please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A lovely throwback to a different era kind of pub. Just off Brick Lane, so worth checking out before a bang average curry is consumed.
Packed on a Monday Night - people air guitaring inside, sat on the kerb outside.
Excellent ESB.
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Another Saturday evening visit after a day in Suffolk watching football.
On arrival around 8pm it was packed with the now to be expected locals and hipsters.
The ale selection was good but I stayed on Truman’s Budburst all evening as it’s a cracking session ale.
The pub cat was comfy on a stall and was hardly bothered at all.
Another good Saturday evening had in the Pride.
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A proper East End boozer that miraculously survives mid the gentrification of Brick Lane. I very much enjoyed a pint of Brewer's Gold and the atmosphere was relaxed of a Saturday afternoon. Norwich v Man United was on TV with the sound turned down when the winner takes all, Middlesbrough v Brighton match might have been a better choice but overall, an essential stop off amid the hipster magnets of the neighbourhood.
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A gem of a place, easily missed by the curry hunters and hipster beard types. I only discovered it by walking up Brick Lane at night time! I tried the Brewers Gold and wasn't disappointed. My only disappointment was that I had to travel back to Euston to catch a train. Seemed to be full of people from up north, especially Liverpool on Sunday. Nothing wrong with that just strange being in the East End of London!
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After a very pleasant day in Bury St Edmunds 4 of us ended up in what used to be my old work local up to a couple of years ago.
The Pride in my opinion has always been an excellent “proper” pub with good quality ales and cheap food, this Saturday night visit was no different with 4 ales on. I had several pints of Crouch Vale Brewers gold which were very drinkable.
2 Saturday’s before Christmas and the pub was very busy with hardly any seats remaining inside and the pavement outside being rammed, the crowd was mostly under 30 and what people would call hipsters! Pleasant crowd none the less that helped create the good natured atmosphere.
The pub’s cat was on good form and was certainly getting a lot of attention, he is a good lad.
We stayed until just before midnight without realising how late it was, the other 3 in my party were making their first visit to the Pride and all enjoyed their time here.
9/10
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Excellent old style drinking pub just off Brick Lane.
Four beers on tap with the excellent Brewer's Gold always on and in mint condition - if you like a golden ale why drink anything else.
Nice vibe, and service with a smile provided by the delightful Holly and Violet - with thanks from your 'aging apprentice' I'll be back :-)
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This is a gem of a boozer and a welcome respite from all the curry house hawking on Brick Lane. We go mainly for the Brewers Gold which is almost always perfect - the one time is wasn't, the barrel was changed and our pints replaced without quibble, It's always well staffed so you wont go thirsty for long and the service is friendly and professional. I wish more pubs were like this.
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racking little pub,tucked away just off Brick Lane. Several ales on hand pump myself and my mate both opted for Fullers London Pride. Perfection. Lovely barmaid,very friendly and very reasonably priced compared with others in the area.
Will defiantly be back
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Fantastic pub. I've been going here for many years now and am never disappointed with the beer. The magnificent Brewers Gold is quite something else. I've drunk this in many pubs but this is the best pulled pint of it. The other reason I love this pub so much is that I met my wife to be there last year and that in itself makes this one of our favourite boozers.
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Belated reviews from the mighty U’s narrow defeat to Leyton Orient.
Started in the Pride at 10.40 before moving on the Cock Tavern in Hackney, Leyton Technical, before and after the game (sadly doesn’t have an entry on BITE – wonderful place well worth a visit) then back to the Pride.
Used to go to the Pride regularly in the 1990’s, might have been there in the 2000’s but can’t be sure, either way it was just as I remembered it down to Mary’s pantry next the bar. Started with a Maldon Gold – as it was not yet 11am and it’s from our fair county; moved onto the Truman Penguin which was a wonderful tasty nut brown coloured bitter. Had another pint of the same some hours later before making the traditional trail to a curry house. Great stuff and great to wander round an area I used to work in in the late 1970’s. 7/10
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Arihall, if the beer is not up to scratch, please bring it to the attention of the bar staff, it is not being bolshy at all. Please be assured that our Brewers Gold is delivered fresh from the Crouch Vale brewery every week, but it can rapidly change in taste as it approaches the end of the barrell.
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We always visit the Pride on our frequent trips to London. This is a real pub, the type of which is becoming increasingly hard to find. My only gripe is that the Crouch Vale Brewer's Gold (which we specifically come here for!) was slightly past its best. I would have said something, but the locals seemed to be quite happy with it, so rather than being some sort of bolshy visitor, we quietly supped up and left.
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This is one of my favourite pubs in the whole world. I don't go in as much as I'd like as my boyfriend isn't much of a drinker, but still try and drag my friends there.
Toilets are always cold though!
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In response to the entry by jackturner4819. I was disappointed to read of your experience yesterday and would like to assure you that the response you received last night from one of my staff (not the landlady) was completely contrary to the way I expect them to respond to a request such as yours. My policy is that anyone visiting The Pride of Spitalfields should be served with a perfect pint and any customer concerns should be addressed and a replacement (full) drink offered. I will, of course, be reminding all of the bar staff of what is expected of them when a customer expresses concerns about the quality of the beer provided. In the meantime, it would assist me greatly if you could let me know what time this took place in order that I can identify the staff member concerned.
