The Sportsman, Stratford, E15

A large cavernous sports bar with a multitude of TV screens and several pool tables. Five handpumps on the bar with London Pride and Hobgoblin the beers along with a couple of Lilly's Ciders and one other I now forget, that selection didn't appeal so I had a couple of pints of Guinness, agreeably priced at £4.80, whilst watching the Chelsea v Fulham game. A good place if you want to watch the footie but certainly not a drinking destination.

Facebook page of The Sportsman - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Sportsman - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Sportsman - www.greatukpubs.co.uk

Official site of The Sportsman - www.greatukpubs.co.uk

Shabby, downmarket drinking barn of the sort that makes an average 'spoons look chic and sophisticated... although it is in many ways otherwise similar in layout and appearance. Mostly one large bar / seating area, although the tables opposite the long counter are raised up by one step (but under a lower ceiling). Also has a few small tables out front if you want to look at the traffic. Two banks of three handpumps - one for the regular Bombardier plus Mighty Oak Captain Bob (£3.40) and a reversed Hobgoblin clip, and the other - much more surprisingly - with three different Lilley's ciders (Mango, Merry Monkey and the 7.5% Cheeky Pig).

Large pub showing live and loud sport on the TV. A few handpumps but only GK IPA and Doom Bar on with the latter being in fair form.

Replica of a Wetherspoons. Amstel for £3.90 so definitely not Wetherspoons prices. Food prices looked a bit better. Ham, Egg & Chips for £5.95. I spotted 3 ales on tap, 2 from Cottage Brewery. A souless place though which just left me feeling depressed. Although it was 8.00 at night it was still showing horse racing on the TVs' for some bizarre reason. Although busy not a soul was interested in the horse racing !