Kings Arms

Bethnal Green Road is hardly the most obvious place you expect to find a brand new craft beer pub but the King’s Arms fits. Bettering the previous premises was a simple task for the King’s Arms – just create a pub that took more than one look through the window to scare people off. What came before is a distant memory and these days the only thing likely to scare people off is the prices. There’s probably an argument for which is worse somewhere in there but that is not for us to get distracted by. The green tile and wood exterior is as welcoming as the interior is comfortable; this is a pub that should do well.

Set around the focal point of an island bar, the familiar mix of white tiles, ledges with high chairs, long rustic tables and big windows is reassuringly contemporary. The craft beer look has replaced the gastro image of the late 2000s and there’s no chance of getting bored with it yet. But we’ve missed the final and most important part of the interior; the beer list. Proudly displayed on the wall, long slats can be added and removed from the slots whenever they are added or removed from the bar taps. Easy. From pale ales of all types to smoky porters, there is something for all tastes. We drink a dark, strong beer from the Danish Mikkeller microbrewery and despite the displayed 5.4%, leave woozy after a pint and a half. As previously stated, prices are high. You won’t find a pint for under £4.50 and the majority are more than that. But this is sipping beer. Buy halves, try a variety and your pounds will stretch.

Unfortunately there are no crisps or nuts, which is a disappointment. If you want something to snack on then it will have to be a gourmet Scotch egg from behind the bar – we’d recommend the chorizo. From raggedy to rich in style and substance, The King’s Arms is a great addition to Bethnal Green and judging by the well-heeled clientele, one that it was waiting for.