There won’t be a dull moment at The Baring, a pub that makes sure you’re well entertained from the moment you step through the door.

The Venue
The Baring is a bit of a mission to get to from Old Street station, being located closer to the De Beauvoir Town end of Hackney. However, most East Londoner’s are – shock horror – happy to get the bus so it doesn’t prove too much of a problem. The pub itself is pretty from the outset, situated within a quaint old building brought up to date with a modern white exterior and a bold Baring sign in black, cartoonish lettering. It’s certainly inviting. Inside is equally pleasant with plenty of space and places to sit and a few added extras like a stage area for live music, big screen TVs showing all the sport, a pool table and dartboard.

The Atmosphere
Like many pubs in Hackney, The Baring is a laid back place to enjoy a drink. However, they also make a great deal of effort to keep the locals entertained. In addition to pool, darts and screened sporting events, they also host live music nights, backgammon tournaments, poker evenings and quiz nights and if that still isn’t enough to keep your hands from straying to your iPhone/iPad/Blackberry then have a go at one of the old school board games.

The Food
The menu may not sound particularly exciting but they have all the bases covered. Burgers, salads, pie, chips…you get the idea - pub food before pubs went and got all gastro on us. And the prices are reasonable, with most dishes coming in at well under a tenner.

The Drink
Alongside an above-average wine menu for a pub of this type, with a good choice by the glass and reasonable prices, there are some decent premium spirits to choose from above and beyond the usual Smirnoff and Bacardi. A rather dull choice of high street lager keeps the regulars happy, but this is bolstered by a good selection of rotating, well-kept ales.

The Last Word
The Baring may not be worth the bus ride if you’re not used to it but for locals it’s a great pub for whiling away a few hours in. You’ll soon be wondering where the time went.

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