The Forest Gate Hotel, E7

Despite three handpumps on the counter, one with a Tetley clip proudly displayed, they don't do real ale here. I'm not surprised; walking to the pub I speculated that it wasn't the sort of area where you would find real ale drinkers. My half of Guinness was £1.70. There was no food on Tuesday afternoon, but a small chalkboard advertised food Sunday to Friday, 6 - 9 PM. There were no other customers in during my Tuesday afternoon visit (unless you count the landlady's kids who were clearly enjoying having so much space to play in). This must have been a magnificent pub in its Victorian (or possibly Edwardian) heyday, but it now has a fairly rundown appearance on the exterior, although inside they seem to keep it as neat and tidy as possible. But in some places the carpet is thick with solid grime, and where the carpet meets the lino splash area it is sealed with duct tape. Needs must of course, but it's not a particularly good look. Furnishings are normal tables and chairs, banquettes, and a few bucket armchairs lurking down on the right. Fake flowers were on all the tables. I spotted three TVs, only two of which were on, showing some American programme called "Ellen". It didn't look to be worth watching. There's also a pool table down at the end on the left. The bar counter looks to be an original feature, with the frontage having elaborate fielded panelling, including round floral centrepieces in the panels. Most unusual, and some of the best counter decor that I've seen. The bar back looks old, but perhaps not quite good enough for a Victorian pub like this one. The three elegantly decorated cast iron columns are obviosly original features. The cornices on the ceiling are also attractive features. Although vestiges remain of its splendour, it's now a fairly ordinary and uninspiring pub. What a shame to see what must once have been a magnificent place now a shadow of its former glory.