The Hope, Smithfield, EC1

Smallish pub near Smithfield Market and has butchers block tables - high seats mainly, high ceiling, some real ale, nice enough London pub

Another attractive looking building but the pub doesn't really live up to it , there was little if no ambiance internally as well as a dull ale availibility with Doom Bar and Tribute, not sure I'd bother again.

Handsome looking pub, with the large bow front window the standout feature. Inside, its single room, high ceiling, bare floorboards. Ropey pint of Tribute was a let down.

The 'new' Hope is certainly more appealing than previously, with a refurbished interior that mixes the traditional and modern fairly well. However, the bowed frontage remains the stand-out feature, although there is some decent tiling at each door. There are also a couple of wooden benches out front if the weather is clement. Three real ales on handpump: Doom Bar, Deuchars IPA and Twickenham Naked Ladies (£4.70). NB - Being beside Smithfield Market, it still opens its doors at 7 am Mondays to Fridays.