The Royal Oak, E2

They still have Doom Bar and East London Brewery Pale Ale (£2.10 a half) on. I didn't see a menu, but food is clearly a big player here as the open to view kitchen at the back on the left seemed to be a hive of activity when I was here. A chalkboard on one of the walls advertised Sunday roasts (served between 12 - 4), with the sunday roast standard of "roast Wiltshire sirloin & Yorkshire pud" - plus the trimmings of course, weighing in at £17. That's a top of the range price for a pub Sunday lunch. Being here on a Sunday, the Columbia Road flower market was in full flow, making movement down the road a tortuous affair because of the crowds, and flower stalls cluttering up the road. But it was worth it to visit this pub that was surprisingly uncrowded when I got in there a bit before 12.30. However, it was starting to get crowded when I left some time after 1.0 PM. The old Truman's signage dominates the exterior, and inside the the typical Truman's features are still present, such as the Vitrolite ceiling, and the wording on the wood panelled walls mentioning their beers. There's a central island bar with simple furnishings (plain wooden tables and chairs, plus a settle or two) surrounding it. I did spot some large candles on the window ledge, presumably for deployment in the evening. It was apparently dog friendly, as several well behaved mutts were loitering around the place. Even though food is at gastropub - or even greater - prices, this still struck me as a traditional pub rather than a restaurant. None of the tables seemed to be reserved, nor laid for diners. I reckon that it's worth a punt if you're in the area - especially on Sunday morning if you're into flowers.

Smart wood panelled interior to this food led pub.Very busy and noisy with people chatting rather than music.Overpowering smell of fish.Two cask beers Doombar and ELB -pale ale.The latter In good nick.

Official site of the Royal Oak - www.royaloaklondon.com

Official site of the Royal Oak - www.royaloaklondon.com