The Black Lion is a marvellous combination of history, charm and real ale excellence. And all this set amid the tower blocks of East End Plaistow.

The Venue
The Black Lion is named in the Doomsday Book and was for centuries a coaching inn on the London to Colchester road. It had latter day renovation – in 1742 – but still retains a medieval charm. There’s an unspoilt cobblestoned coach yard and converted stables and outbuildings. Inside, its two bars have low ceilings, wood floors, oak beams and brick walls adorned with breweriana – mugs, plaques and posters from the past.

As legend has it, famed highwaymen, Dick Turpin, was a customer between robberies. His first arrest was for stealing two ox from an adjacent farm.

A contemporary point of interest is that one of the pub’s outbuildings houses the gym for the West Ham amateur boxing club. This has produced many champions – including Terry Spinks, one of Great Britain’s first-ever Olympic boxing gold medallists, and the tradition continues today. Genial Black Lion Owner, Tom Friel, will allow a look inside the gym. But only, of course, when the pub isn’t too crowded.

The Black Lion has a much-used functions room – occupying the stables where Dick Turpin probably stabled Black Bess. Having its own bar, it is deservedly popular for receptions, meetings and celebrations and can comfortably hold 80 people.

There is, in addition, a spacious and pleasant grassy beer garden at the rear that evokes the rural Essex of past times. It attracts many when the sun appears.

The Atmosphere
The management have created an all-pervading atmosphere of great geniality in their 25 years at the helm. The core clientele is East Enders of all age groups and they extend good humour and friendship to all. The Black Lion is close to Upton Park and on match days it is heaving with West Ham United fans – and opposing fans also. This is because the banter is always good-natured. No aggro is tolerated.

TV Sport is a feature of the pub with football and racing attracting devotees. Sky and ESPN are available.

The Drink
The Black Lion is consistently listed in the Campaign For Real Ale’s Good Beer Guide and has Cask Marque accreditation for its real ale quality.

The range is a changing one with Courage Best as the house standard on one of the four handpumps. Mighty Oak of Maldon Beers often features and the pub was, in actual fact, this Essex micro’s first customer. Cottage, St Austell and Theakston can often be found. There is the full drinks offering and the lagers include Amstel and Kronenbourg. Malts sell well with Balvenie and Lagavulin regularly chosen.

The Food
The Black Lion provides quality pub food on weekdays only – and Saturday match days. This includes sandwiches and jacket potatoes and more substantial meals such as steak and ale pie with chips. They all make an adequate accompaniment to the splendid real ales.

The Last Word
The Black Lion has welcomed customers for centuries. Give yourself an East End treat by going to visit it – after all, Dick Turpin did.

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