please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A right dump. Landlord really odd insisted we put our coats behind the bar, no idea why, gents toilets stank despite there being no actual toilet there, really busy on saturday night only 2 people working behind the bar for ages took 15 mins to get served, left early.
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I know it looks a bit grim from the outside. But anywhere with foil wallpaper and lurid orange interior lighting is special in my book. Upsides aplenty: live jazz old-man band, good ale selection, healthy mix of punters, good outdoor space and nice canal-side location.
Downside: why the hell do they refuse to sell tapwater? And yes, the landlord is occasionally a bit hard to handle. Overall though a nice feel to it. Enjoyed many a summer evening laying out on the grass with a few pints, enjoying the music from the little old guy on a mobility scooter parked under one of the trees, who brings his tapedeck with him for all to enjoy. Lovely.
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Overall, this is a very special pub.
Great atmosphere, well-kept ales, and a fairly unusual location in the middle of Mile End park.
They *do* seem to have a bit of a problem with people carrying bags. Even small shoulder bags. I can't quite work out what the issue is, and they wouldn't really explain, but they definitely don't like it.
Also, the prices tend to be on the high side of random.
But when you hear the remarkable jazz singing on a Friday or Saturday night, these oddities just fade into the background. Well worth a visit.
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...an update following my visit to Radiohead's gig and specifically this pub.
It does indeeed have a very, very old till and some tiny musical instruments on a tiny stage (as if ready to welcome a miniature Chas & Dave tribute band). It was cold outside in the garden area. Admittedly, blame for this cannot be directly attributed to the pub landlord but a complete absence of garden furniture, parasols, heaters etc... was a shame and could have helped. It also has the tiniest gents urinal facility (ok for the mini in-house band perhaps, but I struggled) and no actual male flushing toilet apparent (there must be one somewhere). I couldn't tell which of the three middle-aged chaps in cheap tailored shorts was the boss. They all seemed equally glum but didn't throw me out for any random issue.
All in all, it served a purpose but it's a fantastic building in a great setting and could do with a bit of love and attention.
I'm never going there again though, because I don't live anywhere near it.
Radiohead weren't up to much either, that night.
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1 pint of (yuk) carlsberg = 3.40... not that cheap for an east end pub! And I agree the order price can vary somewhat... get rid of the "open all hours" till (or keep it for display purposes only)!
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this is more of a preview, really.
i'm looking forward to visiting this pub next week as it's near the Radiohead gig.
reading the reviews, it would seem that this landlord can't add up, refuses to serve tap water, short changes people, won't tolerate a non-drinker, is stroppy and doesn't like rucsacs one little bit. he's also a great guy and shouldn't be slandered in this way.
on balance, it would seem he's a bit of a tossbag, but I'll be happy to report back on my findings next week, readers....
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Can confirm the landlord doesn't like serving tap water. I have reported him to trading standards, who will be paying a visit soon. Else a fine pub and fine beer, even if the guv is a bit stroppy.
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The Palm Tree is a pretty cool place, especially when the jazz is playing. The most annoying thing about it though it the random pricing and over pricing. The middle aged guy with brown hair (who i think is the landlord) is the worst. On a few visits i have placed the same order and never received the same price, it could vary by 2-3 pounds on an order of 3-4 drinks.
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hasher10
dinkums.
tombs - 20 Mar 2008 12:53 |
I am part of a social running group called hash house harriers. We always run from and back to a real ale pub. After the run we all drink in the pub therefore bringing in alot of money to the pubs concerned. I live in East London and thought that since this pub was CAMRA nominated would mean that it would a great pub. This was not the case.
When I arrived a asked for a glass of water which I was refused. Despite running from alot of pubs in London I ahd never had this reaction before. I am now told that it is a legal requirement to give someone a glass of water if asked. I did not want bottled water.
The landlord also then asked our group if we thought that the pub was some sort of hosterl or that it was a charity for our benefit. I'm not sure where this very rude comment came from but some in our group had ordered drinks. If he had taken timeto find out more about us he would have found out that we were going to spend alot of money on drinks after the run. I will not be visiting this pub again.
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Fine old fashioned traditional pub by the canal approx half a mile from Mile End Tube Station. Has that classic "don't go in on your own" look from the outside, but do, you won't regret it. Note the splendid gold wallpaper - well you can hardly miss it !
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just heard that the palm tree got voted pub of the year for the london area out of 2500 pubs. Well deserved and about time too. The pub is one of the areas unsung heroes and as one of the pubs regulars I have always found the bar staff to be amongst the best and as for the slur on the landlord you had better get your facts straight pal as the landlord is one of the most straight up guys you would meet and i can assure you would not risk his reputation for tuppence
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i agree there's something seriously old school about the Palm Tree. I have drunk there many times and would/do not trust the bar tender but this adds to the authenticity in many ways. It's a proper East End joint.
