Leave Walthamstow Central, turn right and head for Hoe Street. Turn right onto Hoe Street and walk until you reach Third Avenue (the third street on the left). Follow it uphill and although it becomes Orford Road, carry on straight. You'll pass the Queens Head on the left and The Village (another pub) on the right. Orford Road then bends round to the left (it looks like a different road) and heads towards St. Mary's Church. The Nags Head is round this bend on the right, before the church.
Street View - click to see the area around the Nag's Head
Jazz wafted through the air as we chose an excellent pint of Oscar Wilde Mild from the selection of four real ales on tap. But this isn't a Jazz bar. Or a real ale drinker's destination. Hidden away in peaceful Walthamstow Village, this a genuine relaxed locals pub. The décor is modern, with bright tablecloths and pictures of movie and rock stars. Some of the furnishings were a tad Ikea-esque for our tastes, but it wasn't dramatically obvious. The hardened drinkers and football fanatics of E17 avoid this one, preferring the nearby Queens Head. It has been accused of being filled with Guardian reading teachers, which all smacks of inverse snobbery to us. With a great conservatory and beer garden, it's ideal for those lazy summer afternoons. Run by a landlord we found to be exceptionally friendly and enthusiastic, we hear he doesn't suffer fools gladly. Suffice to say, we would rather that than another duty assistant shift manager. Where else would you find an excellent cat themed real ale festival in memory of the late pub moggy? A great place to while away several hours, the Nags Head comes recommended. Allergy sufferers should note that they have a cat-friendly policy, with locals apparently bringing their pets to the pub for a quiet pint.
reviewed: 12/11/2009
pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)
posted by eugenio - Tuesday 12th February, 2008, 2:56am
went in this pub one sunday not too ago. A top class blues band was playing and pleasing the crowd. Very unusual around here...reccomended
posted by steveknowles53 - Sunday 25th November, 2007, 6:46pm
Excellent local, friendly landlord and staff. Usually relaxing jazz and excellent beers in excellent condidtion. Great for a chat and a pint and nice garden in the warm weather.
Steve
posted by ravester20 - Friday 31st August, 2007, 2:25pm
The Nag's head is a good pub but would be much better if the bar staff could be bothered to know who is next in the queue rather than just randomly serving people. I have frequently been served after people who arrived after me and usually have to point out who was first. If they could sort that out, they'd be onto a real winner.
click for directions to The Nag's Head from wherever you are
regular guest beers
partially covered beer garden and seats out the front
live music
in the garden until 7.30pm
