Dog & Duck, Highams Park  

The Walthamstow end of Chingford Road isn't flush with pubs and the Dog & Duck is the only pub within a mile of this dense residential area. So what have the owners done to encourage visitors? Not much, alas. Although its not uncommon to see hard, shiny carpets, worn down with years of use, its rarer to see the same thing on the seats. Various sections of plaster work were also beginning to peel badly and the beer selection was boring lager or more boring lager. Showing Emmerdale on TV added to a sense of hopelessness. There's a couple of pool tables (often surrounded by teenagers) a large beer garden, a jukebox and karaoke evenings all offered by depressed looking staff. We also noted the 'for sale' sign outside, so perhaps things will improve in the future. Anyway, the locals may be a captive audience, but if you've been to Walthamstow Dog Track, this being the nearest pub is just about acceptable for a pint to drown your sorrows (or celebrate your luck) before heading home. Now the lease is up, who knows? It may yet become somewhere you'll want to go for a pint.

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