Chequers, Walthamstow, E17

The pub is open and well worth visiting, the outside is still fairly daunting but don't let that put you off. Inside is a range of real beers (plus the fizzy stuff) and friendly staff, the decor is junk shop chic (and I mean that in a good way). Spent a few hours in there on Saturday night and the place was lively with a mixed crowd. To sum up - good beer, good staff, no football or chavs - just what the area needs.

The staff in here seemed nice enough, but the other clientele left a lot to be desired. There is a projector screen around the side of the bar and also a couple of plasma screens precariously hanging above the barmaids heads behind the bar and these were both showing Sky News with the sound on which I find extremely repetitive and distracting. There are a couple of pool tables in a room at the back of the pub and there is a gated off alley to the side with a few tables for al fresco drinking. I visited on a nice sunny afternoon whilst the madness of the market outside ensued, but all of the slated blinds were closed making the pub quite dark and depressing. There is a standard selection of draught available and I also spotted some food menus dotted around for some reasonably priced grub, although I did not try any or see anyone else eating. This pub is very disjointed and I wouldn't go out of my way to drink here again.