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Visited with 3 friends today and served with 2 pints of pride slightly off
When asked for a replacement the landlady said we had drunk some so she would only replace what we hadn't drunk. She resented even this. I was amazed - this had never happened to any of us before
Unbelievably poor customer service. Such a shame as we have used this pub a lot over the years
Never again
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An excellent place to spend an afternoon. Well kept Crouch Vale Brewer's Gold for a phenomenally cheap £3.10 a pint. What's not to like?
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Second time here. Beer and atmosphere as good as ever. Top five pub in London.
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Very friendly cat, can't remember his name.
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Went on a monday night for the vinyl club. Absolutely jammed. Quick bar staff. Excellent range of music. Superb real ales. ESB and Crouch gold were top notch. An oasis.
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Tried to visit once before on a Saturday evening and it was so rammed we couldn't even get though the door.
On a Sunday lunchtime it was a lot quieter, though, just people taking refuge from the cold and a crowd of regulars.
Had a pint of Brewers Gold (£3) and Doombar, both which went down nicely.
There's a pulldown screen on the back wall where they obviously show football, but while I was there, people were relying on the old-school art of conversation.
Advertised sandwiches - and £1.50 for a bacon butty sounds very reasonable to me. Would have indulged had we not been off for a curry later.
As people have said previously, a proper old-fashioned London boozer.
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A stones throw from Brick Lane and Old Sptiafields market. And a welcome refuge on a freezing cold day. The entrance is unusual, with the pub tucked away slightly with a cottage like frontage and door . It gives the appearance of being closed. Inside is an unpretentious boozer, mostly patronised with locals on my visit. The walls were covered with many pictures and other items which relate to the history of the local area. I was served a good pint of 'Pride.
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Excellent boozer, sort of place that needs to be preserved. Good, but limited range of ale. Bit cramped when its busy. But a real, old fashioned, character London pub.
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As good as ever last Tuesday ,a real pub in every sense of the word,no frills just good beer and a good atmosphere, a haven from the surrounding madness.
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I tend to visit on a Monday for the 'Vinyl Club' - a group of record lovers who play tunes all night long. And it sounds a lot better know they've upgraded their gear. The best thing though is the Brewers Gold - a nice citrus/hoppy brew which is probably in my 'Top 3' beers. They sell Tayto crisps too. A proper London pub with a very mixed clientele and a huge pub cat.
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Popped in here after an excellent curry at the Eastern Eye in Brick Lane. The pub was buzzing and there were no seats available, obviously a very popular place! It looks like a typical cosy local from the outside and inside feels much the same. Quite a mix of clientele which is how I like it.
I had Fuller's ESB which was very good.
Definately one to return to!
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Convivial respite from the heaving Easter madness of Brick Lane. A warm welcome from staff and regulars alike, who all kindly made room for our multi-generational family gathering of Crouch Vale drinkers. One of those pubs you just don't want to leave.
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Hadn't been here for some time so was pleased to find that it was still busy and still excellent. Popped in for a few pints of Brewers Gold after our famous win at WHU. Bustling little boozer with great staff,very reasonably priced beer and a great mix of clientele - and of course just the place for a beer after (or before even) a curry. 2 Fullers beers and another guest (John Bull) on tap but we stuck with the Brewers Gold. Best pub for miles.
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Always been busy when I've been in here,today was no exception. The Brewers Gold was in very good shape.Excellent pub.
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What happened to the cellarman?
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Annual visit to the Pride last night and it was excellent as always. Brewers Gold was not available but the London Pride was perfect - and prices unbelievably reasonable.
Only dampener was that we didn't get to see Lenny.
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Still a great pub, would recommend to anyone visiting the area. Always a good range of fine real ales available on tap such as Sharpe's Doom Bar, Crouch Vale's Brewer's Gold, and Fuller's London Pride and ESB, including recently a new one called "Black Cab" just right for a fine East End pub. Great service and a fantastic atmosphere. Good honest, inexpensive bar food served during the week day lunch times, and a Sunday roast. Excellent range of Lagers and Ciders, and a fine stocked top shelf and optics for all you spirit drinkers. Prices are very reasonable (�3 a pint?) You won't find that anywhere else in the area. Staff are very friendly and the regulars and clientele are very warm and welcoming. Never any trouble in there - it's just not that type of pub, and not welcome. The Landlady and Staff are very good, and you never have to wait long to be served. Keep up the good work. A great British East End pub. I wouldn't go anywhere else; and seldom do!
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This pub is a little gem. Virtually untouched by the goings on in Brick Lane. Retains the feel of an East End boozer mixing in an eclectic crowd of punters. Service good beers good. Can't ask for more than that. Recommended
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Sorry to hear about the cellarman. I visited recently and the beer, especially the Brewers Gold, was excellant.
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I have been going here for years and was horrified to see a few complaints about the place on here. Been a while since my last visit so went out of my way to go there.
Good to see pub hasnt changed amd my pint was spot on as ever.
If there were problems appears they have been solved. Long live the Pride!
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Popped in for a pint lunchtime today, the Pride was well kept and at �2.90 much cheaper than I'm used to in the City or West End!
A good old fashioned boozer with a friendly east end atmosphere, the food looked good and reasonably proced as well (for standard Pub fare)
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always good atmosphere in & on heneage st......had a pint of brewers gold there tonight & it was superb..thanks!