The jazz played by the oldies who roll out on weekends is just sweet - great to be around even though I'm one of the 'Shoreditchy' types that probably herald the end of the place's authenticity.
such is life...
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Been to this place a couple of times, it has a great location by the canal, and the atmosphere is quite pleasant.
However last time the landlord tried to shortchange us. In the end he did give us the correct change, but this wasn't the first time, it happened with a friend before, he even tried it with other customers the same evening. Bizarre, not as if the place seems struggling. Shame as the other bar staff seemed nice, but I won't be returning.
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Brilliant. Alf & Val are still listed as landlords of this quite wonderful proper pub. Classic decor and fantastic Mighty Oak, in a beautiful isolated park location. How has this avoided attention for so long. Only caveat - pub overrun by the sort of custom you expect to see in Stoke Newy or the Camel, but still had to fault.
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This was run by Alf and Val for many years. They had a daughter called Kerry and a son called Paul. I would love to know if they are still there. In the days when I drank in there we had a guy called George who owned a television shop and a mad guy called Dudley who used to sell insurance. We would all drink until the very early hours (Before all day drinking). Needless to say this went on almost daily. Alf worked as a docker years ago and left the docks due to an accident. Both he and his wife Val were very nice people and the children were exactly the same. Both very well mannered and working people. Kerry used to date a guy called Mark Smith and she was a very good singer and sometimes sung in the pub. Paul, on the other hand was trying to break into the stock market and was doing ok the last time I saw him around twenty years ago. I don't know what happened to Dudley but I do know that George has his own business and is doing very well running his own news agency supplying news to the national tabloid. He is now based in Bedfordshire with his Staffordhire Bull Terrier Dexter. This old-style beer-shop has got to be worth a ten rating. This was one of the first pubs in the East End to put on good live music not once a month but several times a week. The surrounding areas have changed so much but it would appear that this place is still the same. Spot on.
anonymous - 27 Jul 2007 01:14 |
What a magical place.....like stepping back in time to a place where people still respect each other and welcome even strangers like us....we will be back....
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I find the comments by anonymous 28 Jun 2007 09:38 totally out of place. The Palm Tree can best be described as the the best kept secret in the East End. In relation to the incident mentioned I can confirm that the account given is not entirely what happened(I will say no more on for it might embarass those who chose to complain in this way) and should not deter you from visiting what is a lovely pub with locals who are as friendly as one might expect a local to be...
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Visited this weekend, Great pub, Brilliant music and friendly bar staff. We had a great time. Can totally recommend it!
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Great pub, only been there twice but have had no problems with the staff, found the atmosphere very friendly.
Only thing I would put against it is the selection of tap lagers is terrible: Fosters, Carlsberg & Stella.
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Good start to the afternoon soon ruined by the landlord. 3 separate orders wrong and all blamed on the customer with the instruction to "pay or leave". After spending 4 hours there and not an insignificant amount of money a request for tap water was refused. This somehow resulted in what can only be described as assault on the part of the landlord. Wow. I've never experienced anything like it.
anonymous - 28 Jun 2007 09:38 |
Visited early Friday evening. Fairly busy without being crowded. Old fashioned sort of pub (this is meant as a compliment) with two good beers on handpump from Arundel and Wyre Piddle breweries. Friendly and efficient bloke behind the bar and I bumped into an old mate who bought me a pint!
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Great time warp pub from the seventies. Decor and bar fittings a delight. Landlord very friendly and keen to top our beer to the top. The two real ales were first class and there is a full range of other largers, Guiness etc. Our visit was on a quiet afternoon, looking forward to an evening visit.
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A lovely place to spend a few hours and enjoy the guest beers.
Has been confirmed as East London & City pub of the year too. Congratulations!
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Stopped in this canalside pub for a pint on my cycle home. Nice inside, with flamboyant gold wallpapaer, but the real draw was the outside, where it was very pleasant indeed to sip my drink on the grass by the canal.
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On myt latest visit the bar staff were extremely friendly. General atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant. A must to visit.
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The beginning of friday night with friends, very happy to be at the place like this where people aged 18 - 88 are listening to great Frank Sinatra etc. music. Sounds like great evening, doesn't it? Not necessarily.... One of staff members came to me and told me to go and buy a drink or leave 9i took a break as i usually do not like to be drunk)- just like this - i was absolutely suprised and reacted with the finger (shame on me!) so then he grabbed my arm and started to make fuss of all the situation... Can you imagine??? Maybe I overeacted but he is the one who works there.... It was my first and last time at this place and obviously last time for my friends - there are many other places....
anonymous - 19 Jan 2007 12:57 |
A time machine in Mile End Park of all places, well I never, it is like stepping back to 1975. For real ale lovers don't despair, there are two handpumps, which on my visit served Adnams Bitter and Itchen Valley Godfathers. So put on your flares and platform shoes and head down to E3.
