The Crown

You know that pub that feels like it's been doing the same thing brilliantly for years without trying too hard? That's The Crown. Tucked away on Grove Road in Bow, it's got the sort of unpretentious charm that's become increasingly rare—think exposed brick, mismatched furniture, and a bar that pours a decent pint without any faffing about. The menu leans into proper British comfort food that won't empty your wallet, and the real ale selection is genuinely impressive if you're into that sort of thing. It's the kind of place where regulars prop up the bar alongside newcomers, and nobody makes you feel like you're in the way.