Love East London but hate the pretentious vibe? You'll be sure to fit in at Howl at the Moon.

The Venue
Situated on Hoxton Street, this venue is a short walk from the clubs and bars in Shoreditch, yet far enough away that you're out of the hectic atmosphere and get more of a traditional local East London feel. The immediate surroundings aren't the most welcoming, especially if you're not used to the area – think run-down shops, fast-food outlets, oldskool betting shops, launderettes and cafes that look as if they haven't changed since the 80s – but then that's part of the appeal for those who love the area. And as the once uber-trendy Shoreditch becomes considered less cool, more and more pubs like this are popping up on the fringes. The Howl at the Moon is an example of how an old troubled pub can be taken over but not made completely self-obsessed, as many further up the road have been.

Finding the venue is easier than you think. Although wandering around residential Hoxton looking for a drinking spot might not be the most appealing idea, the venue's interesting exterior will ensure you don't miss it – it's very non-pub like and has a huge blue sign with quite bizarre lettering. Once inside, you'll feel more at home. The pub has features of a traditional East London boozer mixed with a few modern touches.

While the serving area is still huge as many old bars in pubs used to be – staff can literally dance behind it – the ceiling has fans that look as if they haven't changed since the 80s, and there's only a couple of toilets – one for men, one for women – and there's a piano tucked away in one of the corners.

Fashionable fairy lights drape over a lot of the windows and there’s funky artwork on the walls like a large Audrey Hepburn picture. Wood and glass tables have candles in bottles, and you will also see a selection of new retro-looking sofas. There's also a wall of boozy fame, if you feel as if you've had enough drink to contribute to it, and there’s a ceiling with a random selection of flags and, in a traditional East London quirky style, there's a small area full of books.

The Atmosphere
Unlike many venues in East London, this pub has a relaxed, unpretentious feel to it. While you can find a couple of Hoxton clones with their handlebar moustaches and spray-on denim jeans, you'll find a few Hackney locals in the pub, too, and other young people who have moved to the area but don't feel the need to take the Shoreditch lifestyle too far. The music played in the pub is very mellow and it’s the sort of thing you'd hear in traditional Hackney boozers. Expect to hear artists such as Dr Hook and Bill Withers, played alongside some more modern pop tunes – though definitely nothing too commercial. The pub does brand itself on being a live music venue, so some nights expect to see acoustic acts or someone playing the piano. It does get more busy when this is the case but you're still always likely to get a seat and it's never as hectic as some pubs in the surrounding areas.

The Drink
The Howl at The Moon is great value for drink – especially when you consider how much you'd fork out in surrounding Shoreditch venues. There are also discounts on certain drinks if you show a student card or proof that you work for the civil service. The venue works hard to please customers by offering a wide range of beers, ciders and ales. Drinks include Staropramen, Hoegaarden, Stella, Becks Vier and Guinness, as well as Addlestones cider, London Pride, Litovel and Honey Dew. Expect to pay between £3-£3.50 for a pint, which is very reasonable. Spirits are good value, too – you're looking at paying around £3 for a single spirit and mixer and £4 for a double. If you're after wine, a bottle of very drinkable house is £11.50 (£4 for a large glass). There are also cocktails (£5) available, which staff seem to visibly enjoy making. A lot of the drinks on offer are displayed on chalk boards around the venue, making you aware of how much you're paying before you get to the bar.

The Last Word
Traditional and relaxed yet random, this pub proves it is possible to renovate an old East End boozer without completely ripping out its heart and soul.

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