Dockers Inn, Wapping, E1

I was in for an early evening visit at the end of March, a couple of weeks after Malden Man below and cannot really add anything as my findings were exactly the same. This is a basic, no frills locals’ corner pub and it was good to find it very busy with a mainly male after work local crowd. I don’t think you will find many of the new residents of the £2Million plus penthouse flats in the renovated Wharf buildings by the river will be using this one as their local, and for that reason alone I hope it survives the gentrification taking place along Wapping High Street. Only the ubiquitous Doom bar on the Ale front, but I guess chilled Lagers and Guinness are the main beverages moved here.

An attractive looking pub with the name set in a stone tablet in the wall, looks well appointed too. Inside is rather less appealing being more modern and without any obvious original features. A large L-shaped room with a pool table at the end furthest from the bar, boarded around the bar area but carpeted elsewhere. Wood panelled walls, painted, fireplaces each end at the front which are painted brickwork but have a sailing ship motif inlaid. There is a distinct locals feel to the pub and a few blokes were engrossed in the racing being shown on a pair of TVs, the bookies is just down the road. They do a real ale now even if it is the ubiquitous Doom Bar but it was in fair shape at £1.80 a half. Food served, I don't know to what extent but the windows advertise Hot Salt Beef Beigels.... very East End. A bit of a garden to the rear probably completes the required information, I popped my head in here a few years ago when there was no real ale and the place was a sofa and mirrors kind of place, it isn't the greatest pub around but it has stepped up considerably and as a local it is probably just what the punters want.

Refurbished East End boozer, with an 'L'-shaped bar and a pool table. Obviously trying to move a bit upmarket but still basic in term of furniture and decor. Just Doom Bar (£3.60) on handpump.