The Tavern on the Hill, E17

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Blue Scrumpy left this review about The Tavern on the Hill

Once described as one of the "toughest" pubs in Britain, I was intrigued to visit this pub which made it into the 2025 Good Beer Guide, presumably based on its ownership of the local Wild Card Brewery. The only problem is that Wild Card appear to have gone out of business and the pub is back to being keg only. I think it has definitely lost its tag of "toughest" though. In fact, the atmosphere was very low key with just 2 other customers present, with 2 others leaving as I arrived.

There are 7 handpulls, all unused these days. However, the craft beer options were fairly adventurous - East London Beyond The Tower & Admiral's Walk, Jubel Beer Cut With Peach, Neckstamper Bonebox Cooler, Gravity Well Cosmic Dust & Blondies/Mammoth Beer Hail. My Bonebox Cooler was an enjoyable stout, but not cheap at £3.40 for a half.

The pub has an open-plan layout. There is a large TV screen showing a fake fire to the left of the bar. To the right, the most notable feature is a neon Wild Card sign. Perhaps that will become a rare antique in future. There is also another fireplace on that side with a smaller TV and some old radio/cassette players above that. There are also some pumpclips on the walls and a selection of board games.

Flooring is bare boards. A few plants scattered around don't help to make it tough. Neither does the £4.50 promotion for a Bloody Mary. Events such as open mic night and karaoke take place, in addition to live music events. Canine customers can find a "pooch station" in the far rear left corner.

As Tris says, it's a bit of a trek to get to this pub and with the loss of Wild Card Brewery, it feels as if it has lost its raison d'etre. The craft beer selection is decent, but not worth going out of the way for. So, perhaps it will once again become a hard/tough place.

On 27^th January 2025 - rating: 6
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