The Eleanor Arms — Restaurant in London

🚇 Mile End 🍺 £5.00 Spitfire Lager

The Eleanor Arms is located close to Victoria Park in Bow in the East End. The nearest Tube is Mile End.

This pub was established in 1879 and has successfully survived in an area of London that has seen an unprecedented amount of pub closures.

This is a traditionally decorated pub with two adjoining bars. The front bar has a charming proper pub feel to it with much of its original 1930’s features intact. The decor consists of dark wall panels, a brick fireplace, a beautiful Watney’s mirror, lots of traditional seating and a proper pub carpet. The servery is a good size and straddles both bars. To the right of the servery is a narrow passageway that leads into the back bar. The back bar has a similar sized servery, a pool table, a fireplace and intimate snug area. At the rear of the pub is a walled beer garden.

The beer selection offers a good mix of Shepherd Neame beers, familiar favourites and two cask ales. I decided on a Spitfire Lager, my pint hit the spot, price point was reasonable at a fiver. This is a wet-led pub, so sustenance comes in the form of Tayto’s, nuts and scampi fries.

I arrived just after 12pm on chilly Saturday lunchtime in February. The pub had not long opened, so I had a good mooch about. There were half a dozen older locals in attendance who were having a catch up and a game of pool in the back bar. Not long after, the pub started filling up with West Ham fans having a few prematch pints. The service was excellent, I had a brief chat with the new Guv’nor who took up the reins from the much loved Landlord and Landlady who retired last year.

I absolutely loved it here, I could have stayed here all afternoon. This is a classic London boozer which oozes oldschool charm and was such a joy to spend time in. One of the reasons I started posting about pubs, was to seek out pubs like this as they remind me of my childhood growing up in working class community based pubs. Amazing decor, lovely punters, reasonably priced beer, this pub has it all. @the_eleanor_arms is a must visit London Pub.

📅 15th February 2025

More London Pub info...

A pub with a truly neighbourhood feel. Some words that come to mind when walking through the doors: quaint, cozy, warm, welcoming, neighbours, beer, pub.

It seems a trait of even the slickest of gastro pubs in London to retain a vestige of their former selves within. Generally this entails a prevailing aroma of brews long past, mild griminess, or, in several cases, a lingering flavour of urinal cakes. Not so for The Eleanor Arms.

Instead, during the cooler months, at least, you'll find yourself exclaiming, "Is that woodsmoke I smell? Hmm...and perhaps a hint of spice?". I'm not sure how to characterise it other than saying that it smells like the festive season. I can't speak for the summer, but this is the atmosphere which greeted me in November, and I certainly can't complain.

The pub does fill up quickly, on popular nights, so definitely arrive early unless you don't...

What a letdown! I used to adore visiting the Eleanor Arms, a vibrant Public House that boasted the best Guinness in London! The incredible selection of beers, combined with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, made it feel like home. You could always count on great company and a sense of belonging. What’s not to love? The staff were fantastic, genuinely lovely people who made every visit enjoyable. And where did that amazing, hilarious manager with the fabulous ginger locks disappear to? Everything seems to have changed overnight!

I have to say, I’m heartbroken over this. The charm and camaraderie that made this pub special have vanished, and I don’t think I will return, despite having enjoyed the Sunday Jazz since Frankie established The Old Ford Jazz Club. It's such a shame because finding the perfect pub is a rare gem! What a pity to see such a great spot...