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Heaven
timby - 20 Nov 2006 23:24 |
I'd heard great things about this place so called in for a pint whilst walking home along the Regents Canal. I was subsequently baffled to be refused service because I was carrying a small rucsac (we're talking a small day pack here - large enough to contain a jacket and a bottle of water and that's about it)(and I certainly wasn't drunk or disorderly or especially badly dressed). What next? "Sorry darling - we can't serve you, you've got a handbag?" A shame because what little I heard of the jazz starting up sounded great. Unimpressed - and quite frankly confused!
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This is a great pub. It has a nice blend of old locals, students, young couples and decent local and recently moved to the area people. The beer is not too exspensive and it is a great place to drink in the summer as it is by the canal and a fair bit of green. The music is also at a reasonable level so you can have a conversation too. The best thing is, is that some how all the sections formentioned who frequent here also get along well. Top pub!
LOL81 - 12 Jul 2006 22:36 |
Amazing pub. Huge red velvet drapes. Decadent feel. Autographed photos of past jazz legends who have played here. Friendly service and top beer.
Tucked away in the park.....worth the trip out east specifically to visit.
anonymous - 31 May 2006 17:36 |
Cracking pub. Friday night is always top notch. Free jazz, nice ladies and the old skool East End crew. Possibly the best pub in the East End.
anonymous - 23 Jan 2006 13:30 |
always was a good pub, even back in the seventies, Had plenty more competition then though;
Ie:the " aberdeen arms" Opposite, By the traffic lights. And the " beehive" On the canal bridge
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Strolling along Regent's Canal we had a beer break at The Palm Tree in Mile End Park. A public house from the 1930s with heavy curtains at the windows. Nice decoration with china and flowers. Friendly reception and a few real ales in perfect condition. Music from Michel Bublé in the backgroun. Three palm trees outside the pub.
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Saw Oona King on the campaign trail in here before the general election. She called George Galloway a bastard. Great. And the pub is nice, especially on a hot summer's day when you can take your beer and sit by the canal.
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I feel guilty about writing this as I'd rather the crowds didn't come. But the Palm Tree is just such a great place to go for a few beers that people ought to know. Fri, Sat & Sun are jazz nights when the old crooners come out from the East End to bash out jazz classics until turfing out time (whenever that might be) The whole ambience of the place epitomises the East end's former glory days, faded, vibrant and friendly. You can't go wrong.
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Great Pub, but doesn't do food.
however does do open mike Jazz.
Be sure to get along to see Reg Webb on Bank Holiday Monday
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Cant agree more with comments posted so far - an oasis in what is a desert for decent non-theme 'pubs'. Good service, good beer, good luck to 'em...
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Blimey - and I thought the good old eastend boozer had died with the encroachment of the poncy gastro pubs! Went there last night to find myself caught up in the midst of a Christmas knees up - carols and good cheer aplenty! I have only lived in the vicinity for a couple of months but in that time have managed to visit the majority of pubs in the area and this is by far the best, mainly because it has so much character, something often lacking these days. Would recommend it to anyone - especially on a Saturday night when the aging crooners take a turn on the mike!
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The best pub in London, bar none. Live jazz, great atmosphere, good beer, and a good mix of locals and students keep the place at the top of my favourites list.
10/10, every time
Ted - 27 Jul 2004 13:59 |
This is undoubtedly a belter I have to say. I have nothing to add to these other comments. Not the best full picking up chicks though.
Dickboy - 27 Feb 2004 12:32 |
Yeah, this is a winner. Old folks and younger folks in the same place at the same time. Jazz standards sung by walk-ons. Nice location.
Larry Edelstein - 7 Jan 2004 05:39 |
Best Boozer in London! Amazing wallpaper, and fantastic oap jazz band to boot, a real treasure...
miss - 6 Jan 2004 19:26 |
this pub is my absolute favorite in london because it at once represents all that is good about british pubs whilst totally eschewing the norm in location and atmosphere. Its got everythig you could want (unless you are looking for annoying people, crappy slot machines, or terrible dukeboxes). Its hard to find for the novice but this only makes it more desirable to those of you who are looking for a safe haven from the london streets.
nils davey - 6 Jan 2004 17:36 |
an excellent boozer, without doubt truly underrated. I write with trepidation but for fact that every diamond deserves to get found out in the end. gorgeous central bar dividing longue and saloon, red velvet and orange lamps, freindly family who run it, top sandwiches, striking building, great outdoor space (a whole park), considered music (if jazz heavy), knees up on a saturday night and clean as a whistle to boot. so good im doing a daytime party there nov 16th all welcome. sandwiches and peanuts a-plenty.
annie davey - 27 Oct 2003 23:11 |
Smack bang in the middle of Mile End park, right next to the canal. This is a proper east london boozer with a lounge and public bar with men playing dominoes. It's best enjoyed in summer due to its location. The pub is on its own in the park, but looks like it might have belonged to a street once apon a time, WW2 bomb damage I guess, but it makes for a interesting building!
Dominic - 7 Aug 2003 18:13 |
