The Heart of Hackney, E8

Situated in the heart of Hackney, the Heart of Hackney has a history going right back to at least the late 16th century when it was originally the Horse & Groom. The pub had been shut down at least once in recent times due to associated acts of violence and COVID violations - all Googleable - but may now be under new management, despite the name, unchanged. Formerly not in a terrace and until 2006 with just two storeys, this ex-Charrington’s pub is essentially one substantial modernised, opened out rectangular drinking hall resembling a common room. The floor is bare boarded, the ceiling either burgundy or white and a modern bar stretches a fair way along the left-hand side; of vague note are the very chunky structural columns and fireplace to the front. Lighting comes courtesy of a couple of freestanding standard lamps, otherwise recessed halogen downlighters. Furniture is mixed, much of it looking like it came from a canteen which along with the five pool tables and games machine to the rear, only emphasises the common room feel, along with a couple of TVs showing silent sport to a banal AOR soundtrack. Customers amounted to four young people playing pool, then a young unaccompanied child. There’s no cask here, just a range of cooking lagers with a half of Stella coming in at a fierce £3.00 a half, served by an average barmaid. Every pub in Hackney is better than this place, Alan Winfield summing it up as it is.