The Randomizer

The sign above the entrance displaying the words "The Cock Restaurant" is slightly disconcerting, although this is an improvement on the red, white and blue banners saying "Keep the Pound" and "No Euros" which used to mark the entrance to this unique establishment. Images immediately spring to mind of drunk meat traders sharpening knifes ready to attack anyone who pays for their beer with a five Euro note. The Cock is one of those amazing pubs that opens at 6am for the market. The downside is that it often shuts at a ridiculously early 3:30pm. This is a bit of a problem when you happen to be on a pub crawl in Smithfield and its already 5:50pm. Undeterred, we decided to disregard this minor detail and ventured down the long staircase taking us beneath the historic meat market. To our utter delight it was still open, but only just. The barman who was chatting to his wife and her friend from behind the bar looked pleased to see us: "They are trying to get me to go out with them", he said, "but I would rather stay here", and who could blame him. The multitude of formica tables give the place the rough charm of a workers' cafe. The faded photographs on the walls of the great market depict images of men hard at work in the old days. Sky TV looks down from two screens at polar opposites of the pub making it an ideal place to watch sport. The beer isn't bad either, nobody had a bad word to say about the Courage Best at any rate. The next time I get an attack of insomnia or I'm rudely awoken by a police helicopter I will have to come here for one of their legendary breakfasts...and a pint of beer.

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