With plenty of space and an injection of life from new owners, Pub On The Park is looking a lot more attractive to London Fields dwellers.

The Venue
Situated on the increasingly fashionable London Fields, this refurbished Victorian pub has a fantastic location. Set over two floors, with one of the biggest beer gardens in the area, the pub is loads bigger than a lot of other drinking establishments in the area. With three TV screens – including one outside – it's great for sport, while the cosy couches, homely plants, mirrors and dimly lit seating area make it attractive to those just wanting a drink. The garden is popular in the summer months – the pub even puts on a BBQ – while it’s equally nice for a hot meal and some mulled wine in the winter months as well.

The Atmosphere
Since the summer 2010, the pub was taken over by new owners and the atmosphere has changed a lot. The staff are more helpful and the service is quicker. It may not have the oh-so-important cool label that many of the Broadway Market establishments have but, as the trendy pubs down the market stretch are overflowing, more and more twenty and thirtysomethings are venturing to Pub On The Park, where they can get a seat. These perch alongside Hackney locals who have been coming to the venue for years, regardless of ownership. At weekends, the pub can get really busy, especially if it's a sunny day or sport is on. Week nights are a lot more chilled out, especially when they host film nights.

The Food
Since the new ownership, the menu has got a little more inventive. A lot of local food also features – the fish comes from the Fin and Flounder on Broadway Market and the bread is from E5 The Bakehouse. Snacks start at £2 and include chips and dips, flatbread with hummus and nachos, while sandwiches with chips and salad are around £6-£7 and include chicken and bacon melt, chargrilled steak with roasted tomatoes and mustard mayo and goat's cheese and caramalised onion. Mains feature homemade beef burgers, beer-battered pollock and chips, and grilled halloumi and vegetable salad, all for around £8. There's also an all-day breakfast for £6.50 and Sunday roasts. The menu varies daily.

The Drink
It's not the cheapest place for drinks, but low-cost beverages are becoming rare in these parts. You'll find Fosters, Guinness, Strongbow, Kronenbourg, Aspall, Tiger and Heineken on tap – and Pimm's in the summer, too. Bottles include Bulmers and Becks and real ales, such as Adnams Bitter. The wine list is pretty extensive: there are six reds, six whites, plus a few sparkling wines and roses. Expect to spend around £17 for a decent bottle of wine.

The Last Word
Friendly, spacious and great all year round, this pub is a firm local favourite.

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