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Cracking little pub tucked away just off Brick Lane. I only saw it by the hanging baskets outside. L-shaped interior split into two room. 5 ale taps, three of which were on serving Pride, Doombar and Crouch Vale Brewers Gold which was fine and cheaper than I would've expected at �2.99 for a pint. Worth a visit if you're up that way for a curry.
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I wouldn't normally post a response to comments made on websites regarding "The Pride" as people have their own individual views as to what makes a good pub, but i feel that I should respond to the last two reviews . Firstly, I should like to apologise if the beer was not up to the high standards we set for our beer quality. By way of explanation, I should point out that our cellarman, of 25 years, passed away some 6 weeks ago and, as well as mourning his passing, we have had to train a new person for the role. I hope that you will, by now, have noticed a return to the quality that we have always been praised for. If, at any point, you feel that your pint is not up to standard, please feel free to bring it to the attention of a member of staff and we will seek to remedy the situation.
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I've been here twice recently and the beer quality has gone down. ESB had no condition or much taste. Brewers Gold was dull. Locals still a good laugh, and the pub still looks like it's stuck in an early 1980's time warp. Please sort out the beer!
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this pub has gone downhill, still better than anything else in the vicinity, but not what it was, beer quality not good either
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The major plus point about this pub is that the service is charming. However, if you have any kind of breathing difficulties (or claustrophobia), avoid it � the dark, fuggy atmosphere is compounded by hairs from the resident cat, and you will not feel well. The beer was fine, but it would be nice if they stocked better cider (like bottled Aspall).
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Despite having visited the area many times, Saturday was my first visit to the Pride. Tucked away, just off of Brick Lane, it seems out of place among the tacky restaurants and cash and carries. The selection and quality of beers - Brewers Gold, Doombar and London Pride among them - was excellent and not too expensive for the area. The music, excellent though it was, was a little overpowering so we stood outside. As regards complaining neighbours, why live opposite a pub? We went from here to the excellent Lahore Kebab House, where, for the first time, we managed to walk straight in.
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Still good despite local rents going through the roof and every third person on the street like a member of Kajagoogoo. Kajagoogoo looked like c**** first time around and I remember. I visit the Pride to drink the Brewer's Gold and eat pork scratchings with a mate of mine from school. May it never be 'revamped'.
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Excellent pub close to brick lane,busy for the Saturday lunchtime football match. Very good pint of Brewers gold ,everything a pub should be.Highly recommend.
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First time in for about 10 years and its still great.. Why are there not more pubs still like this.
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Bounded into the Pride for another exquisite evening of great beer and convivial conversation. Brewers Gold on top form. Marvellous.
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I've been using this place on and off for 25+ years and I still like it - although I still seem to get lost when trying to find it!
Yesterday they were offering Pride, ESB, Crouch Vale Gold and Doombar. Quality was good, the staff and locals friendly. There were some strange characters there though!
They are having some problems with people who have recently moved in across the road hence the pub, and the street outside, is plastered with signs asking customers to be quiet, not wander across the road, beware cars etc. Doesn't look too pretty but I hope it works!
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Nice little homely cosy pub - as other reviewers have said - its a mixture of old guys who are obviously there every day and the odd bunch of young hipsters/tourists coming in and out. Sat next to the resident cat by the window and watched happily - will be back. Can get busy buts its a nice place.
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Nice little pub the like of which you have to visit on purpose rather than just stumbling upon, which makes for a good atmosphere. Helpful staff.
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Fantastic atmosphere, genuine east end bar staff and a great range of beers add up to near perfection in this superb pub that I consider to be one of the best in London. well worth checking out next time you wander down Brick Lane for a Ruby.
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Arrived here at the end of a Spitalfields pub exploration as laid out In Bob Steel's excellent book of London pub walks. The evening had been a bit of a mixed bag up to this point, but the Pride, tucked just off Brick Lane, ably compensated for any underwhelming establishments already visited - cosy and atmospheric inside, and was delighted to be able to introduce my companions to Essex's finest in the form of Crouch Vale Gold, decent pork scratchings as well. Must pay a return visit soon at the start of an evening's supping to appreciate it even more.
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Lovely pub. Gets packed though.
Don't expect to get a pint of the Brewers Gold after Thursday as it will have run out. You will have to put up with the well kept, but sadly inferior Doombar and Fullers ales. Why they can't scrap the Doombar and get more Brewers, I really don't know.
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Still a shining example of the sort of establishment every publican should strive to achieve. Worth going out of one's way to visit.
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Nice old school pub, staff friendly and customers are mixed bunch... on the beer front, only Brewers gold that interests me as have no time for Fullers, but that doesnt matter because Crouch Vale make a beautiful beer.....
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Nice little no -nonsense boozer convenient for the curry houses on Brick Lane. Very nice pint of ESB. Expensive,mind, as is the way with Fuller's pubs these days.
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Top little eastend boozer near brick lane good pint of brewers gold. Must visit pubs like this while they still survive , to many have disappeared over the years
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Top little eastend boozer near brick lane good pint of brewers gold. Must visit pubs like this while they still survive , to many have disappeared over the years
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Four ales on, and very busy at lunch time. By far the best pub we visited locally. Friendly bar staff, only too happy to help.
Will certainly go back when next in the area.
