The Crown, E8

This is still a simple single-room Irish pub. There was no real ale on, just John Smith keg in the way of bitter. I didn’t see any sign of food, or any menus when I was in on Wednesday afternoon. There are some exposed brick pillars, what looks like a modern stone fireplace at the back, and a fair bit of light coloured wood. There is some bric-a-brac on the shelving – stuff like old bottles, old weighing scales and a typewriter. Furnishings are standard banquettes and normal tables and chairs. Live music was advertised, with Gerry Carne and his hit song “Paddy” as a forthcoming attraction. This place was full of old boys drinking away the afternoon. I didn’t feel out of place here, despite not being Irish, but it’s not likely that I would return to somewhere that doesn’t offer real ale. But that didn’t seem to be an issue for the clientele here, and good luck to them.