The Old George, Bethnal Green, E2

This is an Antic pub, so it's not going to be very traditional inside. As usual, we have here a mixed bag of mismatched "house clearance" type furniture, as well as odd things being used as decor. On one pillar were mounted a couple of large cogwheels, a bit like something from the dark satanic mills, which is a bit unusual. There were also things like old soda syphons on shelves, plus there was a feel of brewer's rustic inside - no doubt a throwback to one of its previous pub incarnations rather than anything that Antic have done - with beams on the ceilings and a rough cast wall at the back. There was a gantry above the bar counter, bearing an assortment of things including old barrels and suitcases. There were four or five ales available, and we went for the Otter Ale which was in great nick. I failed to note the price, but Antic don't usually charge over the top prices, and as my chum didn't wince visibly when he paid for his round I guess the price must have been reasonable. There was also bar food available, including a bacon sarny at £5, and an Old George burger, including chips and the usual stuff that gets included in a burger, for £10. I tend to like Antic pubs, and if anything this one is less "shabby chic" than most of their pubs. Of course there are areas which look as if they would benefit from a bit of attention from a plasterer or decorator, but in general this place seems to be comfortable enough and well maintained by Antic standards. Mind you it was pretty dark when I was in here. There's not exactly a surfeit of good pubs down this end of Bethnal Green Rd, and I reckon that this one is the best of the bunch.

This was once a Truman's house and after that it was taken up by Enterprise Inns, that well known failing property company. Antic bought it up and it opened this summer, I say they bought it as I hope they actually have this time and will not be gazumped by the disgraceful Camden Bars company who pulled the rug from beneath there feet with the Chequers in Walthamstow and the Catford Bridge Tavern in SE London. It's exactly what you would expect of an Antic conversion consisting of a single square room with all sorts of bric-a-brac, bare floorboards and beer served in dimple mugs. There is a beer garden at the back that I didn't venture into. The Gent's toilet, somewhat mysteriously has several old dartboards fixed to the walls. The beer situation as I understand it is still a Work In Progress as they are awaiting a deal with SIBA. There are five pumps of which one was not in use and the rest had a fairly uninspiring selection of Black Sheep Bitter, Windsor and Eton Knight Of The Garter, Otter Bitter and Purity Mad Goose. I went for the Otter Bitter, which at £3.60 for a 3.6% cooking bitter is a bit steep, but was in good condition. There is room for improvement here, which I'm sure there will be given that it's only been open for a month. However, you can't get away from the fact that Bethnal Green Road is still a dump, despite the arrival of some wealthier residents. It currently only opens at 16:00 on weekdays.