The Beckton Arms, Canning Town, E16

This is clearly a post-war pub, right by the incredibly busy A13 Newham Way. There is a bit of outside seating, but the proximity of the busy highway must make it a less than enjoyable place to sit outside. But useful for smokers I suppose. Inside, the drinking areas meander around the central servery. Seating is traditional fixed bench seating and normal tables/chairs. It’s carpeted, and has the classic post-war feature of exposed brick pillars – the brickwork being of a standard intended to be seen as a decorative feature, in stark contrast to awful looking brickwork that interior designers choose to expose in more recently madeover pubs. There’s a small stage, which had DJ kit on it – and at 3.30 PM on a Monday some chap – the DJ perhaps – put on some loud music, presumably for the benefit of the handful of punters in here. But it wasn’t too bad, including some 50s and 60s stuff. I also saw karaoke advertised. There was no décor worth mentioning, mostly being adverts for various events, including Mother’s Day. Again, another pub in this part of the world that doesn’t serve real ale, but with what appeared to be a faithfull local following. But I don’t see me paying a return visit.

Basic, estate-type boozer with a large 'U'-shaped bar and plain furniture and decor throughout. Two pool tables. Reasonably-sized beer garden to one side. Food and DJ at weekly Monday Club. Also had the traditional bowls of cheese cubes and Mini Cheddars on the counter for a Sunday lunchtime. No real ale, but the inevitable John Smith's and what was badged with a hand-written label as Beckton Arms Bitter (£2.30) in a Double Diamond (yes, really!) keg font.