Just a short hop from the frontiers of Newham you’ll find some great pubs, so put on your walking shoes, says Phil Mellows

I’m not a big fan of Facebook, but it does have its uses. Prompted by Will Hawkes’ excellent newsletter London Beer City I’ve joined the London Pubs group, which has nearly 150,000 members exchanging information and gossip about the capital’s boozers. And I asked them for their views and tips on Newham’s pubs.

Thanks to that, I’ve got a few ideas for future Something’s Brewing columns, which I’m not going to divulge now. But one thing was clear – and it’s obvious when you think about it. People don’t recognise borough boundaries when they’re out pubbing. Several suggested places in Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.

At first, I was annoyed by their poor geographical knowledge. Then I realised that a 10-minute stroll to your local might reasonably take you out of Newham. What’s it matter if it’s a good pint? So here are a few suggestions from the Borough’s fringe.

The Greenwich Pensioner in Poplar, across the River Lea from Canning Town, reopened after a makeover early in 2023 with a simple yet whole some-looking menu and a few good craft beers. It’s in a Grade 2 listed Victorian building, so worth a visit.

Over the marshes from Stratford in Hackney Wick you’re spoilt for choice. The Queens Yard industrial estate has two craft brewery taprooms at Howling Hops and Old Street Brewery plus Crate, which no longer brews on site but has a great range of beers, Neapolitan-style pizzas and a canal-side terrace.

Just across the border at Forest Gate and formerly known as the Woodhouse, the Leytonstone Tavern has been tastefully modernised and is a great place for craft beer – not to mention burgers and tacos.

Another Leytonstone pub that has retained a more traditional atmosphere is the North Star in the conservation area off Wanstead Flats. Four well-chosen cask ales on the pumps make this one especially worth the effort.

Occupying a converted shop next to Ilford railway station, a hop over the A12 from Manor Park, Jono’s Freehouse is listed in the Camra Good Beer Guide and also offers live entertainment and sports on screen.

That’s enough for now. If you want to explore the capital’s pubs more widely, join the London Pubs group at www.facebook.com/groups/mylondonpubs

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