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A classic East End pub of the type that are sadly now so few and far between. It's the sort of pub you can go into as a stranger and leave as a good friend - there's always someone there to chat to if you happen to be on your own.
The beers are always in top condition (the Crouch Vale Brewer's Gold is superb) and by London standards very cheap.
Not easy to locate. If it's your first time, I bet you walk up and down Brick Lane a few times before you find it!
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Absolutely pouring rain and on our way to Rough Trade records was looking forward to a pint and a chance to dry out.
Very local place - nice service and enjoyed a pint of Doom Bar and the post-Chrismas shopping conversation.
Yet another place this American would love to spend more time to get to know the regulars and sample some of the food.
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Will concur with previous users, this is an excellent little pub and stands out in an area which is largely void of decent establishments. Last visit was on Sunday after following the wife round the local markets and enjoying a decent curry down the Lane.
There was a lively post-market goers crowd in, and the Brewers Gold was superb. Caught the end of the football, for which there is a pull down screen for the ceiling projector, which goes back up as soon as the final whistle goes. And if Spurs had managed to hold onto a two goal lead it would have been a perfect day.
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This pub is just off Brick Lane - an area of London I normally avoid because basically it manages to be both grubby and tacky. The pub itself is tiny - an L shaped room with the bar tucked neatly in the corner and the food counter - "Mary's Pantry" at the far end.
The decor and clientele are most definitely old style East End boozer as is the great value for money menu. Nothing more than �3.50 and old style pub classics like Sausge Chips and Beans or Steak and Kidney Pud. Sandwiches start from �1.30 which in this day and age is nothing short of amazing.
Pride, ESB, Doom Bar and Brewers Gold on tap means the pub also has something to offer the ale drinker. Not sure how long it will survive given the area it's in but this place really is a classic and anyone who appreciate traditional pubs should make an effort to visit.
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Lovely little unspoilt pub, as previous posters have commented it feels almost like sitting in someone's front room. My Brewer's Gold and ESB were both on fine form and the service was quick and friendly.
Unfortunately the clientele on the (Thursday) night we went seemed to consist mostly of baying Shoreditch media-darlings, rather than the Wenlocky mixture of locals and ale-tourists I was expecting. The loud piped music (why??) wasn't helping either, my wife and I had to shout at each other rather than talk, so we ended up leaving after 2 pints. Lovely pub, shame about the clientele and the music.
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Whilst compliments about this pub are deserved given the experiences of friends recently, the previous poster has used a false BITE ID in an attempt to associate me with his comments. I have now left a disclaimer on my BITE profile and will continue to track the account set up under "Newton_Lad". I hereby disassociate myself with any reviews left under this user profile, and the incident has been reported.
I only post reviews about pubs that I have visited in person. I have NOT visited this pub since May 2007, and will comment fairly on my findings on my next trip.
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Bounded into this pub on Friday lunchtime for a long overdue return visit. The pub is unchanged since my last call. Fullers Pride and ESB, Sharps Doom Bar and Crouch Vale Brewers Gold on the pumps. I had two wholly exquisite pints of Brewers Gold.
I did not eat here having eaten earlier but the food looked good - the gentleman sitting next to me had a generous portion of fish and chips on his plate. Looking at the menu board, prices are incredibly cheap - and 'Mary's Pantry' was doing brisk business - people were bypassing the bar and heading straight for the food counter!
There was a relaxed atmosphere in the pub during my visit.
This is an absolute gem of a pub - do visit!
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Brewers Gold and Sharp's Doom Bar on fine form ,this is a real ale enclave with a wonderfully diverse clientele.Great atmosphere,always busy and good music on tape ,it is worth taking a look at the photos around the walls showing various scenes from the London canal system in the days when it was used by commercial craft.A gem of a boozer.
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Popped in on a Saturday lunchtime. Three ales on, as the Brewer's Gold had run out, and all in good form. Welcoming little back street boozer.
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Love this place! - Crouch Vale Gold was sublimely good, highly recommended if around Brick Lane, or east of the City and fancying a decent beer.
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Love this place! - Crouch Vale Gold was sublimely good, highly recommended if around Brick Lane, or east of the City and fancying a decent beer.
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An unreconstructed east end boozer and it deserves points for survival. I remember not that long ago when Brick Lane boasted ten pubs - all now gone, mostly turned into identikit curry houses. It would make a nice refuge from the tourist hoards of Brick Lane if it weren't so very small inside. The chances of getting a seat here are not great, but the beer is good.
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I'm glad this pub is where it is -compare it to the overpriced w**kers bars further up Brick lane. The beer isn't always the best, but it's not bad and the place is friendly. Most of the punters (a mix of arty professionals and eastend survivors) were outside last time we visited, and it was a relaxed atmosphere. A proper pub in a lively area.
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This is a gem of a little pub. Service from the ladies is always cheerful with a decent choice of beers (Doom, Brewers Gold etc). As for the food there is no better value for quality home grub anywhere in London in my view. Roast beef and two veg for three quid. Can't go wrong.
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I have been visiting this pub for over 20 years, they pioneered late opening way before its time ! , London Pride , Doombar, Brewers Gold all in decent Nick as of yesterday . I wish theyd changed that Pickerty Witch cassette though .............
