The Cock Tavern, E8

Twinned with the Southampton Arms and first visited in 2017, this pub has bedded in very well over the years and is a much more accomplished venue. Dating from 1561, this incarnation was rebuilt in 1930 by A. E. Sewell for Truman's, with fine examples of the trademark to the exterior and a lantern, the interior well covered by photos. The pub attracts quite a mixed crowd and is clearly LGBTQ+ friendly, despite the lack of rainbow branding, also attracting some rather eccentric types too. There are 16 rare bar-mounted pumps with brass ferules, half dispensing real ciders, half cask then ten keg taps. Ales rotate at speed, are frequently local - or often local for London - and are in great shape too, typically coming in comfortably under the £5.00 mark, which is pretty much what I would have expected to pay before the plague hit. This is a must-visit if in the borough of Hackney, making for a great triple with the Pembury and Chesham; throw in the Prince George for good measure.