Mile End pubs

Now saved from tapas bar hell by Geronimo Inns, the outfit behind the Betjeman Arms in the new St Pancras Station, the fortunes of this pub are rising. Okay, so this is now a gastro-pub (but it was in its previous incarnation). The thing is, not only have they formulated a decent food menu, they have also managed to maintain a nice balance by serving a few ales and good wines too. All of this in a pub that is softly-lit and just across the road from one of the nicest parks in London. Our only criticism is the fake cow-hide obsession. The owners have clearly thought: why stop at covering bar stools when you can plaster it over whole swathes of wall as well? A minor point in an otherwise good gastropub that is aimed at the twenty and thirty-something white-collar market. The last time I stepped foot in here was over 10 years ago. Not much has changed: it's still full of students (plus a few older non-student males who fancy their chances with the girls), there is still evidence of alcohol-induced vandalism and the toilets are still vile. On the plus side there is now a comedy club upstairs, assuming of course you are sober enough to climb the stairs. Most of the punters arrive after their last lecture of the day, which is coincidentally 11am if you are studying English Literature. Most stagger out of the door at closing time (vomiting) before heading to the fried chicken shop down the road and being sick again on the night bus afterwards. This one is best left to students who are still discovering the limits to how much alcohol they can consume in one session.

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