Isle of Dogs pubs

Situated right on the snake's eye of the Isle of Dogs, this is the oldest pub in the area by some considerable distance. Built in 1722, the exterior doesn't look like it's had much of a refit since, and the inside proves to be of similar vintage. It boasts a number of original features, including the rickety stairway, a ceiling made from wooden strips and a similar design for much of the walls, and last but certainly most impressive a truly ancient battered bar-front. Littered across the red walls are a number of brass plates and the occasional axe, while underneath the glass table tops are affixed numerous pictures of the Isle of Dogs, mostly dating from the 40s and 50s but a few earlier ones too, all well captioned. It is, however, not just a museum but a fully functioning pub, with a cordial and welcoming atmosphere, two relatively spacious rooms to drink in and the usual range of beers. It also has Sky TV, but nobody could be bothered watching it. The only potential downside I could detect were two very, very large speakers situated on the stairs, but thankfully they didn't seem to be in working order. An unexpected classic of a place. Not reviewed yet.

Want to review it? The walk east from Island Gardens offers some fine views across the Thames to the attractions of Greenwich. After five minutes you stumble across this fine hostelry. Being set back from the river frontage, it lays between the riverside apartments inhabited by the wealthy and the council estates that occupy the hinterland of this part of “The Island”. Despite the massive changes to the area since the eighties, this friendly family run pub has remained true to its locals and yet simultaneously manages to attract newcomers. The traditionally decorated bar offers a cosy environment for a drink and some football viewing. The range of beers available is enough to please most punters and the home-cooked English pub fayre, including the kind of delicious traditional puddings that stick to your ribs, is a cut above the average pub grub found elsewhere. If pub games are your bag; they have a pool table, an unusual London Fives dartboard and a host of games machines that twinkle at you from across the bar. There is a sun terrace to the rear of the pub which probably draws the crowds on balmy summer evenings, however it did not look an enticing prospect on this particular chilly November afternoon. Definitely worth seeking out.

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