The old blackboard with chalky scribbles combines with the matt wood of the blinds to lure you into the Cock Tavern in the hope that this is one of those hip new dive bars filled with photographers and models. The reality, unfortunately, disappoints.

The Venue
Settled in the midst of Hackney Central is the Cock Tavern. Upon entering the pub you’ll notice the windows on the doors are blacked out, only to keep it darker within and keep prying eyes out.

Once inside you’ll see that what looked like a cool haunt isn’t quite the Ye Olde Axe you’d hoped for. The tables and chairs are plentiful and there is a tidiness to the venue but a ‘normal’ old pub is all this is. This isn’t a bad thing and there are plenty of dried flowers and twiggy pot pourri adornments to attest to the loveliness of normality.

The Atmosphere
There is no smoking garden to disappear to for your hit and so it’s the step on the entrance that becomes the place to do it. This is the first problem with the Cock Tavern because unless you’re a local you’ll need to squeeze past some unaccommodating geezers. Once in, the treatment is similar until the five minute staring workshop ends and you can settle into anonymity. Aside from the strange anti-welcomes the pub isn’t a bad place to be in and there are some enjoyable things to see and do once you’re here.

The karaoke on Fridays goes all night and it’s just like being in the Queen Vic. Then there are the pub bands who play frequently on weekend nights throughout the month and who entertain in a way only pub bands can. There is also a quiz and other live shows to enjoy beside the very local crowd.

The Drink
There is a simple range on offer at the Cock Tavern from a few different bottles of each colour of wine to the mostly one-dimensional ranges of spirits on the shelves. The beer follows suit and you can choose from Fosters and Stella on draught and a John Smiths bitter or Websters ale.

The Last Word
The Cock Tavern is a local joint with much to savour in terms of entertainment exclusive to the pub scene, but happening it is not.

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