The Beehive, Hoxton, N1

We popped in here for the first time the other day. This is a post-World War II rebuild beneath local authority flats - I don't know if the original pub, which dates from at least 1839 was bombed, but certainly the immediate area was - heavily. Out front there's a very attractive large patio with planters and picnic benches, all well used; out back there's another patio which is less attractive. Inside and the pub could be described as a little stark. There's a modern laminate-style floor, dark brown Anaglypta to the dado rail then off-white to the walls, topped with a white ceiling. There's a dark brown curved field panelled bar (with brass footrail) and gantry, the bar top festooned with illuminated chrome founts dispensing mainly Eurofizz, but no real ale; a nod to tradition is that spirits are dispensed from optics. Lighting comes from tulip-style hanging lanterns with matching sconce lights - and a flashing games machine. There are multiple TVs dotted around the place as well as a projector and music played at a reasonable level. To the rear there's a pool room with both rooms featuring quite ornate fireplaces, sadly unused. Furniture is modern conventional dark wood with mainly standard tables and chairs with tall furniture very much in the minority. Customers are varied, ranging from cackling old geezers to young studenty types. As mentioned, no real ale, not even John Smith's Extra Cold Crap as far as I could see so I plumped for a pint of Kronenbore at a very COVID-COSTLY £4.70 a pint, served by a welcoming landlord. This is a very well maintained estate-style pub and worth a visit if you fancy a quick pint and aren't a fan of the Wenlock.

L shaped interior with a pool room at the back. Standard draught selection.

Corner pub housed under a rather dull low-rise block, but enlivened slightly by the patio seating area on both sides. Plainly furnished with a mix of seating in the 'L'-shaped bar and games room (with pool table) located at one end. Not much in the way of decor, but a decent atmosphere with a mostly young crowd in and some good music in the background. Also offers B&B accommodation. Sadly, no real ale offered, so I made do with the Younger's Best (just £2.50) as an alternative to the inevitable John Smith's. Gives the impression of being a decent local, if only it did some proper beer...

This pub has two separate bars with a good sized L-shaped main bar and a smaller public bar housing a pool table and a plasma screen which shows Sky. I spotted no real ale, but there is a standard draught selection alongside Amstel and I noticed an advertisement for a four pint tube, but I decided against enquiring further. I wouldn't mind if I found myself in here again.