Galvanisers Union

There’s been a pub on the site of the Galvanisers Union since 1872, which seems hard to believe given how barren the immediate surroundings are. The view from the windows is of the A12, and while this is still an unappealing section of East London it’s nevertheless “up and coming” because of the nearby Olympic Park. Could this gastropub be the first destination of many to settle in Bromley-by-Bow?

Rhian Williams, a former trainee at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen, has put together a very decent modern British menu. Herby ham hock terrine comes with parsley, walnuts, crackling and toasted sourdough, while Stilton Welsh rarebit has heaps of rich tangy hot cheese, with blobs of plum chutney and caramelised walnuts flecked with parsley decorating the plate.

Cider steamed mussels have plenty of flavour, topped with parsley garlic crumbs; only the salt beef bun is a little flat, as the meat lacks its characteristic brininess and gets drowned out by the coleslaw. However we love the frickles, slices of pickled gherkin deep fried in batter and served with Russian dressing.

For pudding, the Black Forest Knickerbocker Glory is a twist on the retro dessert that's essentially three parts whipped cream to one part cubed chocolate and cherries. More impressive is the fairly average-sounding chocolate brownie with salted caramel sauce, which is half way between a gooey fondant and a rich brownie, and sits in a pool of sticky caramel with crunchy peanut brittle and vanilla ice cream on the side; it’s both accomplished and very comforting.

It's great value for money too: small plates are priced at £6.50 and mains are under £10; the most expensive wine is £24. If Bromley-by-Bow takes off, If Bromley-by-Bow takes off, there’s already a great pub in the area.

Galvanisers Union

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