The Palm Tree, Mile End, E3

Still as described previously, an imposing pub standing alone in a small park by the canal. Don't be put off by the lack of signs of life from outside; at first sight it can appear firmly closed but inside is a very traditional and unspoilt two-roomed pub. Still two ales on offer from Mighty Oak, although condition can be a bit variable, as can Alf's jokes! Definitely one to visit before it inevitably gets changed beyond all recognition.

A combination of wartime bombing and the post-war creation of Mile End Park has left this fine 1920's Truman's pub in a somewhat exposed and isolated position alongside the Regents Canal. This makes the approach to the pub quite a sight, as the fine ceramic tiled exterior gradually comes into focus with its dramatic Truman's eagle perched high above. The pub has a traditional two room layout, with a small corner bar and a larger room to the right hand side. Sadly, on my mid-week evening visit, only the corner bar was open, so I was unable to explore the pub in full. The entrance takes you into a small carpeted room with a fantastic curved servery opposite, boasting a solid tongue and groove counter and a broad canopy with a curtained fringe. The bar back is fairly minimal, running through the middle of the servery and on into the other bar, but the undisputed highlight has to be the ancient looking, 'Open All Hours' style cash register, which takes pride of place behind the bar. The room has rather limited seating options, with bench and standard seating along the front and right hand walls and a short drinking ledge with high stools over in the rear right corner. However, a small stage area in the front left corner and a smart fireplace on the left hand wall rules out the chance of any seating on this side of the room, so I imagine the other bar would be opened up once the pub fills up a little. The walls have been decorated with some fantastic old wallpaper which gives off an atmospheric golden glow under the muted evening lighting. Elsewhere there is a large Truman's mirror above the fireplace, frosted windows with heavy drapes, a hop lined section of wall, a collection of plates and an extensive series of black and white photos of entertainers from yesteryear on the bar canopy, some of which are signed but none of which were familiar to me. Relaxing music played unobtrusively throughout my stay and the gentle hum of hushed conversation made this a nice place to relax with my paper and a pint. There were two ales available on this visit - Wadworth Horizon and Mighty Oak Maldon Gold. The landlady had her back to me when I arrived, busily chatting to another customer who unhelpfully decided not to draw her attention to my arrival, but I was eventually served up a half decent pint of the Maldon Gold - perhaps a little past its best but still drinkable. I really liked the spectacle of drinking here, from the imposing approach through the time-warp feel of the traditional interior to the moody ambiance with muted lighting and glowing wallpaper. The beer could certainly have been better and it was a shame to only see half of the pub, but this was a memorable experience and a pub I'd like to visit again.

The Palm Tree is a decent looking three storey pub that stands alone next to the canal. Once inside i went into the front room,no alarms or having to have my drink outside,so i was now inside this pub,the main room is a decent sized square shaped room,there is a really nice looking curved bar with an old manual till,which the landlord was proud of. The floor was carpeted this was slightly worn,the seating was basic bench type. There were two real ales on the bar,i had a drink of Portobello VPA which was a very nice drink,the other beer was Black Sheep bitter. I had a good chat with the landlord who said he been running to pub for over 30 years,the pub was almost empty apart from one other younger male customer. There was some background music playing of the jazz type,not my cup of tea. I told the landlord about how i took photo's of every pub i went in,i then asked him to come outside to pose in front of his pub which he went ahead and did. This is a pretty much unalterd pub,well worth the visit. Pub visited 19/2/2014