All about the Beer 78

What's good about East London?

The Brouge, Strawberry Hill (Rating 7.7) TW2 5NG

I have driven past this pub/diner a million times, mostly heading from the A316 to home. Never had the opportunity to stop. So, today, I have walked from Teddington to arrive without a steering wheel to compromise my outing. It is a bit smaller than I imagined. It boasts 18 beers but actually only two of those are ever real and today only one hand pump is working. It is Twickenham Naked Ladies and it's 13.0 Celsius, so I am happyish. It has screens in strategic places but it's tennis not GP so my concentration on the beer is unimpaired. Nobbie’s Nuts compliment the Ladies, so all is well. The best in the area is The Prince of Wales in Strawberry Hill. You can have a quality Wainwright Amber there.

The Carpenter’s Arms, Marble Arch (Rating 8.1) W1H 7NE

I happened to visit here about 5pm on a Friday and there were as many people standing in the street as there were inside. The pub isn’t large but offers three ales including Harvey’s Sussex Best which was served well. I liked the atmosphere and the beer and will definitely go again. The Royal Oak and The Portman are also good pubs in the same postcode.

Jolly Sailor, Norwood Junction (Rating 9.5) SE25 6EB

This is a home fans pub for Crystal Palace. A board on the pavement implies that until recently CP supporters were denied real ale. Maybe now that the club are champions, they are rewarded with two quality ales. They have a choice of Harvey's Sussex Best and Wadworth 6X. As 6X is as common in London as hen's teeth, I am having a pint. It is served at 18c and the taste is truly marvellous. I surmise that the pub has had a fairly recent overhaul and is very smart. I can tell you now that I will return and bring my pal Richard with me. He lives just two miles away. Who new that South Norwood was so interesting? Not me, but I do now. I will also bring Paul and Travis from Perth, WA when they visit next year. This is a top five pub in the South East. It made my day. If you haven’t been here yourself, it is definitely worth an outing. There are days when I fear I have pretty well been to most if not all London’s really good pubs already. I see that four of my top 20 have been discovered this year – this one included – so there may still be some undiscovered gems out there.

The Woodbine, Waltham Cross (Rating 8.3) EN9 3QT

I am on the very edge of London. Technically, where I am sitting is several metres into Epping Forest. It only took two and a quarter hours to get here, over half on foot. It is a popular hostelry, particularly on a Sunday lunchtime. The interior is homely and pleasant. The landlady is very helpful and friendly. There are five ales and stouts. I'm having a smoky stout from the New River Brewery which must be regarded as a local brewery. The beer is called Blind Poet and boasts 4.5% ABV. It is served at 15c. I'm enjoying the beer and the place. I can’t tell you about any nearby pubs.

Crutched Friar, Fenchurch Street (7.3) EC3M 2AE

I was going to write that it is a classic City pub as opposed to a City Pubs corporate pub but it is owned by Nicholson. It offers seven ales, most of which are classic offerings. I'm having Harvey's Sussex Best and I am impressed that I have it in a branded glass. I am less impressed with the temperature but Harvey's is mostly wonderful, so I am coping. Nicholson are sometimes very good about beer temperature but here they are not. The other good pubs in EC3 are Hoop & Grapes (also a Nicholson), Craft Brew Co and The East India Arms.

Pint of the Week: Reel Ale (4% 16c) outside the Little Green Dragon, Winchmore Hill, N21. It is a bitter but has a light brown colour. It is very tasty and drinkable. I broke my own rule and had a second pint.

What’s good about East London?

I am not a huge sports fan but the London Stadium and the Olympic Velodrome are two of the most outstanding buildings plus the Tower of London (of course) with an E or EC in the postcode. There are also some very good pubs. Three are outstanding and feature in my Top 20 for the whole of the City. The Pride of Spitalfields, The Nag’s Head and The Lord Tredegar are the three in question. Here is my quick guide to the Districts:

E1 – I have visited 17 pubs in this postcode. The best are the Pride of Spitalfields, the London Hospital Tavern and William’s Ale & Cider House. Each has an interesting range of beers. E2 – The Marksman is the outstanding pub but The Hare, Royal Oak, Dundee Arms and Carpenters Arms are also very good. E3 – Remarkable’s The Lord Tredegar is outstanding. The Morgan Arms and The Crown are also good. E4 - I have only been to two pubs and the Royal Oak can be commended. E5 – The Anchor & Hope is very special (alongside the River Lee) and The Elderfield has charm. E6 – The Boleyn is the only pub I have found and it is good. E7 – has the Holly Tree and The Forest Tavern both of which are very good. E8 – boasts The Cock, The Prince George and The Pembury Tavern. E9 – has the Royal Inn on the Park which is outstanding plus the Chesham Arms. E10 – has four pubs, three of which are very good – The Leyton Engineer, William IV and the Coach and Horses. E11 – There are five good pubs here, the best of which are North Star and Duke. E12 and E13 are unexplored. E14 – incorporates Limehouse and Canary Wharf. There are four good pubs. The Gun is the best but The Grapes and Craft Beer Co are also very good. E15 & E16 are missing in action. E17 has a very mixed bag but The Nag’s Head is outstanding and Village is also very good. EC1 – There are three excellent pubs here. Craft Brew Co in Farringdon/Hatton Garden. Artillery Arms for all things Fuller’s and Two Brewers. EC2 – Fox and The Bull are outstanding. EC3 – Hoop & Grapes and Craft Brew Co (Aldgate) are the best. EC4 – The Cock Pit (Freehouse) and The Banker (Fuller’s) are both good