The Little Driver

On Monday I went there for the first time, and I really loved it. Having in mind that it is a pub, don’t expect a high class bar, but it is cosy and the staff is very friendly. What I loved about it is the variety of beers that they offer — there is something for everyone. I didn’t have the chance to try the food, but the menu seemed quite long, so I will definitely go back there!

I’m in two minds about the Driver. I’ve been in a few times and found people friendly and welcoming. On the other hand the interior is a bit dated, and things get a little artificially loud when the music is turned up regardless of how many people seem to be in there. Certainly not a gastropub — more like an old school east end pub with the mix of people you’d expect. For a few minutes walk there are much better pubs to try.

I have only been here once in the winter whereby I didn’t get the pleasure of sitting in the beer garden for long before having to go back inside to warm up but I think I will be back when the sun is shining and have a gastropub meal there. The drink range was average and I think when it came down to it there are other pubs in the area that I would prefer to visit over it however the food did look like standard pub food with generous servings.

Every time I go by The Little Driver it’s changed colour. When I first moved to Bow nearly three years ago it was a rather tacky and depressing blue colour which was then changed to a sort of khaki green and after its most recent transformation it has been reborn in virginal white. The inside has changed since I first came in too, its moved on from the depressing old-​man vibe it used to have and has made small steps in the direction of gastropub status. That said it remains poular amongst locals and is only slowly beginning to cater to a wider community. Undoubtedly the best new feature is the superb beer garden, perfect for long sunny days.
I have yet to try the food but a quick glance at the menu revealed a slightly more ambitious affair than in bygone days though it still revolves principally around old-​fashioned British favourites. The drinks selection is a little dissapointing with a very small number of wines and a few of your more standard ales and lagers, however, these do come at a very reasonable price.
Little by little this place keeps evolving which is great but also a little sad. This pub is a shining example of the changing population of this part of town and the increasing need to cater to a more diverse and less local crowd.

This popular gastropub is notorious with locals, and retains a great ‘East End’ feel. Located a little off the beaten track (by this i mean far enough away from Victoria Park/​Bethnal Green/​Brick Lane to make it feel like a discovery) it is always full of real locals, the bar staff are residents of the area and a really good laugh (if a little formidable), but busy with trendies this place ain’t! Famed for it’s fresh fish and chips, the bar menu is really REALLY good, and the massive amount of outdoor seating means its a great place to go on summer evenings. It’s the kind of pub where they have a copy of The Sun and The Mirror and The People on the bar for you to flick through. Amazing!

a friendly pub with a nice range of beers, well made food everyday and a large home cooked Sunday lunch at the weekends. The décor is fresh as it has just had a recent makeover following its new owners moving in. The pub prices are also very resonable for the area which is generally expensive to drink in. The customers are staff are also friendly and intresting to chat to. All in all a pleasant pub with a relaxed atmosphere and a good food and drinks menu.