The Florist Arms, E2

They had on two Darkstar ales when I was in here on Saturday – the ubiquitous Hophead, and Partridge, which turned out to be a rich brown ale. I was charged only £3 for a pint of Partridge, which is at odds with Maldenman’s experience. Maybe I was undercharged – but the barman clearly asked for £3 so that’s what I gave him, and I don’t suppose they had a happy hour on Saturday lunchtime. Anyway, £3 for a pint of anything half decent is good going in London these days. Food is mainly pizzas, at around the £8 - £9 range. They offer a two for one lunchtime special on Sunday to Thursday. The default glass for beer is a dimpled jug, but I managed to stop the barman in time to ask for a straight glass. The distressed sofa, low upholsterd bench and low table is still there by the window, but the majority of furnishings are normal tables and chairs. The tables all bore, very appropriately, a sprig of flowers in a small vase. There is more black and red floral wallpaper in here, although this version is a bit more restrained than that at The Camel. Music was being played at background level, which is just as well as we were being treated to the dulcet tones of Stevie Nicks. The barman was knowledgeable about Darkstar beers, which was handy as they had on two of their ales. I quite liked this place, which I didn’t really expect as on the surface it looked a bit gastro-pretentious. I think it makes a reasonable pairing with The Camel a few feet down the road.

This place wasn't on my original itinerary, but having discovered the nearby Camel doesn't open till 4 in the week I decided to pop in having spied a couple of handpumps through the window. One room with a central square set bar, a handful of small tables and a couple of sofas. One sofa alarmingly seemed to be sat over and guarding the exposed cellar drop. Red papered walls, dark brown ceiling, most tables were "distressed", its all a bit bohemian and trendy shabby/chic. There is a pair of decks in one corner with a piano in front. The soundtrack was fairly quiet but you don't often hear Joy Division albums being played in pubs. Fairly quiet mid afternoon on Monday, most punters seemed to be 30 something locals, some eating pizzas which is the pub speciality, there is a proper pizza oven. Two beers on handpump, both from Dark Star, Hophead and Partridge, a new one to me. I asked for the Partridge but the barman was concerned it may still be dropping but pulled a small glass. It didn't look bad but he felt it wasn't quite ready. I plumped for the Hophead (£3.80!) instead, which was fine and he let me have the remaining drop of Partridge, which wasn't bad at all. I certainly have been offered and been expected to accept beers in a worse condition. As well as the real ales we have Meantime LPA, Rothaus Pils, Estaminer and Palm, the last two both 5%ers from Belgium. I quite took to this place and its laid back feel but I expect it is a livelier place in the evenings with the DJ in full flow. There is a quiz advertised too, not sure which nights though.