The Birkbeck Tavern, Leytonstone, E11

It just goes to show what an important factor beer availability and quality can make to the enjoyment of a pub visit. One of our group chose the Bombardier Gold, which was rank but gracefully exchanged for Courage Best (which he said was good), and the rest of us chose the Maldon Gold, which was average at best. We didn't see any sign of food on a Wednesday afternoon. But I thought the pub itself was quite delightful. You have the public bar on the corner, and through an archway you reach a small room containing just a pool table. Both of these rooms had the rarely seen lino flooring. An opening behind the central servery takes you to the very comfortable and carpeted saloon bar. This in turn had been extended to the rear, via an elegant archway where there's a very attractive fireplace. An alcove in this rear room contained a dartboard. Screening separated the public bar from the saloon, and it had a very small service door (for cleaners and potmen) in days past, but clearly no longer in use. There's plenty of interesting decor - a giant dart (!) above the dartboard alcove; jugs and the like hanging from a beam; and (so our expert informed us) a 1920s fishing rod and shooting bag. A large garden at the back had plenty of seating, and as the weather wasn't too bad I was able to have a good look round out there. It was clearly well-tended, and would be a lovely place to spend an hour or two on a summer's day. I really liked the laid back and comfortable feel of this place. I would definitely like to pay return visit, in the hope that we were just unlucky regarding beer quality when we visited.

Official site of The Birkbeck - thebirkbecktavern.co.uk

Official site of The Birkbeck - thebirkbecktavern.co.uk

Poor beer selection and poor quality on my last two visits, most recently last Saturday. A shame, as it could easily be so much better.

Took the bus down the Leyton High Road to check this one out and can report that the Birkbeck is indeed surviving as a solid community local under the new ownership. Nothing changed from previous reviews and still two high ceilinged bars either side of the central bar with plenty of original fittings inside the original Charringtons pub skin. Four ales were available across the pumps and these were Junction and Wandle from Sambrook’s , Mighty Oak Maldon Gold and something badged as Rita’s Special which on enquiring was informed was actually Courage Best. I’m sorry but Courage best and ‘Special’ in the same sentence is definitely an Oxymoron in my book. Fortunately The Maldon Gold was in excellent condition. Probably didn’t see this one at its best as there were very few in for my early Saturday evening visit and the beer choice was good enough but not inspiring. But still very good to find this traditional East End boozer functioning as one.

I've had confirmation today that the pub has been sold to a publican, so hopefully it will survive. Let's hope it's not someone who wants to turn it into a "Sports Bar".

Four beers available on my latest visit, all in very good condition and served by very pleasant staff. Surprisingly quiet considering before the Orient home game given it's closeness to the ground.