The Old Rose, 128 The Highway

This pub is one of the few old buildings left in an area that was flattened by the Luftwaffe in the Second World War. The same area was later decimated by the closure of the docks and their subsequent redevelopment in the eighties. In the 19th century my great-great grandfather, who lived just around the corner, would have seen a vibrant East End street backed by many masts of ships at anchor in the London Dock. Now the dock has disappeared along with the local community that surrounded it. Today, The Highway is mostly lined by car showrooms, bland apartments and an empty shopping precinct. Just about the only landmarks that have survived are the pub itself and Hawksmoor’s magnificent St George’s in the East church which lies directly opposite.

The pub is a no-frills Victorian boozer. A sign outside advertises that lodging is available in an upstairs room. Maybe a room was available in the 19th century as well. It is not difficult to imagine sailors making use of the place given its proximity to the old docks. Inside, there is a just a couple of punters and it seems that the furnishings have changed very little since the pub was founded. Given the lack of patronage it seems miraculous that this place even survives. Then it occurs to me that we are close to News International, home of The Sun and The Times newspapers and that this place is no doubt being propped-up by thirsty journalists.

They have London Pride and Young’s Bitter on tap plus all the usual malarkey and they serve a small selection of traditional food. The staff are friendly and in an area that has been blasted off the face of the earth over the past century, it’s the closest you you’ll ever get to a decent local. It’s also a great spot to watch the London Marathon.

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