The Peacock, Stepney, E1

Tris C left this review about The Peacock

Located in an area which by no means could be described as paradise, this backstreet pub redefines ‘backstreet’, being backstreet even by backstreet standards.
Taken from their website where photos can be seen, the history reads thus: ‘Constructed in 1881, it was one of only two pubs in the area that survived WWII. With Thames Magistrate Court and Police Station opposite, it became known as 'The Copper's Pub'. Unlike most of the Old Stepney Boozers, this one was not frequented by local villains. After the Court moved location and the police station closed down, The Peacock remained a staple for the community. In the 70's it was run by a local family who stayed for over 50 years until its closure in 2022’.
The second pub referenced must be the former Clare Hall over the road, Truman’s regalia remaining, but now a convenience store. Reopened in 2023, the pub features attractive glazed tiling which probably dates from the ‘30s, likewise the interior which features a bar, pot shelf and bar back of some vintage (see photo). The floor is pale bare boarded, avocado peripheral banquettes, some in booth-style, then conventional tables with weird LED lamps. The walls are dark grey with duck egg blue Anaglypta, décor in the form of peacock memorabilia – many small metal peacocks festoon the place – and pictures of the area from yesteryear along with the Krays. Lighting is conventional and a good soundtrack (Rolling Stones on arrival) played. Customers at the time of my 9.20pm visit yesterday were mainly studenty types, probably from nearby Queen Mary University, drawn by the 10% student discount, then a trio of traditional old-school cockneys, a sadly dying breed.
Aside from a standard keg array and pseudo ‘craft’ in the form of Neck Oil, there’s cask here: Spitfire and Landlord at a satanic £6.50 a pint though on good form, served by one of two charming barmaids.
This pub is about the only remaining one of its type in the East End, so is worth a visit for that reason alone. However, the prices are astonishing and the cask choice unimaginative; an improvement in both would get the score up.

On 11^th May 2025 - rating: 6
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