Higham's Park pubs

Suburbia in the Essex borderlands betwixt Walthamstow and Chingford.

The County Arms, 420 Hale End Road, Highams Park, E4 9PB

Map Directions Link/Comment Download Search

This turn of the century mock tudor edifice up the road from the railway station seems oddly at home in these London/Essex borderlands. The thought of going in for a quick drink didn't exactly thrill me at first, but thankfully my fears that this place would be a den of lager louts proved to be unfounded. Fake beams abounded as I navigated my way to the bar. I was immediately greeted by a beaming young barmaid who took my order. It was her first day and she was quite daunted by the prospect of pulling her first proper pint. After getting a few tips from barmaid no. 2, she then proceeded to pull the perfect pint of Bombadier: 10 out of 10. I immediately felt at ease and listened to the banter of the locals whilst watching the climax of a thrilling Ashes series on the telly. A second screen at the other end of the pub was showing the football, but at a sensibly low volume. Amazingly cheap food adds to the friendly atmosphere in this gem of a pub. Recommended if you happen to be in the area.

Reviewed by Paul Melton, Sep 2005

Telephone: 020 8527 2103

Nearest station: Highams Park, Zone 4 (220 metres)