Cat & Mutton, E8

Yet another bustling pub in the area, this establishment attracts a diverse crowd of hipsters and tourists alike. It falls in line with the trend of being on the pricier side, a common theme in this neighborhood. Once a traditional Victorian pub, it has now embraced a modern aesthetic, featuring exposed brickwork that gives it a contemporary touch. The bar top, made of copper, elegantly contrasts with a brass foot rail. Adding to the charm is an impressive spiral staircase tucked into one corner. While the pub has evolved, it pays homage to its Victorian origins with a collection of stuffed animal heads adorning the wall behind the bar. The pub boasts four pumps, with three of them in operation. The beer selection includes the well-regarded Darkstar Hophead, Adnams Ghost Ship, and Deuchars IPA. Opting for a half of the Hophead, I found it to be in excellent condition, though it did come with a somewhat hefty price tag of £2.20. Despite the cost, the overall ambiance and unexpected delights of the pub exceeded my initial expectations.

Official site of The Cat and Mutton - www.catandmutton.com

Official site of The Cat and Mutton - www.catandmutton.com

Corner pub with bar to the rear. No real ales - two hand pulled ciders, rest keg.

A second visit since my first back in mid-2013 and this pub is much improved, probably due in part to the further gentrification that has taken place here in the interim three-year period. There's a fair amount of bare brickwork but some very interesting carved motifs to the bar and rear which have a certain Palace of Westminster whiff about them. Also a bit PoW are the tiles to the bar's apron which look a bit Minton. Also of interest are the old brewer's mirrors with gilt lettering to the rear, panelled ceiling and the charming Charrington's red lettering panels to the picture windows, some of which are modern additions. Thereafter furniture is fairly conventional and the floor is boarded. Up the helical staircase is a rather grander lounge bar which looks a bit like a Victorian clubroom. The lavatories are vastly improved since my last visit when lumps of masonry adorned the floor. Ales: Redemption's Big Chief IPA and Trinity, Signature's Session and Hackney Brewery's APA which was good as it should be at £4.60 a pint, especially when served in an E8 postcode! Worth returning, this is a far better hostelry than before with better ale though at a price. Certainly better than the Pub on the Park across London Fields.

Another very busy pub with a mixture of hipsters and tourists,also another expensive pub which was a theme in this area,obviously once a traditional Victorian boozer now given a modern touch with lots of exposed brickwork,the bar top is copper contrasting with a brass foot rail,there is an impressive spiral staircase in one corner, with a nod to its former Victorian roots there are a number of stuffed animal heads on the wall behind the bar.Four pumps with three on,Darkstar Hophead,Adnams Ghost Ship and Deuchars IPA, my half a hophead was in good form but set me back £2.20. A nice pub and better than I anticipated.

This must have been impressive in its heyday.Large high ceilinged one room but slightly faded interior.Busy.4 handpumps with Breakspear -bitter,Pedigree and Hophead. Nice atmosphere inside and seating at the front.