The Gun, Homerton, E9

Tris C left this review about The Gun

This is a small, corner pub dating from the mid-19th century visited for the first time the other night as part of a local three-hole mini-crawl, attracted primarily by the fine Whitbread carved wood gilded fascia and, as I was to find out, a rather good illuminated Whitbread and Mackeson bar parapet, probably dating from the 1950s (see photo).
The pub is no longer tatty, so perhaps has had a lockdown spruce up. It’s quite a small narrow room, plainly appointed indeed. Lighting here is clearly being rationed, as there isn’t much of it, most coming from a rather naff red neon sign to the rear, reading ‘Secret Plans and Clever Tricks’ which means nothing to me. The floor is modern bare boarded and due to the lack of light, I couldn’t determine the colour of the leatherette to the peripheral banquette. Otherwise, there were some ordinary contemporary tables (with tea lights in red glass holders) and low chairs with high stools, the modern bar which has a front upholstered in soft panel sections, presumably to prevent damaged knees; above is the period illuminated bar parapet. The walls are white with a textured white ceiling, supporting three glass lights which may also date from the ‘50s. There’s no décor apart from the neon sign. Music played, but at such a low level that it sounded tinny, like it was coming from a can attached to a piece of string.
I knew in advance that there’s no real ale here, but I was expecting something a bit more crafty from the two chrome founts each dispensing five ales, Guinness and a cider, but due to the lack of light and a few of the taps’ fisheye bulbs having blown, I couldn’t tell what they were. Otherwise, Thornbridge Green Mountain, Keller Pils, a Gun-branded something (provenance unknown) and Camden Hells which set me back £5.80 which tasted like Camden Hells lager.
I didn’t really take to this place. The ambience is poor, it doesn’t really fulfil the ‘craft’ definition and the Kenton is across the road, which may one day resume real ale sales.

On 8^th September 2021 - rating: 4
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