Bow pubs

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. It was one of those bleak November days when the sun was blocked by an impenetrable mix of mist and drizzle. This pub's lights beckoned enticingly after the long trek from the tube, so in I went. I walked slowly up to the bar spying a faux log fire which flickered warmth across the room. On reaching the bar, I considered my options: 4 ales, some fancy lagers or Guinness. I was quickly served by the bored but friendly barmaid, who seemed relieved that a customer had finally arrived on such a bleak afternoon. Pint in hand I sat down and immediately relaxed after what had been a tiring day. Suddenly, soothing music started playing as if from nowhere. Turned on specifically for my benefit. To the left of the fire stood a piano and above it on the walls there were numerous arty posters. Past the bar at the back was a pool table and beyond that a small beer garden. Posters in the window advertised occasional live jazz nights and that is this pub's speciality. Jazz and ale. I would definitely like to return for one of those events but even on a grim autumn evening I found plenty to be satisfied with. This square Victorian edifice is not difficult to find, situated as it is close to the graffitied bridge spanning Bow Road. Once inside, I ordered a pint of London Pride, which after the barmaid had poured half of it, spluttered and hissed its dying breath, signifying that a barrel change was required. The landlord duly disappeared to sort it out and then proceeded to flush his tubes (so to speak). Once all the necessary orifices had been cleaned, he changed the barrel. At this point the excitement of the moment caused me to knock over a bar stool, which in domino fashion, knocked the bar stool next to it. The resulting chain reaction almost up-ended some poor unsuspecting bloke quietly reading his paper at the other end of the bar. Rather embarrassing. After what seemed like an eternity (but probably wasn't), the very apologetic bar staff eventually completed the task of pouring my pint and all was well. It soon dawned on me that all was very well indeed. Groups of people chatted at the bar over a post work drink. Lively conversation and happiness in spite of the worst economic downturn since the 1930s to a backdrop of classic tunes from the 50s and 60s. On match days a big screen drops down in front of the large Hoare & Co. mirror for the viewing of sports. In case you get hungry, a variety of trad pub grub including pie and mash is served. As it turns out this is a rocking local pub and well worth a visit if you happen to be passing along Bow Road. Our guess is that with a police station and magistrates court just down the road, the future will be bright for this one. 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. As I walk in I quickly discover that the erstwhile old man’s boozer I remembered from my student days has evidently coughed on its last Woodbine and gone to the great bar in the sky. It has now been transformed into a dark indie-themed pub aimed at a young and hip crowd. What it lacks in beer (which comprises all of the usual crap plus some bottled Youngs/Wells beers) is compensated by some great music. I probably would have loved this place as a student with its varied attractions including regular live music slots and DJs, cinema nights and reasonably priced student food such as marmite on toast and fish finger sandwiches. Bizarrely, they also sell cupcakes to take away. Cupcakes in a pub? Have they gone barking mad? As odd as it may be, perhaps this place represents the future of urban pubs.

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