Good Samaritan, Whitechapel, E1

Judging by the pub sign, the good Samaritan in this case appears to be a doctor, which is fair enough I guess as the pub is right outside the back entrance to the Royal London Hospital. The pub’s livery is that of the T&J Bernard pub chain, but I didn’t spot any evidence inside of who owns it. There were two ales on – Old Speckled Hen and London Pride. The Pride was a decent pint, and although I didn’t make a note of the price I think that it was a bit over £3. They do food during weekday lunchtimes; the menu was fairly basic with sandwiches at £4.95, and the pub staple of burger, chips and salad at £5.95. There were also daily specials available, and a big board at the back of the pub advertises roast beef Sunday lunches. The pub itself is nothing very special, but it is comfortable and clean with tables cleared promptly as diners depart. They were doing a brisk trade in meals at Wednesday lunchtime, and the main meals that I saw punters tucking into looked to be some decent scran. The bar counter is straight in front of you as you enter from Turner Street, with some seating in front of the counter, as well as to the left and right of it. It’s carpeted, and furnishings are the pub standard of banquettes, normal tables and chairs, and small stools. There are numerous prints on the walls of all manner of things and people, and shelves at picture rail height containing books, assorted jugs and other nick nacks. Overall this is an unsurprising pub in that contains all the features one expects in a pubco pub, but nonetheless I found it comfortable and welcoming after walking past so many dismal pubs along Commercial Road. The sandwich I had was good, and the pint of Pride I had tasted fine. So, I would be happy to visit again, although I would probably not go far out my way to do so.

Randomness Guide to London - Good Samaritan entry

Randomness Guide to London - Good Samaritan entry