We told you last week that we were going to start some new series.

We are going to kick off with the pubs that we like in London, one at the time, with no particular order or reason.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to

The Marquis of Cornwallis, 304 Bethnal Green Road

This is the “most western” pub on Bethnal Green Road. Not the “most west end”, far from that, it’s purely geography here. It is far enough from the trendy Shoreditch and Brick Lane to be considered a proper “East End boozer“, and un-trendy enough for us to be thankful for that.

The average customer at the ‘Wallis (aka “The Marquis”) is in his fifties, and those are some fifties where the previous forty-something weren’t all that quiet. You have the random passer-by every now and then, given it’s a main road pub, and some party-goers then moving on to the Star or the Working Men’s Club in Pollard Row.

As for the place itself, it has got character. The U-shaped bar in the centre of the only room is pretty cool, the pool table is just next to the (usually smelly) gents’ toilet and the dart board (where every other Monday night you’ll see the Ladies East End darts league) is next to the (slightly less smelly) ladies’.

People are locals, so don’t be surprised if they stare a you asking who-the-fuck-are-you without really saying a word. Also, you’ll have the chance of meeting Yorkie, who for a long time wasn’t to be served after 12 noon. Yes, you read it right. 12 noon.

But you’ll go to the pub to drink beer, right? Don’t expect any real ale, but lagers are fairly cheaper than the average Shoreditch pub/bar/club, by about 40/50p a pint, so it could be worth going some couple of hundred yards further East for your Friday night (that’s karaoke night!).

Suggestions

It’s worth going to the Wallis for some drinks, you’ll hear some good stories. Just try not to make it your local.

Next one up

The Owl and Pussycat, Redchurch Street.