The Carpenters Arms, Shoreditch, E2

Classic corner pub which is well described below. 2 pumps with Doom Bar and Landlord, sadly neither were on when I called! Settled for a bottle of Landlord (£5.50). Worth a visit.

Not realising I’d done this one before a few years ago, I popped in without expecting anything. It’s still a classic corner pub that has mercifully stayed out of the hands of the hipsters retains a traditional feel. Enter to a small L shaped bar with half-length varnish wood panelling, mint painted uppers. Noted the classic and rarely seen circular curtain to pull in front of the door on cold nights. Some modern filament lights are the only encroachment and even those are fairly tasteful. To rear right is a discrete doorway which leads to a back room and small garden. Three pumps with two ales and a cider. Tim Taylor Landlord and Adnams Mosaic as the choices, the latter was a good drop (NBSS 3.5) if expensive at £2.70 a half. 12 kegs with an eclectic selection too. Punters on the 'moved to Shoreditch on daddy's funds yah' spectrum but could be worse. Enjoyable stop. 7.5 October 2010 A grand old corner pub recently re-opened, this makes for a good stop-off if touring the Brick Lane area for a bit of the ethnic grub as it’s a decent yomp away from Liverpool St station. Three ales (Trumans Runner brewed by Nethergate, Adnams Old Ale and TT Landlord) available on my visit and although certainly not cheap, the Trumans was in good shape. An interesting selection of bottled beers was available alongside prominently-advertised coffee. The recently refurbed interior has a horseshoe shaped bar which is quite lively, with a quieter drinking area at the right rear. The big etched windows at the pub’s front allow for a lot of welcome light to give a contrast to the dark wood floor, chairs and tables. Is the greenery dangling in the interior real though? Unobtrusive piped music and good atmosphere made for an enjoyable visit, despite being a bit of a hipster magnet. In an area struggling for good pubs, this one is well-worth your time. Rated 7