The Papermakers Arms

Walk into The Papermakers Arms and you'll clock the kind of pub that's been keeping Ilford company for years—the sort of place where regulars actually know the bar staff's names. It's unpretentious in the best way, tucked away on Roden Street where you can slip in for a quiet drink or catch the match without it turning into a circus. The vibe is straightforward: real ale, proper beer selection, and the kind of food that doesn't overcomplicate things. You're looking at decent portions, fair prices, and none of that gastropub nonsense. It's the pub your mates would choose when nobody wants to make a big deal about it.