The Plough, Homerton, E9

This is a nice traditional looking corner pub on the fringes of central Hackney, which has been given the full craft beer treatment. The pub was previously operated by Brewdog, but the location, which is a bit betwixt and between, meant that it was an unsuccessful venture, closing after a couple of years and now reopened in a more straightforward pub-like format. Thankfully, any evidence of Brewdog’s industrial stylings has been removed, replaced by scuffed floorboards covered with a few old rugs, tatty, fraying banquettes under the front windows, basic tables and chairs elsewhere and a couple of ugly armchairs thrown into the mix as well. An attractive curved bar counter stands to the right with nice panelled frontage and a grim stone top - probably the only notable legacy from Brewdog. The bar back is also rather nice, with spotlighting helping to highlight the inter-war woodwork, whilst old jars, tankards and the like add some character. Other period features include a nice fireplace to one side, with a plain mirror above, some old net curtains down the left hand windows and a climbing plant, slowly ascending a pillar. Decor includes some football shirts hung on the wall and a dartboard with a scarf draped over it. A couple of TV screens were turned off in favour of a solid hip-hop soundtrack which played quietly enough in the background. Perhaps the pub’s finest feature is the lovely old tile painting in the front right corner, depicting a ploughman and his horse. There were three handpulls on the bar, but sadly, all three were unclipped. This left a choice from around twelve craft keg options, which included a mix of European pilsners and lagers plus local beers from microbreweries such as 40ft and Pretty Decent. The friendly barman made some suggestions and I ended up with a pint of a hazy Pale Ale from the latter, which was tasty in spite of its unattractive, soupy appearance. I quite liked this place, which had a bit of an underdog feel to it, clinging on in spite of the multitude of more convenient options in central Hackney. The retro styling worked pretty well, but the lack of cask ales and focus on lager and pilsner keg options meant that it could only really hold my interest for a quick pint, but I’m glad I popped in and thought it was a decent wildcard for anyone crawling around this part of town.

Official site of The Plough - www.theploughe9.com

Official site of The Plough - www.theploughe9.com

A corner pub now done out in a typical Brewdog style, it was very quiet on my Saturday afternoon visit, but very comfortable nonetheless. A good selection of beers and tasters were freely offered.It is what it is but I for one quite like it.

Now Brewdog and its now been changed to a more industrial style favoured by them.Smaller than most brewdogs but busy and a decent selection of beers.The smoke alarms went off as I walked through the door so was an uncomfortable visit until they got it sorted.Absolute beauty of a beer in Tropic Thunder from Brewdog.