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I hope nothing much has changed as I have to confess that it was some months ago when I was last at this venue, I've only just found my notes. This is a real gem of a place. Good beer in pleasant surroundings served professionally by lady of good humour. What more could one ask for? Well, a cheese and onion sandwich perhaps. Part of the small but traditional pub menu on offer. The sandwiches are freshly prepared and are cut thick with a good filling at a reasonable price. Well deserving of the 8 points I've awarded this place.
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This is a great pub ,a real east end boozer.Busy right through a Friday night ,with a good number of regulars toghether with real ale quaffers and students but no after work suits.New punters popping in throughout the session and I suspect this is a popular watering hole before grabbing a curry in Brick Lane.The beer quality is excellent with Crouch Vale Brewers Gold on top form and shifting in huge quantity.Sharpes Doom Bar also good.The pub interior is small and attractive and it is possible to drink out in the quiet street .There was an excellent Motown music selection playing which added to the lively atmosphere.Very small bar so be patient while waiting to be served.The regulars do get preferrential service but who cares,it great to have a community pub like this still alive and indeed thriving.Most definately worth another visit.
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Quite a bizzare place really. Was being decorated yesterday (only paint I think). About 12 blokes on a walking tour arrived at the same time as me. Beer and service excellent, but not a wide choice. The 4 handpumps had ESB, Pride, Sharp's Doom Bar and Crouch Vale Brewer's Gold.
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I agree with all comments below - well worth a visit. Or 10.
Very curious to try the food.
Long live Lenny the cat (do I remember his name right?)
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Classic old-school back-street London boozer. five ales, Crouch Vale Brewers Gold is apparently a regular and was my choice. In a sidestreet just of Brick Lane in the heart of "Banglatown", I got the curious feeling virtually none of the customers were local. (A mate and I made a detour from Liverpool Street station for old times sake having not been here for a good few years.)
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Great boozer, an oasis from the usual London pub. Excellent ale (Sharp's Doom Bar on our visit), friendly locals and the largest pub cat ever! Only fly in the ointment was my wife's white wine, which would have been good if iot was served chilled. White wine at room temperature - no!
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Brilliant, brilliant pub. Friendly staff and punters, excellent atmosphere, good beer (Doom Bar is a top pint), nice pics on the wall. I could go on. A proper east end boozer, just when you thought they'd all been Shoreditched into submission.
snote - 25 Jun 2008 18:28 |
Small tight boozer, with a great set of well-kept ales (the Crouch Vale Brewers Gold was a real 10/10) and really good atmosphere.
Not easy to find, make sure you go equipped with an A-Z!
Has a stall selling cheap sarnies inside, so no need to move too far if you get the munchies between pints (although of course there a number of splendid curry houses nearby).
We were also subjected to the pub cat (which can sleep through anything) deciding that we were sitting in his space and could we move along please! Who could begrudge him?
I won't run through the Guardianista East End clich�s (but they all apply).
Wonderful place, well worth making the trip. One of London's finest.
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I'm not sure I'd describe the pub as "cavernous" - the previous poster might well be referring to a different pub
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Cavernous pub with big range of real ales.
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Nice traditional pub, no frills just good beer, reading previous posts the selection of ale is standard. The Crouch Vale BG was on good form it must be said. Didn't sample the food but seeing the prices it looks to be exceptional value. Very homely feel, bottles on a picture rail level shelf and an old piano at the rear of the bar.
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I love this pub, it's a lot like the pubs I sat outside as a child! They do a lovely sunday roast which at �5 for lunch and pudding is a bargain. As previous posters have said, it is a bit like sitting in your nan's living room, with the lace curtains etc but it has a lovely atmosphere. There's always a good selection of beer on tap too. Beware, it's tiny and does get rammed sometimes.
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Visited on a damp Thurs evening. The description of this place that always sticks in my mind is that its like someone's front room - particularly the net curtains on the windows (there are even nets on the small windows in the gents). Its a small pub, but I think its become more popular in the last year or two, as there were certainly a few trendies around.
The beer was the same as previous posts - Brewer's Gold, Doom Bar, ESB & Pride. I was on the BG which was in very good condition. So high marks for the beer. Sizeable whisky selection too.
Quality Brick Lane boozer. Has the feel of an east end pub, but is friendly unlike some of the dives you get not a million miles away. If you're in the area, well worth a visit.
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In again last Sunday, this time with the missus for the first time. Decent drop of lager again and found the service fast, polite and friendly. Will continue to use this pub time and time again if it don't change!
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Went in again last Friday. Still a great pub, but did I sense a change of atmosphere/ambience now that there's new staff behind the bar? Other people I was drinking with certainly thought so. Please DON'T change the decor, music or anything else come to that.
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A great little pub, goood ales and excellent atmosphere and really different from the normal commercial barns found in central London
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This is lovely litle pub always felt welcome...
Martian2..Do you no what your talking about? The LANDLADY has had this pub for years so not anothe ex co or car saleman
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great locals pub - good mix of people and the lovely crouch vale brewers gold on regularly. always worth a visit.
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This is the tiniest pub i've ever seen, and the only time i went in there there was only 2 ppl in there! was nice but different.
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I meant to point out what was on the pumps:
Doom Bar
Brewers Gold
ESB
London Prid
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I felt like I was in a small town, back street, local known for it's ales. Is this London, just a somosa throw away from Brick Lane?
