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VERSION:2.1
N:Dundee Arms
FN:Dundee Arms
TEL;WORK;VOICE:020 7739 0276
ADR;WORK:;;339 Cambridge Heath Road;E2 9LH
URL:
NOTE:Bethnal Green is a district of London which clearly embodies the paradoxes of modern London. This pub stands at the head of a T-junction which clearly represents three parallel futures for Bethnal Green. To the south, Cambridge Heath Road leads toward the Bethnal Green Road lined with small shops filled with Cockney families. This represents the past and a possible continuation into the future. To the north, Bethnal Green takes on a more seedy appearance. A huge billboard advertises an American style lap dancing club and points the way toward a proliferation of "pound in a pint glass" establishments. Old Ford Road springs off in a perpendicular direction and passes a collection of fine Victorian houses before arriving at a colony of hideously expensive new apartment blocks largely occupied by design conscious young professionals. This pleasant East End local lies at the centre of all this and the clientele reflect the surrounding environment. A scary looking man with an eye-patch inhabits one corner, whilst a smartly dressed young couple stand at one end of the bar and two builder types at the other end. The proprietors have obviously attempted to woo the public by being as inclusive as possible. The internal decoration is inoffensive and there are a couple of interesting little touches. A row of wine bottles behind the bar have been decorated in the emblems of London's main football teams and a stained glass window adorns one wall. A TV screen at one end shows regular football matches. The choice of beer was a little disappointing. No bitters were available on our visit only lagers or Guinness. They have a surprisingly broad choice of wine which is doubtless an attempt to lure folk from the Old Ford Road. The music emanating from the juke box ranged from Culture Club to Rick Astley and made no serious attempt to escape from the 80s. It's rare to find pubs in Bethnal Green that aren't minging or haven't gone all trendy so despite its faults I rather liked this place.
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