The Pilot Inn, SE10

A traditional looking pub that is just a short stroll from the O2 arena, and certainly makes a pleasant change from the rather formulaic chain bars that can be found there. In fact, if you don’t want a pint in or around the O2 complex, then this seems to be the only other option on the peninsula. It’s just a shame that they don’t start doing food until 6:00pm during the week, otherwise we would have eaten here as well. It’s a good sized pub, both inside and out and split over a couple of levels. Décor wise, it’s perhaps a bit of a mismatch with each room having a slightly different style, but is certainly pleasant enough. One of the larger rooms off to the right has a wood strip floor and pale grey paintwork, with some rather vibrant aqua blue on the timberwork. An unusual feature was a table that had a globe of the world built in to the end of it, presumably in a nod to the nearby meridian. A snug off to the left was quite cosy, with some yellow paintwork on the end wall, some cosy Chesterfield arm chairs and an old brick fire-place, although all it contained on our visit was an electric light. Hopefully it’s used in the colder weather. A plasma screen mounted on the chimney breast grated somewhat, but at least it was turned off. Elsewhere an upper level bar had a parquet wood floor and led out on to a terrace whilst the bar counter had an unusual selection of industrial looking pipework affixed to the front of it. Further outside seating included a patio at the rear as well as a few tables and chairs at the front. Beers on tap were something from Hackney whose name escapes me, ESB, London Pride and Oliver’s Island, whilst a fifth pump appeared to have sold out. The solitary cider was Golden Orchards. All in all I thought this was a decent pub, and certainly a better bet than all the other options in the vicinity.