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An absolute gem of a pub, which I usually visit whenever I am in the area. Excellent and very reasonably priced sandwiches, Crouch Vale Brewer�s Gold and ESB on tap, a welcoming and friendly atmosphere � that is enough for me to rate thus excellent pub very highly. Easily the best in the area. Definitely recommended for anyone who appreciates decent traditional pubs.
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A little gem unchanged in the 9 years I've known the area. Went back recently to meet a friend and had a some excellent Brewers Gold. Certainly preferable to the Vibe Bar but that was the case back in 2000. I wonder will the local rent hikes see the demise of the place.
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Without a doubt one of the best pubs in London with a great atmosphere and good ales on tap; this is coming from someone who rarely drinks beer!
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Excellent traditional pub just off Brick Lane. It seems like a good mix of regulars and visitors like us. The GBG states 5 hand pumps in use, unfortunately on a busy Saturday night I guess the other two had finished. Disappointingly they were not replaced during the hour we were there. Having said that it was still an excellent pub with Brewers Gold, London Pride and ESB available yesterday. The B/G was in excellent form and had a number of pints during our time there. I too saw 'Lenny' the cat yesterday who looked most comfortable fast asleep on the back of a seat. A small portable TV was showing the FA Cup game in the lounge area back room. We could still see some of it from the bar area.
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Went in here on Saturday night, and expected to find a packed pub, but had no problem finding a seat. The pub was such a contrast to the surrounding area, with almost a 'village pub' feel to it. Lovely ales, friendly (and good-looking!) staff, it's a great place to grab a pint. And it's open till late.
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I came about this great old east end pub about eighteen months ago, it is without doubt the finest pub I've ever come across in all of east London. It is a free house, and serves the finest real ales you can get for miles around. The choices are: Fullers London Pride, and ESB, Sharpe's Doom Bar and not forgetting Crouch Vale's Gold. All the ales are brought in specially. There is also on tap lagers such as Fosters, Krony' 1664, Stella and Strongbow cider plus my own personal favorite keg bitter, John Smith's smooth; the best I've tasted for miles. Adorning the top shelf the greatest selection of single malts I've ever seen and the usual well appreciated spirits to finish off with. The staff are very friendly and make the whole experience well worth the visit, especially the very lovely "Maggie". Even the Barman on a Friday & Saturday evening has a charm that can bring a smile to your face, although his haircut looks like he just stepped off the set of "Goodnight Sweetheart" or from any 1940's pub. That cat "Lenny" must be the most photographed cat of any pub and is a true character in his own right. I'm told his pictures have been all around the World; What a star. This pub gets very busy at the end of the week and at weekends, but if you want fine ales, good food at lunchtime, and a great eastend pub to visit in London; this is the one. Gawd bless ya'
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Another Pub bought by an ex con or an ex London car salesman who wants his own boozer.
No wot i meen guvna.
Crap Hole.
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We were in there last Thursday and nearly didn't go for a curry because of the Brewer's Gold, which in the past has been our downfall....... We bravely struggled away after three pints but that was hard work... best beer in this part of London by a mile..... ho and there was Doom Bar on as well!!!!!
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Great pub, very cosy and welcoming, and fine beer.
Would recommend to anyone
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Well, JohnB, I was very interested in the match that day & had earlier phoned the pub to confirm they were showing it, even though I needed to accelerate my consumption of superb Brewers Gold as Pompey could've scored 3 in the first 2mins, but we held on. BG ran out later on but the Doombar was a very good substitute. ESBecially, the barman I presume you are referring to is from Nottingham, me duck.
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I�m totally smitten with this place. Good, well-kept beers and usually a great mix of friendly folk in there. The coal fire and resident cat sprawled beside it tick more boxes for a cosy pint of a winter evening. The staff are generally very pleasant; look out for the big dark-haired barman who may be a bit short with you but I�m sure he doesn�t mean it and anyway, a pub such as this should have at least one no-nonsense cock-er-nee on the payroll. I went there for a few quiet drinks on my birthday and a big buffet, organised for an earlier party but hardly touched, was lavished on me and my friends. This is a great boozer.
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Fine traditional pub just off Brick Lane, well worth finding. Good pint of Crouch Vale Brewers Gold yesterday afternoon, but why did they suddenly pull down the big screen for the footy yesterday afternoon ( Portsmouth v Man City ) when nobody in the pub seemed remotely interested in watching it ?
I drank up and left - what a pity
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Dropped on this place yesterday while looking for a watering hole around Brick Lane prior to the curry feast. Found it after a quick bottle bar place further up the street. The Pride is a gem of a place - landlord very chatty and obliging, the ales on selection were great and to good order and the locals friendly enough while the Sunday afternoon 'footie' was in full swing. I'll go back to this place. It struck me as odd that there's no big boozer on the Brick Lane to steal the market before the visiting public go off and curry themselves? and then I found this place. Well happy, nice place, proper boozer.
Mcloj - 29 Oct 2007 10:22 |
Great pub, good atmoshpere, friendly staff, and a very friendly landlady. Infact my husband found her so friendly and loved this great pub so much he now lives there!
anonymous - 10 Sep 2007 22:42 |
We stumbled across this gem whilst searching for a pre curry pint (or three).
We were joined by the pub cat who monopolised one of the few seats inside... but who would begrudge a local his chair!
