The Hungerford Arms, Shadwell, E1

Dating from at least the mid-19th century, this was obviously once a Watney Combe Reid house, as there’s one of their trademark roundels with ‘stag’ motif projecting out from the north wall. It’s as described by Rex, this is one of the last pubs in an area where at the start of the 20th century, there would have been absolutely hundreds. As mentioned, it’s very basic, with an older crowd in, seemingly oblivious to the Arsenal v. Spurs match playing on multiple TVs, with some rather less than ornamental younger drinkers all smoking outside to the left. As I didn’t feel entirely comfortable here, I decided to move on; there are some good, more inviting locals’ pubs in the borough and near to here, such as the Salmon & Ball or Carpenters Arms.

There’s no real ale here, nor any sign of food when I dropped in on Wednesday afternoon. This just isn’t the sort of place that would do anything fancy. I wouldn’t have been surprised to see a bowl of clingfilm covered cheese rolls, but I just don’t suppose that there’s any market for anything more than a bag of crisps or pork scratchings. This is another locals’ pub, with a dozen or so apparent regulars in, some using earthy language. There’s a pool table at the back, a few potted plants around the place, a piano near the door, and some very basic, but standard issue, normal tables and chairs. There’s a solitary picnic bench outside. And that’s just about it. I’m glad this pub’s still here for those who appreciate these down to earth places and are happy to drink bogstandard lagers, but I’m unlikely to return.