PlayLDN, Homerton, E9

This is an old Victorian Truman’s pub that retains two bars (the old Saloon Bar was not in use during my visit) and still has some original features such as the vestiges of the wooden screening containing some etched/cut glass, and the “Saloon Bar” ironwork above that bar’s old entrance. It also has possibly the most magnificent Truman, Hanbury and Buxton brewery mirror I have seen. But it’s all rather wasted in here, and the “Keep Calm and Drink Up” notice in the centre of the mirror is somewhat unnecessary. This pub seemed a hub of activity when I visited it, with several people lounging around outside, some leaning against the rubbish bins drinking out of bottles, others against bicycles next to a neighbour’s railings, and some possibly enjoying a well-earned cigarette. There’s obviously no real ale, and I didn’t see any sign of food. There was a pool table though, and a group of boisterous ladies having an apparently alcohol fuelled jolly old time. This looks like the pub to visit for a slice of the Homerton estate social scene. This pub gets a star for being there; another because someone could be arsed to open the doors; and a third for the magnificent mirror.