Nice relaxed atmosphere of regulars and passers by drinking outside. The selection of ales was good.
Not sure if this is a regular occurance but at some point the landlady whipped round with some plates of party sausages and roast potatoes! A good aperatif if you ask me!
Thouroughly recommended!
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Pleasant boozer, good beer, good for sport.
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Pleasant traditional pub this. Decent value sandwiches. Surprisingly civilised given that it is within crawling distance of Liverpool St. Stn. Brewer's Gold a welcome pint. A good starting point if you're out for a Brick Lane curry. Good finishing point too, come to think of it.
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Excellent session last night. Brewer's gold was on superb form, and the atmosphere was buzzing. Staff and locals alike were friendly and relaxed. Although only stopping for 2 pints it would have been easy to settle in for the entire evening and finish on an ESB!
Recommended - a hidden treasure.
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Big screen showing cricket replay Sat pm with volume way too loud, but Brewers Gold still exceptional.
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Outstanding. Buzzy, busy, but not overcrowded yesterday at 13:30, and everyone happy and chatting! Crouch Vale Brewers Gold, Sharp's Doom Bar, Pride, ESB & lots of old pump clips suggesting good rotation policy but the Brewers Gold which I found delicious (light fruity summer ale) is a constant. 'Mary's Pantry' next to the bar is dispensing down-to-earth grub at silly prices mostly <�3, eg Ham,Egg,Chips �2.50. The place has a couple of pavement tables outside & an upright piano in the corner; don't know whether they ever get a knees up-going of an evening! If you want to eat on the hoof, the Beigel bakery is toward the north end of Brick lane and their salt beef beigel or sandwich with mustard & pickled cucumber is heavenly.
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Friendly community pub, with excellent beer quality- both the Sharp's Doom Bar and the Brewer's Gold spot on.
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Really liked this pub,but I think that part of the mystique is that you need an A-Z to work out here it is -I'd walked down Brick Lane many times without knowing its whereabouts...(let me get my tunes on-its loud and the brandy has stopped kickin in)
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My first visit today for a couple of years [I had a 'bad experience', now history]. Nice to report the pub is mostly unchanged - and I was a regular here in the mid-80s - and the beer was in good form. Crouch Vale Brewers Gold is a lovely beer.
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quiet friendly local - well worth a deviation for
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Be warned - it is very small and quite a locals pub
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Excellent find just around the corner from Brick Lane. Very welcoming pub which had a good selection of real ales including Brewer's Gold. The Gold was excellent and well kept. Popped in for a swift pint but ended up having five and that was before we had our curry.
Even played Chas and Dave Tottenham songs. Enough said.
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Believe it's a free house, but there were two fullers beers, brewers gold and another guest beer. You'd never have thought someone tried to burn the place down - looks like it's been untouched for decades. Brewer's gold is their best pint, and it's hard to leave the place once you've started on it.
Top marks JN
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Is this a Fuller's pub???
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A fine old Fuller's pub with a broad customer base. Handy for unwinding after ringing at Christ Church Spitalfields, and before heading down Brick Lane for a curry...
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Just off Brick Lane and the best bet for a pint before a curry. A proper pub with good beer and a decent atmosphere. You can also watch football on the large screen if that's your thing.
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Proper boozer.. Very rare. Shame about the ever increasing stinking area surrounding it. It's a very busy area so why not clean it up?
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Came in after a curry. Could have sat at the bar all night chatting to Maggie the barlady. Great boozer. Decent pint of Guinness. Will definitely return.
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A good old pub. When I went there was a mix of customers from old men talking about their national service days to local primary school children!! Most were familiar with each other and there was a nice atmosphere. Pleasant bar staff and good beer, Brewers Gold, ESB, London Pride, and Sharp's Doombar. Lots of black and white photos on the walls and wood panelling with a collection of dusty old beer bottles on. It hasn't been 'gentrified' yet. I'll definitely return.
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A friend recently suggested this pub to meet in and upon arrival it was like finding gold. I have been back several times since. The real ales are well looked after. The only downside is that it is on the small side and can get very cramped (and very smoky) in the evening.
Any place that can serve a good pint of London Pride gets my vote - and the Brewers Gold is a definite bonus. 8/10
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A rare, unspoilt gem tucked away in an area which now has more akin to Dhaka than East London. Don't get me wrong, I love the vibrancy of the Asian culture in that district, but sometimes all you need is a simple, decent, honest London boozer that serves a cracking pint: and the Pride delivers on all fronts. I find it friendly, down-to-earth and despite its basic interior, clean and in good order. I agree that the Brewers Gold is excellent every time. I must make a date to visit this pub again soon.
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Excellent Brewer's Gold and a v good single malt whisky selection. I don't really know this area to compare it to other local pubs but the staff seemed friendly enough. Okay but not more than 7/10 at a push.
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ok pub?
best in the East London vicinity but don't tell everyone because it is not that big.
how long can this place stay in place?
anonymous - 21 Sep 2006 01:02 |
A proper pub with well kept beer. 10/10
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Visited on 06/07/2006 whilst shopping near Brick Lane. The Brewer's Gold was in perfect condition and the fire to this pub some years ago does not seem to have left a mark.
Will visit again with friends, stay longer, and do a more in-depth review in the future. So far, it is excellent and gets a good 9/10.
