The Telegraph has released an “expert guide” of the best boozers in the country which were “chosen for their charming character, welcoming staff, rich history and – of course – award winning beer”.
Among them is the Chesham Arms in Mehetabel Road, Hackney.
The Chesham Arms has a 4.6 out of five rating on Google.
Named CAMRA East London Pub of The Year 2016 and CAMRA East London Cider Pub of the Year 2018, The Chesham Arms describes itself as a “friendly, welcoming Victorian public house in the heart of Hackney”.
The Chesham Arms (Image: Google)Also named are The Cock Tavern in Mare Street and The Pembury Tavern in Amhurst Road.
The Cock Tavern averages a rating of 4.3 on Google and the most recent reviewer said: “Great selection of ciders and ales at fair prices.
“Nice chilled atmosphere complimented by friendly and efficient service.”
The Pembury Tavern averages fractionally higher with a 4.4 Google rating and brands itself as “legendary” on its website.
The pub has been in operation since 1856 and relaunched in 2018 after a “careful refurbishment and restoration”.
On the south side of the River Thames is The Pelton Arms in Pelton Road.
It’s a “friendly local pub serving real ale, great pub food and the finest Neapolitan style wood-fired pizza” according to its website and averages a 4.5 Google rating.
The Pride of Spitalfields in Heneage Road averages a 4.7 Google rating – the joint highest in this list.
A punter recently described this watering hole as a “rare gem” on Google.
Further into London are three other pubs included in The Telegraph’s list: The Dacre Arms, The Carpenters Arms and The Cockpit.
In Kingswood Place, The Dacre Arms has an average 4.6 Google rating and has been family-run for more than 25 years, according to its Facebook page.
The Carpenters Arms in Cheshire Street, Bethnal Green has a 4.5 Google rating and describes itself as a “friendly and relaxed traditional pub with a fantastic selection of modern beers, rare whiskies, and natural and organic wines”.
Notably, The Carpenters Arms was bought by the infamous Kray twins, for their mother Violet Kray in 1967.
The Cockpit has an average Google rating of 4.4 and a recent customer wrote: “Sitting in this pub was like we were back in time by at least 100 years!”
The Dog and Bell in Deptford averages the shared highest Google rating in the list with 4.7.
CAMRA’s website said: “A pub of this name has occupied this back street near the Thames for several hundred years, surviving now on its reputation for real ale, excellent food and events such as its celebrated annual pickle festival.”
The Hand and Shears in Middle Street averages a Google rating of 4.4 and claims to be Smithfield’s only historic Grade I listed pub.
Its website says: “We are famous for our real ales and craft beers.”
