This pub was voted the best in Hackney by Londonist readers.
Formerly the Britannia, this huge park pub is such a treasure that we're still puzzled as to why it didn't make a top five appearance on our poll of best pubs in near Victoria Park (but later winning the vote for Hackney borough). For starters, it has its own on-site microbrewery, which dispenses numerous styles of ale. We'd particularly recommend the New Zealand Pale Ale, a light and hoppy pint that seem's to be the pub's best seller. Perhaps steer clear of the green-tea infused ale, though.
The main room is informally decorated, with lounging sofas, wooden benches and stonking nozzle lampshades that look like they fell off a passing space shuttle. A smarter dining area lurks to the east, but you can scoff away anywhere.
The bulging beer garden forms a vesicle-like protrusion into Victoria Park itself. It's near impossible to walk past on as sunny day and not consider a quick stop-off. Dozens of benches, discrete little beach huts and a shady area offer plenty of seating options, most with heating. The garden has its own bar, too, helping with the queues inside.
Last updated August 2015.