The Palm Tree, Mile End, E3

I think that, extremely sozzled, I visited this one many years ago and there was certainly a faint glimmer of recognition as I entered even though much of the canal and parkland approach has been tarted-up in the last 15 years. The attractive Truman’s exterior remains and the CAMRA Heritage listed interior is also rather lovely, with a splendid curved island bar with tongue and groove wooden upper, leaded windows and heavy drape curtains; quite the timewarp and apparently the owner has been in situ for many years. Also of note are the signed photos of old-skool celebs (in many cases deceased), old jockeys and the startling gold foil wallpaper on one side. Gentle 1950s (I think) music was a rather beguiling background for a relaxed atmosphere. 2x Mighty Oak beers at the bar, my Maldon Gold was fine (NBSS 3) though came in a plastic cup due to someone in my party confusing the barman as to whether we would be drinking inside or out. Prices were very steep, but I suppose you at least get a decent quality pint and enjoyable surrounds. And it was cash-only which made me smile (then grumpy, as it turned out I was the only one in the group who actually had enough to cover the round). Like Steve and others say below, it’s a unique survivor and you do wonder what will happen when time catches up with the owners. Visit whilst you can – it’s good fun in an off-beat way.

It was dark by the time I had picked my way across Mile End Park fully trusting that Google Maps was correct in taking me to what felt like no man’s land, and arrived outside what, to all indications was a closed pub with no visible signs that it was actually open. Everything I had read told me it should have opened at 4.00pm, so I tried the first door and it yielded, allowing me to enter into what I initially thought was someone’s photographic dark room. Well this is quite a unique pub. Only the southernmost bar was open for my early midweek early evening visit and the cabaret-esque red lighting and the red and gold chintzy decor takes a bit of getting used to and it took a while for my eyes to acclimatise enough to pick out the signed pictures of long passed celebrities and forgotten jockeys that line the walls above the oval-shaped bar, and spaces that aren’t plastered with memorabilia are covered in gold chintz. Two hand pumps on the bar but only Mighty Oak Malden Gold available for my visit, which was very good but was one of, if not the most expensive pint of the day The landlady and her accompanying dog were extremely friendly and welcoming and I presumed it was Val , of Val and Alf fame, who have presided over the pub for many years, but apparently not long enough to know how to change the Muzak system that was playing some excruciating cheesy Christmas carols. This bar also has a small stage with a drum kit and piano set up in the corner and according to the landlady there’s live music (mainly Jazz), on Thursdays to Sundays and since there are no neighbours within shouting distance, these have a habit of turning into late-night sessions. It is cash only here, as they still use an ancient mechanical till and they charge for tap water, something that has caused uproar on other review sights, as have reports of staff unfriendliness, (unless you're a regular), especially if you get on the wrong side of the landlord, although as stated my experience was the opposite of this in that respect with who I believed was the landlady. Difficult one to rate as you don't come to the Palm Tree for great beer choice, and despite being CAMRA listed, the interior will not be to everyone’s taste, especially of a dark evening. But The Palm Tree is a remarkable survivor, and you do have to wonder what will happen to it when the present custodians do depart, and I certainly plan to revisit in the daylight of summer when the outside canal can be enjoyed.