The Cat and Mutton, Hackney

Never been in there, but as it's always chocka with all the trendy types of the like that clog up The Dove down the road, it won't be anytime soon. Appears to be a gastropub that's favoured by anyone with a three wheeled pram, especially on the aforementioned Farmers Marker day when the trendy types descend to pur-chase their organic enemas for �12.50/kilo...get yourself to a real boozer like The Dolphin where you may *gasp* see some people that don't look like you!

21 Jun 2006 19:50

The Dove, Bethnal Green

Back in '96 it was a real find, probably one of the best pubs in London, a ramshackle bohemian affair that really came into it's own during the long dark winter months when you could grab a table and put the world to rights over a lovely pint of Winter Warmer, socialising amongst some fairly varied clientele.

Fast forward a decade and ten years of the influence of all the 'new money' flooding into Hackney is apparent. They've needlessly done up the interior, presumably to pander to the wealthier tastes of their target demographic, which is a homogenised bunch of professional yuppies.

That said, the selection of beers is excellent and the kitchen does provide better than average pub fare. In short, go there if you want to discuss loudly your latest webstart-up, second-home conversion, vegan yoga meditation course 'cos it's like so kewwwl & trendy, whilst supping a trappist monk bottled beer ;-)

21 Jun 2006 19:42

The Dolphin, Hackney

Rockin' boozer with varied clientele, a plethora of tv screens, amazing tiled walls, thread-bare cushion covered stalls...in short a pub with character. In the new age of relaxed licensing laws, you have the added bonus that it never seems to close! Well, maybe I'm a lightweight but I've never *had* to leave because it's closing but staying open to 4am on Fri/Sat nights seens to be the norm for those of a thirsty disposition.

A popular karaoke night (although best taken in irregular doses) and good djs on others (laptop, vinyl & cds) means it tends to become rammed when other places have closed for those stumbling home, drawn like a moth to flame for that proverbial 'one last drink'...

There's a couple of downsides, no real ale (presumably because it's too much trouble to keep, like alot of other places) and only the usual mass produced lager shite, which, shall we say, has a variable consitution at times. Stick to the Guinness and you won't be disappointed but don't expect anything if you taste buds demand more exotic alcohol beverages.

21 Jun 2006 19:05