The Crooked Billett

We may have heard some people mumble that Upper Clapton was turning into Broadway Market in the garden at the Crooked Billet, but it is unlikely that this area will descend into the kind of hip, packed-out, mass grazing zone that the Hackney street has become any time soon. Although we can see their point - there is a food van in the garden, bike parking and a ping-pong table, after all.

There is no doubt Clapton’s pubs are having a bit of a renaissance. There are half a dozen new or re-launched boozers on one road alone and The Crooked Billet is one of them. The big grey block is much more exotic on the inside and in the garden out back. That neutral paint job does nothing to prepare you for the warm wood and stylish booths or the outside veranda that comes with its own bar and plentiful seating.

The menu at The Crooked Billet is polished gastro pub grub – think beetroot and halloumi burgers, grilled sea bass, pulled pork baps and Sunday roasts – but it also has the food van wildcard in the yard outside. On this visit it’s all about the ‘atomic wings’ and half-rotisserie chicken. The drinks selection is a lure as well, with a big range of local brews and real ales on draught at the inside and outside bars.

Quiz nights, occasional sporting events and specialist drinks promotions are all welcome extras but the main attraction is the comfortable, unpretentious atmosphere and the big garden.