and I actually scanned the bar twice looking for a hand pump. Nothing, just premium keg and Carling, the latter coming in at a whopping £3.50 for a half! This place needs some serious TLC, it’s like a live music venue that is purposely dark, dingy and distressed, but there is no live music. The service was polite, I was ripped off with a smile. This pub is firmly in the ‘been there, done that’ pile, never to return. Oh, and there’s a pub cat, I hate cats!

My second visit here, the first being around 6 years ago. Sad to say it was a better pub back then! No ale on this time, the place felt very tired and run down. The barman hadn't got a clue what he was doing (which was mildly amusing!). There were a few surly looking locals sitting at the bar and a few tourists taking photos of the Kray's stuff on the walls. I had a quick bottle of Corona at £5 and moved swiftly on. Can't see myself bothering again.