Bow pubs
Ex-working class district that was half-flattened during the second world war, with another substantial tranche being ‘modernised’ into mind-blowing ugliness during the sixties. Now brimming with web designers, estate agents and luxury apartments overlooking the canal, and having lost the “daddy I am sorry for you not loving me” message that was written in three-foot high letters by the railway line, things in the area are going downhill fast. The main interesting feature is Victoria Park, a much loved, kidney-shaped “green lung” for East Enders that is popular with joggers and illicitly-courting young couples.
| Coborn Arms, 8 Coborn Road, E3 2DA |
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You don't normally think of modern day Bow as a hot bed of political anarchism, however on this particular Saturday night we had just witnessed the burning of a wooden replica of the Houses of Parliament in Victoria Park. The whole event culminated in spectacular firework display across the skies of East London to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the failed plot by a certain Guy Fawkes to bring down the establishment. After all the excitement had died down, fifty thousand thirsty people spilled out into the streets outside the park. We knew that finding a pub that wasn't heaving could be a bit of a challenge, but we made a beeline for the genteel streets near the well-healed Tredager Square and happened upon the Coborn Arms. This attractive looking Young's Pub is set back from the road and has a small front terrace for fair weather drinking. Being November we decided to settle inside instead. The bar room extends back towards a strategically placed plasma screen, which was showing a re-run of one of the day's earlier football matches. There was also a slightly raised seating area to the right of the bar containing a darts board. The beer is up to the usual Young's standard. On this occasion the obligatory Bitter, Special and Pilsner were complemented by Winter Warmer Ale. This pub is a clear favourite with the locals as by the time we were on our second round of drinks the place was full with people of all ages. This made for a great atmosphere and everyone enjoyed themselves. This place gets a definite 'thumbs up' from us.
Reviewed by Paul Melton, Nov 2005
Telephone: 020 8980 3793
Nearest station: Mile End, Zone 2 (250 metres)
| The Palm Tree, Haverfield Road, E3 5BH |
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A wonderful canalside pub with the whole of Mile End Park as its beer garden. I have warm fuzzy memories from my student days of lock-ins that lasted into the wee small hours. Its isolated position away from the main road makes such jollity possible. On the inside, the walls are decorated with beautiful gold leaf wallpaper, probably original. The bar, horseshoe-shaped, serves a variety of beers including one guest ale, which was Maiden Leg Over on our visit. The curved space above the bar is filled with photographs of stars from the stage and screen from John Hannah to Jim Bowen. The music drifting across the bar transports you back through the decades to a somehow more innocent age. Bullseye.
Reviewed by Paul Melton, Jul 2004
Telephone: 020 8980 2918
Nearest station: Mile End, Zone 2 (600 metres)
| The Victoria, 110 Grove Road, E3 5TH |
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Not reviewed yet.
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Telephone: 020 8980 6609
Nearest station: Mile End, Zone 2 (760 metres)
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