Hidden away in the middle of Mile End Ecology Park, this is an archetypal East End boozer from ‘the good old days’ – the cash register only accepts coins or notes (no cards, please), the red curtains & original gold-leaf wallpaper have a whiff of the 50s, & the live music is likely to be singalong Sinatra or vintage jazz performed by equally vintage musicians. There’s also a terrific line-up of real ales including the likes of Maldon Gold from the Mighty Oak Brewing Company in Essex or Roll in the Hay from Brewsters of Grantham, plus some well-presented lagers. In warm weather, everyone piles outside to lounge in the long grass by the canal. A real cracker, adored by young & old alike.