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Submitted on Monday, 24^th March 2025
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The Widows Son, E3

75 Devons Road
E3
E3 3PJ

Correct details

Served areas

Bow, Bromley-By-Bow

Reviews of The Widows Son (Average Rating: 4½ of 10) Add Review see review guidelines

Bucking Fastard left this review about The Widows Son

An interesting story behind the pub's name but the basket of buns above the bar seems to be filled with loaves of bread which don't match the story.The interior is open plan in dark red with drapes around the main windows along Devons Road,the bar along a rear wall and some good mirrors with friezes above giving a traditional feel matched by the furniture.There is a small stage in the opposite corner but had some chesterefields plonked there.A dartsboard by the side of the bar obscures an original front door .A drop down screen was furled up but there was no indication internally if anything other than drinks and food is offered here.
No real ale,the keg taps were offering 5 beers from Camden Town but this along with the other taps is just multinational tosh so I made do with a half of Leffe Blonde.
Given the location ,more could be done with this pub,some well kept real ale may work but there did seem to be no atmosphere and a couldn't care less attitude.The barmaid and her young daughter were looking after their baby in a pram,the baby at least was well behaved but then the pub was virtually empty.Could be so much better,no need for a revisit in this guise.

On 7^th September 2025 - rating: 4
[User has posted 3014 recommendations about 3014 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Tris C left this review about The Widow's Son

Established in 1848, the history and name of the pub are documented on one of the photos from August 2009.
Situated in a rather unprepossessing location, this is a grade II*-listed former Taylor Walker house, as evinced by the arch over the hanging sign frame. A first in here a few nights ago and it's clear that the place has changed much since my photo of June 2014. Indeed it would seem that the reviews below no longer apply; gone is the Tetley’s, pool table and naval-themed décor. So then: welcome to the house of bun!
There's a slate grey and dark grey all-over colour scheme, field panelled to the dado rail. The dark grey field panelled bar has a wooden top and may be modern; above, hangs a net brim full of the historic buns. I was expecting a slightly bready smell, such is the nature of the yeast, but no. To the rear is a dark sea green glazed tiled bar back; the ceiling is t 'n' g. The floor is darkish bare boarded except for a raised stage area with DJ paraphernalia and upright piano. Lighting is eclectic, as is the largely conventional furniture. There are some structural columns, one partly wound with rope - perhaps a nod to the naval link. Lighting is also rather mixed and pleasantly soothing with decent music playing at an agreeable level. Overall, it's a bit spartan with tables spaced fairly far apart, probably due to social engineering requirements. However, you can't fail to miss the beautiful Widow's Son polychromatic painted mirror proudly displayed on a wall but sadly cracked. What's also very attractive are the etched mirrors with red and black lettering to the top of a wall, with very lovely etched mirrors below - my guess is that this was the original bar back, with the current bar shifted towards the main window.
Customers seemed to be young professionals, probably recent incomers living in the rather fancy flats that have gone up in recent years, in relatively close proximity to Canary Wharf. The pub was far from full, so perhaps there were more drinkers in the rear garden.
Ales: none, just Eurofizz as far as I could make out with the very friendly and chatty barman serving me a good pint of Guinness at the 'new normal' price of £5.10.
This was an unexpectedly good pub and is well worth the 10-minute walk from Bow Road tube - a couple of decent real ales would certainly get the score up by at least one point.

On 1^st November 2020 - rating: 7
[User has posted 2277 recommendations about 2227 pubs]

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about Widows Son

Basic boozer, with an irregular-shaped interior. Small raised seating area, otherwise limited furniture. Main feature is the pool table holding pride of place in the centre of the bar floor. Music channel on TV. Naval-themed decor, with details of the interesting 'Bun House' story on a small display. No real ale on tap, so opted for a quick pint of Tetley Smooth (£3.20) before moving on.

On 21^st August 2014 - rating: 4
[User has posted 8868 recommendations about 8868 pubs]

View more reviews of The Widows Son (5)

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