Old China Hand, EC1

This used to an O’Hanlon’s pub, but no longer so since that brewery went west. The sign outside makes the claim that this is no ordinary pub. Well that’s certainly true. The look of the pub seems to be unchanged since Maldenman’s visit, but they now have a table tennis (or ping pong as they call it) table at the back for the use of customers. That is a first for me in a pub, and it was quite entertaining watching a party playing apparently after a few drinks. They no longer offer dim sum, (shame, as it used to be good) but it seems they may do so in future if they can engage a suitable chef, but in the meantime food is restricted to assorted nibbles. There are still four handpumps on the bar counter – two unused, and the other two dispensing Orkney Best and Stonehenge Great Bustard on my visit at lunchtime today. They also have an impressive range of unusual bottled beers. I treated myself to a 333 ml bottle of Beerlao (for £3.30) – the last time I had that beer was in a backstreet bar in Vientiane when a 660 ml bottle cost 50p. Still, it’s a decent rice based beer though. It’s definitely worth a visit to this place if you like unusual and a bit quirky pubs; especially if like ones that do decent ale.

Randomness Guide to London - Old China Hand entry

Randomness Guide to London - Old China Hand entry

An unusual spot, long and narrow, yet with two clearly defined areas, the front section with the bar and a more secluded strip at the back. The interior is modern and has a mix of what I can only describe as Oriental/African decor and furniture, especially the seating and tables which vary in design and form an unusual eclectic mix. Dim Sum is a speciality it appears. The general theme was reinforced by a low volume, chilled world music soundtrack. A distance from my idea of a traditional pub, but I still liked it, four pumps but only two in use on my visit, O'Hanlons Port Stout and Sambrook's Wandle. Tried the Wandle and it was in good nick. I didn't sample the dim sum, but some bloke did call in for a takeaway while I was in, and the menu looked interesting.