Sitting on the canal side by Mile End Park, The Palm Tree is little-known, much-loved pub.

The Venue
The Palm Tree might claim to be on Haverfield road but it stands alone, surrounded by grass on the edge of Regents Canal at Mile End. Once it was part of a row of houses, but the pub was the only building to survive World War II's heavy bombing of the streets around it. Standing proudly and eccentrically in what is now a strip of parkland, it's a pub like no other.

Inside, this pub is sticking close by its old school East End roots. It looks like it's not had a redecoration since the '50s and it's all the better for that. The amazing gold wallpaper works with the red-velvet topped bar, adorned with black and white photos of theatre stars of yesteryear, and the little booths tucked along the walls make this the cosiest pub in town. In summer, punters prefer to stretch out on the grass outside and watch the canal towpath's traffic go by.

The Atmosphere
All kinds of people are attracted by The Palm Tree's laidback charm - there's a huge mix of ages and professions. If you can, make it down for a Friday or Saturday night when East End singers belt out jazz classics. They all look like they've been doing it for about 20 years - and probably have. The tunes are great, the live band spot on and the atmosphere is incredible.

The Drink
The Palm Tree is a proper traditional British pub, and as such there are no concessions to the latest drinks trends - it's the kind of place that's probably still selling Babycham. That's not to say that they don't have a solid range of all the standards - the wine is good, and there are plenty of ales, beers and spirits. But ask for a Seabreeze and all you'll get is a blank look.

The Last Word
If you're fond of traditional pubs, you'll love The Palm Tree, and it would be impossible not to enjoy the alfresco pints all summer long.

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