The Denmark Arms, East Ham, E6

Official site of Denmark Arms - denmarkarms.com

bought by Antic Pubs

This large boozer isn’t that bad a place for an afternoon beer considering the location. It is split into two sections with some seating and a flat screen TV in the front area and another flat screen, a projector screen and three pool tables around the back. Sky Sports is shown and whilst I was there a World Cup game was showing, although for some reason this was muted and some disco music was playing in the background. The bar is stocked with standard draught products and I was served by a friendly barmaid, it’s just a shame that the Guinness wasn’t the best. There are some signs up in the windows advertising karaoke on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays and there is a DJ on Fridays. There is a no admission policy after midnight, so heaven knows what time this place closes – looking at some of the locals, probably never. This pub has seen better days and I don’t plan on returning to the area anytime soon for a second visit.

There is some very attractive and interesting original Victorian green tiling inside, plus some original cast iron pillars. Unfortunately the tiling was obscured by “no smoking” signage, plus adverts for the “great value food” and the forthcoming poker night. Seating is mainly banquette style, with some high stools and tables as well as some “caff” style tables and chairs in the back room that is essentially now a pool room. There were some old photographs on the walls that seemed to be of local scenes – I recognised the impressive town hall opposite in one of them. The serried ranks of games machines and one armed bandits complete the picture. It seemed a pretty soulless place on a damp and murky Wednesday lunchtime, though maybe it would seem more welcoming at other times. They didn’t have any real ale on, and the Stella was off during my visit. Frankly, I can’t see much to recommend this place, and doubt whether I shall be visiting again.