The Boleyn Tavern, E6

An absolute gem,rightly given the highest CAMRA 3* award for heritage and a very fine example of an ornate Victorian pub.Beautifully lit on the outside,the interior is a series of rooms around an island bar each with outstanding features.Take a walk around and linger a while,the former billiards room at the rear with it's magnificent sky light is now an outstanding dining area with sumptious booths and probably the highlight.The vast world wall map in the drinking section of the rear is impressive as is the tiny snug in one corner.From the outside the apex door to the public bar opens into a L shaped room divided by etched glass wood panels with some fine drapes.Quinno's photos give you the idea.It's all very traditional. I liked the corridor which contains the loos,a shrine to West Ham United with some classic framed photos of their past glories and fine footballers. On my trip the four ale options were Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger and Late Red along with Five Points Best and Arbor Mosaic (NBSS 3.5). There is also a varied selection of craft keg taps in the public bar which increases drinking options. The welcome was friendly and such a relief to find decent ale in an area which has become a real ale desert.The soundtrack was not too loud and top quality. This is one pub you must visit before shuffling off this mortal coil.Full marks from me.

Inaugural visit, as I walked past not long before its closure for restoration thinking “I’ll save this one”. And I’m glad I did – it really is beautiful and a splendid job has been done inside, it is hard to know what is old and what is new – apparently cost a cool £1.5 million but that money has been well spent. I won’t go into a huge amount of textual detail – you can see the uploaded photos and previous reviews for that – suffice to say that it is a multi-roomer with dark wood and glass partitioning and a stunning rear area (was a billiards room) for dining with an ornate skylight, with nods to West Ham players of yore in each individual booth. There was also great quality cask beer, with pints of Sheps Masterbrew and Purity Gold both hitting an NBSS 4 and served-up by an enthusiastic young barman – so the selection and service has improved since Tris’ visit. The keg choices were also pretty good, so you can easily do session in here. The whole group enjoyed their visit and were reluctant to move on. Good Beer Guide listed for 23 and 24, rightly so.