The Spurstowe Arms, Hackney

This is my nearest pub and it is a vast improvement on the old geezer's drinker it was before (although you could guarantee a lock in most nights).

The beer is well kept and they do a lovely pint of Landlord. Point taken about the trendification of the place, but that's Hackney all over, and moaning about the clientelle is a bit like complaining about how young coppers are these days - it shows your age.

The food has been very acceptable when I've been in there. It is slightly pricey, and they'll have to up their game with the Prince Arthur offering a more refined version around the corner, but it's not bad.

It also has a beer garden, decking area out the back.

22 Jul 2008 13:07

The Pub on the Park, London Fields

I have to agree with the majority of reviewers about both the bar staff and the badly kept ale. There is very high turnover of staff, which is never a good sign. The ale is so average that it's better to stick to lager in there.

The setting is the making of the pub, and on sunny afternoon, it's a lovely place to relax on the decking or sit out in the park (although if you're doing that, you may as well just buy some tinnies). Weekends can be crazy there, although like all pubs, it's less busy since the smoking ban.

22 Jul 2008 12:46