The Little Driver combines the charm of a proper East End pub with friendly service, home cooked food and an impressive range of beers.

The Venue
The initial impression is that of a classic London boozer, but you’d be wrong in thinking that this goes hand in hand with warm beer, surly locals and a sticky carpet. The owners of The Little Driver have accomplished a rare feat in updating the facilities and decor, while managing to retain the charm and authenticity of a traditional East End pub. There is an enormous vintage Hoare & Co Celebrated Stout mirror on the wall, chandeliers on the ceiling, and a central bar with an ancient oak centerpiece. The real star of the show, however, is the enormous beer garden located through a tiny door at the back of the room. Spacious seating booths provide the perfect place to while away a summers evening after work. Indeed, the garden is often much busier than the inside of the pub. The lack of Sky TV means that the emphasis is, thankfully, on music rather than the background drone of a TV set, although major sporting events are shown on large flatscreen TVs. The pub is also a wifi hotspot.

The Atmosphere
Although you’ll always get a warm welcome from the friendly staff, the atmosphere in The Little Driver varies hugely. You could find it almost completely empty with a couple of locals propping up the bar, or packed to the rafters with the fun-loving barstaff dancing on the bar! Regular live entertainment on Friday nights tends to guarantee a raucous and lively evening, whereas week nights are more chilled out. The clientele is a mix of locals and young professionals coming in for post-work drinks.

The Food
In contrast to a lot of newly opened pubs, the food at The Little Driver isn't too try-hard, and the result is a good selection of tasty home cooked meals served in seriously hearty portions – no risk of going hungry here! All the usual pub grub classics are featured, including burgers, sausages and mash, fish and chips and lasagna, along with a few veggie options and a good range of salads. The posh chili made with chunks of steak is particularly recommended. Prices are very reasonable, with most dishes around six pounds. The meal deals – such as two-for-one on main courses – are incredibly good value for money.

The Drink
In addition to the usual pub drinks, there is a wide range of premium lagers and cask ales available at the bar. The staff claim to serve the cheapest pint in the area, plus spirit measures are all 35ml, offering excellent value for money. There is also an impressive selection of premium spirits available.

The Last Word
A traditional East End pub with traditional East End hospitality, The Little Driver is the place to go to experience the charm of an historic London boozer.

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