Sitting on Old Ford Road between Victoria Park and Roman Road market, the Eleanor Arms brings a nice taste of East End charm back to Bow.

The Venue
Given its location, and the slightly uninspiring exterior, you might imagine the Eleanor Arms to be a run of the mill Bow boozer, full of stale carpets, tired curtains and the same old drinkers served by a sozzled old lush behind the bar. However, once inside, the immaculate wooden decor that snakes round an impressive central bar offers the hint that, at least aesthetically, this place is a cut above many of the other pubs in the area. The predominance of wood ensures it retains a traditional feel, augmented by a veritable feast of trinkets, pictures, mementos and more, all adorning the walls and acting as a cosy testament to the history of the pub and brewery.

The front of the pub plays host to plenty of seating, ensuring that bums are well catered for at the weekly quiz nights, whilst to the rear lies a decent pool table that at 80p a pop isn’t cheap, but is in line with other establishments. Beyond the pool table lies a small garden area that’s enclosed by some imposing brickwork, but it’s brightened up by plenty of flora and an overhanging tree that, if you’re cheeky, can yield a genuine East End cherry. And they’re not half bad.

The Atmosphere
In a location like Bow, there’s always the prospect of a few undesirables getting through the door, but the Eleanor Arms has a novel way of dealing with this problem; namely a friendly, local atmosphere, good quality drinks and lots of jazz. Troublemakers don’t like jazz. It’s an enticing concoction for most folk though, and this is where the Eleanor Arms comes into its own, offering an atmosphere that is at times reminiscent of a local country pub.

The staff are chatty and friendly, and the locals surprisingly welcoming, making a visit on your own a perfectly feasible option. When it gets a bit busier at the weekend everything still remains nicely relaxed and the only time it threatens to get raucous is when quiz points are amusingly disputed. The garden offers the smokers somewhere to retreat to, and having something in common seems to make them a friendly bunch too, so don’t feel wary of popping out for a snout.

The Drink
With the brewery dictating what ales are available, it’s Shepherd Neame all the way, which is no bad thing. There’s some very well kept Kentish beers, including a superb Master Brew, but perhaps the best example is the aptly named Kent’s Best that’s light, refreshing and deliciously quaffable. Others are on rotation, so you can expect to come across seasonal options such as the Early Bird and the Goldings, both of which are kept very well indeed. Lagers are lively and similarly well kept, with the Oranjeboom being perhaps the best of a pretty good bunch.

With a whole host of spirits available too there really is something for everyone, whether it’s Jenever (an authentic Dutch gin), grappa, tequila or rum there should be enough to please even the pickiest of palates. And the presence of contemporary favourites such as Aftershock and Grey Goose vodka proves that the Eleanor Arms isn’t afraid to flirt with modernity. It’s the ale enthusiasts who’ll be most richly rewarded though, so if a good pint of beer is your particular cup of tea, this is the place for you.

The Last Word
A really good find for those in Bow, this is a good alternative to the more well known pubs near Victoria Park. So head down and let Eleanor’s Arms give you a welcoming East End embrace.

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