Living in the shadows of the infamous Kray pub across the road, The White Hart offers live music to attract punters.

The Venue
The White Hart is a mammoth presence where it stands on the corner of Cambridge Heath Road and Mile End Road. As you approach the pub, the tropical beer patio should pull you towards the building’s mass. The short rows of plant boxes give the place a botanical edge that few others in the area can boast about.

Inside, familiar darkness descends as the usual standard four-seater tables, massive mirrors and shabby floorboards rear up. The bar is the solid heart of the pub and most of the entertainment stems from the areas around it. For the solace of a quiet drink, a few isolated tables can be found with a big screen for company.

The Atmosphere
Although not much can be said for the interior’s decorative charms or originality, there is a lively evening social scene that spreads a little warmth into the disaffected nooks and crannies of The White Hart. Regular quiz nights and live music keep the mostly local crowd coming back.

The daytime is a little less kind to strangers as the looks you might get aren’t the warmest. The day patrol has a touch of the sad lonely male about it and for some it looks like the evening can’t come quick enough. Once the liveliness does return, the sorrows are washed away and most are entertained by gazing up at the big screen that shows the pickings of televised live sport.

The Drink
There are a couple of surprises in the White Hart’s cellars although only because you wouldn’t expect to see Peroni on tap here. As well as this, you’ll find Fosters, Carlsberg, Carlsberg Export and Pilsner Urquell on draught. There is a simple range of wine with most served by the glass or the bottle.

The Last Word
If you can slip into the White Hart during one of the many nights of live music then you’re pretty much guaranteed an interesting time, but it is the entertainment that the pub uses as its hook without much bait once you’re inside.

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