So you’ve hung around the trendiest bars in Shoreditch. Can’t take the endless queuing and ostentatious posturing anymore? Well maybe its time to graduate to The Griffin; one of the few proper pubs left in the district.

The Venue
A red brick building on the intersection of Leonard Street and Ravey Street in Hoxton houses The Griffin, just off Great Eastern Street and only a stone’s throw from Old Street Tube. The pavement outside provides a perfunctory haunt for smokers, harried from their former cosy habitat at the bar.

Inside, the modern fittings of many establishments in the area are shunned in favour of a determinedly traditional decor. A pool table at the back of the bar is popular with those who like to take their beer with some competitive jousting on the green baize. Upstairs, is a hireable function room (capacity around 40 people), which is occasionally pressed into service to cope with overspill from the bar.

The Atmosphere
During the week most of the clientele consists of people going for the sort of post-work drink that often leads to several more. Of course, this being Hoxton, expect to find media types and creatives rather than the typical office crowd jostling for space with longstanding locals.

The different elements get on well thanks to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that stems from the excellent bar staff. Friday nights and weekends see the bar getting substantially busier and are only advised for those not put off by cramped standing room only.

The Drink
Draught beers at The Griffin include Guinness, Staropramen and Becks, all costing about £3. A vodka tonic at £3.30 is representative of the spirits. The bar snacks are a throwback to an earlier era; no stuffed vine leaves here. Pickled eggs are 50p a piece, a bowl of nuts is £2 and top of the bill is a doorstop sandwich with a pint for £4.50.

The Last Word
In the current era of formulaic and soulless gastropubs, it is refreshing to find somewhere that revels in providing the simple joys of a good pint with a chat or game of pool thrown in for good measure.

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