Railway Tavern, Woodford Green

This is a very unprepossessing locals' pub. When I was in on Friday afternoon I got talking to a couple of chaps enjoying a clearly well-earned pint or two. There's a large, central horseshoe bar, with a drinking area wrapped around it, and furnished with a few normal tables and chairs. A TV was on and showing some tennis (from Wimbledon I suppose). I didn't spot any original features, nor decor worth mentioning. Unfortunately, there's no real ale, just John Smith's and the usual fizzy stuff, and no sign of food or menus. The locals clearly appreciate this pub just the way it is, and good luck to them I say.

I found the staff in this good sized pub to be friendly enough and my Guinness was fine, although I didn’t spot any real ale on. There are plasma TVs and portable sets dotted around the pub which seems popular for locals to go and watch sports on Sky. There is also a pool table and a dartboard for those that are feeling more athletic! I would use this pub if I lived locally.