The Windsor Castle, Lower Clapton

Real hackney I guess, 4 screens showing the FA Cup semi, smattering of West Ham nutters, solitary men staring into space, an animated dominos game, mainly men but a group of four women arrived, a mix of black and white. No real ale but 'real' enough in every way, if you can make the trip

25 Apr 2006 22:50

The Cat and Mutton, Hackney

The new Cat and Mutton was a plus for Sunday Roast, very much an improvement on the old Cat and Mutton. I only visited twice but it was drab. Personally I enjoy the traditional type boozer, and my 'local' in Bow is one of these, but I welcome the odd 'gentrified' PUB where I can go with Partner and child. I live in Central Hackney and we are surrounded by local, mainly Irish Pubs. I am happy to have a pint in most of these and have done so (mainly for the football), but as a middle class (I am a nurse in the nhs) lad I happen to enjoy a pint of real ale in a more gentrified atmosphere, i.e Pembury, Eclipse, Pub on the Park. On the whole I welcome most middle-class influences in Hackney.

2 Apr 2006 20:15