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After the real-ale desert of East London this was a superb place to stumble over. A very good range of ales in a comfortable little pub in a sidestreet only stumbling distance from the restaurants of Brick Lane, and almost overshadowed by the old Truman Brewery.
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Brilliant old style boozer with a great selection of ales and a genuine, friendle feel aabout it. Can't beleieve I only stepped foot in this place a couple of weeks ago for the first time. Would recommend to anyone who emjoys pubs. Why not combine it with a visit to Whitechapel Market on a Sunday. Also does food.
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Splendidly traditional pub - a bastion of Englishness in what the Guardian would no doubt refer to as "an area of rich cultural diversity"
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hi annie its Billy (Bill Hirst Kerrys friend)great to readabout the pub, im still here in georgia (ex russia) what we need is real beer, next time home will definatley call in and see all and have the beer. keep up the good work everybody seerms to rate it so CHEERS
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Despite the slightly patronising review below, I have to whole-heartedly agree that this place is brilliant. But how can I say that, whilst still keeping it hidden?!
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This is about as authentic as it comes, without being on the set of Eastenders. The landlady is a Gem, about as close a match to Babs Windsor as you'll find, the beer's good, the atmosphere's good and the night out is good.
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Marvellous local's local. Thoroughly unpretentious and cosy with ferociously loyal regulars from all walks of life and backgrounds. Loads of (mostly) well kept real ales. On a recent visit I was delighted to see that it had changed not one jot despite a firebombing attack by some broke-brained nutball.
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Brilliant little 50's timewarp pub- it's cheap and it's a great alternative to all the trendy media type bars which otherwise populate Brick Lane if you fancy a nice quiet pint pre or post ruby
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Bugr'it, though this pub was the best kept secret EVER. Fantastic pub despite being a bit out of character for the area. Only place for miles that regularly does Crouch Vale beer.
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Good honest pub, small but friendly with excellent beers. Fullers ESB was delicious and several others to choose from. Crowded of a Friday evening.
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A lovely local boozer, hidden down a side street off Brick Lane (great curries, obviously, but also the greatest bagel place - 24 hour opening!).
The pub sells a good range of beers, particularly considering it's small bar.
Very cosy
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Top Pub, Serves the best pint of beer in the area and the service and ambience is amazing. Place feels like someones front room. But is popular with both locals and people out for a curry in adjacent Brick Lane. If you fancy a quick pint before or after you madras this is the place to go. Great whisky selection too. Counted at least 15 different sinle malts.
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The best pub in London full stop since the nearby Lord Rodneys Head becamne a Funki Monkey some time ago. Even the heavy smoke (or the massive Police clientele) cannot put you off the finest London Pride you can taste. This is the pub I first introduce non-Londoners too. And then you =can go off and have a Ruby in nearby Brick Lane!
anonymous - 10 Sep 2005 01:39 |
Fantastic east end boozer just off Brick Lane, full of great people of all ages. Real ales and pub food all at reasonable prices. Well worth a visit.
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first visit in a while - superb friendly pub, beer range seems larger than previously, full of nice people having a good time, only sour point the ventilation could be better for us non-smokers.
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Great little place and the beer was as good as I'ved tasted. Like being in a timewarp.
anonymous - 1 Aug 2005 13:52 |
ssshhhh dont tell anyone about this place.
if you havent been there it's rubbbish, honest.
derry - 27 Jul 2005 13:28 |
I have been drinking in the Magic Pub for years. (My mates call it that for reasons I always seem to forget!) Small and a tad smokey, but a PROPER pub and God knows there aren't many of them left!
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Just a great pub. Found it by accident about 10 years ago and have been telling people about it ever since. Terrific beer, warm welcome, nice outside during the summer, cosy inside in winter and, like someone else has said, handy for picking up an onion bhaji or samosa on the way to/from. One of the best.
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One of the last bastions of a community & culture in retreat.A priceless place where the beer was impeccable (Crouch Vale) and the company genuine & friendly. A perfect haunt to reflect on by-gone East End days.
mally - 21 May 2005 18:57 |
What an excellent find, a gem, a salt of the earth clich� etc.
Seriously, a very warm trad cockernee pub with no tat or pretentions and a great mix of people. Even mad old man.
Loved it.
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visited this pub on trip to brick lane - really impressed. Lovely cozy interior, loud glam rock music, and a fantastic pint of Brewers Gold. Several people i have mentioned it to have raved about it also!
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quality pint....interesting place worth a visit, no party girls or loud mad man on our visit so a little dissappointed...Visit again in the summer!
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Perfect antidote to the gash chain bars to be found in the city. It's small, it's slightly shabby, there is as mentioned below the odd crazy bloke talking to himself.. but the quality of the ale is second to none (they regularly rotate the guest beers), and the staff could not be more welcoming (even to 'suits'.) It's a unique place. Take a walk down there at lunchtime stopping on the way to pick up an onion bhaji or two from one of the shops on Brick Lane - perfect.
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The most down to earth pub within walking distance of the City. It's another world. Only go if you never feel self-conscious wearing a suit.
The beer they serve is of very high quality. It is a pub mainly populated by "regulars".
There was a particularly mad man in there once. He drank whiskey chasers with every pint and kept talking loudly to himself.
Camra recommend the pub as a traditionally friendly east-end local.
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