Morgan Arms, Bow  

The relentless gentrification of parts east continues and the Morgan Arms hasn't been left out of the process. Having had a bit of an up and down career (mostly down) in days gone by, the Morgan Arms became a gastropub. We're a little surprised it took so long for this to happen around here, there are some pretty posh houses nearby, many of the original inhabitants having taken the money and run, and every bit of available land around is having some sort of dwelling squeezed on it. So what's the pub like? Got your gastropub checklist handy? Let's begin - comfy settees, check. Butchers block tables, check. Other objets from recent decades, check. Art on the walls, check. Extensive wine list, check. Cool vibe, check etc etc. The picture should be clear to most of you. It's OK, especially for the area, and there's decent beer on the hand pumps plus Aspall's cider and the service is good. Friday and Saturday nights will see it filled with the bright young things of Bow. It's recent(ish) elevation to stardom - Evening Standard pub of the year - has been accompanied by an elevation in tariff so you won't see many drinks under £3 here. We suppose it keeps out the riffraff.

reviewed:
26/6/2008

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

Sky TV (small screens)

beer garden

separate dining area

Link to your pub's web site