This traditional pub might not be for everyone, but if you like East End venues with plenty of character or getting on down at a blues jam, you'll be happy.

The Venue
Situated on the main road in Leyton, this traditional-looking pub has two sides to it: while it’s a stone’s throw from Leyton Orient FC and clearly a sport-focused pub with flags hanging from the ceilings and a multitude of TVs, it very musically-influenced, too. Enter the back room, past the ‘Blues Jam’ sign, and you’ll find a small stage area with bench-style seating and photos of musicians on the walls. Live blues sessions take place here on Wednesday nights and entrance is a couple of quid. All this is wrapped up in a very traditional East End watering hole – there are swirly patterned carpets, wallpapers, sofas and bar stools surrounding the circular bar, as well as dark wood and tiled toilets that make you think you’re in the 80s. It’s currently undergoing a bit of a renovation, so expect the colour of the outside of the pub to change to something a bit more ‘modern’ soon…

The Atmosphere
If you love somewhere with a bit of earthy character and are bored with the trendy goings on in Bethnal Green, this is a taste of real East London. The closest pub to Leyton Orient FC, the venue brands itself as a ‘supporters’ pub, attracting football fans from all over the UK. Depending on who those fans are, it can potentially get very rowdy, so avoid on match days if you’re of a nervous disposition. On Wednesdays, the clientele changes somewhat and blues fans flock to showcase their talent and play at the Blues Jam. This popular night – which originally started in Hackney – attracts a regular crowd from around the area. Get down early to get a good seat. On an average day, expect to simply see locals from Leyton popping in to watch sport with a pint, or simply enjoying their drink to the random 1970s soundtrack. Staff are friendly, always up for a chat and, in the case of this pub, prepared to keep punters in line.

The Food
The food is nothing special, but it pleases football fans who want something outside of the ground to eat, and you can get a substantial meal for under a fiver. Meals include pub favourites such as lasagnas, cooked breakfasts and fish and chips, alongside salads, jacket potatoes, burgers and hot baguettes. There are also snacks and sharing dishes to pick at with a few drinks and a menu especially for children, too. On Sundays, the venue serves roasts for £6.95.

The vegetable lasagna (£4.50) and the chilli con carne with chips (£6.90) are substantial in size and while they’re obviously not freshly made, they do the job all the same.

The Drink
Beers at the venue include Strongbow, Carling, Carlsberg Export, Stella, Kronenbourg, Guinness and Courage Best Bitter. Most pints are under £3.50, which is pretty good value in London these days. House wine is served in small plastic bottles. If you want a big bottle to share, the staff can pick you one from the cellar. A good bottle is around £15.

The Last Word
This football-focused pub is most notable for its weekly blues sessions, and if you’re in search of an authentic piece of East London, you’ll find it here.

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