This pub was editorially chosen by Londonist for inclusion.
Another great offering from the Bar Works company. The usual tropes are mostly present and correct. Dim lighting, massive portraits on the walls (famous Johns?), a hand-painted sign or two, exposed brickwork, coffered ceiling... It's like a pared-down version of the chain's other venues, such as the Well and Bucket on Bethnal Green Road, or the Electricity Showrooms in Hoxton.
We like this one best of all, though, for it is more subtle, more relaxed. At least in the afternoon and early evening. The space can get much busier at peak times, but there's plenty of floor space to mop them up. A separate dining room at the back provides further options. The beers are mostly kegged, with an excellent range of lagers and ales. Three beers are on draught, all of them above-average, plus there's around 70 bottles to try (not all at once). Pizza is a food speciality (they even do deliveries), with a separate sub-division for 'white pizzas', a category we've yet to try. Oh, and wow, the music.
On Facebook. On Twitter as @thethree_johns.
Last updated January 2015.