What a letdown! I used to adore visiting the Eleanor Arms, a vibrant Public House that boasted the best Guinness in London! The incredible selection of beers, combined with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, made it feel like home. You could always count on great company and a sense of belonging. What’s not to love? The staff were fantastic, genuinely lovely people who made every visit enjoyable. And where did that amazing, hilarious manager with the fabulous ginger locks disappear to? Everything seems to have changed overnight!
I have to say, I’m heartbroken over this. The charm and camaraderie that made this pub special have vanished, and I don’t think I will return, despite having enjoyed the Sunday Jazz since Frankie established The Old Ford Jazz Club. It's such a shame because finding the perfect pub is a rare gem! What a pity to see such a great spot lose its heart.
Great jazz bands arranged by Lukas who is the current landlord, all staff are fab and friendly, great beer choices and a cozy beer garden. As for food - nice crisps!
Did you know in the 1950s there was a live monkey in a cage, is this the same monkey?
🚇 Mile End
🍺 £5.00 Spitfire Lager
The Eleanor Arms is located close to Victoria Park in Bow in the East End. The nearest Tube is Mile End.
This pub was established in 1879 and has successfully survived in an area of London that has seen an unprecedented amount of pub closures.
This is a traditionally decorated pub with two adjoining bars. The front bar has a charming proper pub feel to it with much of its original 1930’s features intact. The decor consists of dark wall panels, a brick fireplace, a beautiful Watney’s mirror, lots of traditional seating and a proper pub carpet. The servery is a good size and straddles both bars. To the right of the servery is a narrow passageway that leads into the back bar. The back bar has a similar sized servery, a pool table, a fireplace and intimate snug area. At the rear of the pub is a walled beer garden.
The beer selection offers a good mix of Shepherd Neame beers, familiar favourites and two cask ales. I decided on a Spitfire Lager, my pint hit the spot, price point was reasonable at a fiver. This is a wet-led pub, so sustenance comes in the form of Tayto’s, nuts and scampi fries.
I arrived just after 12pm on chilly Saturday lunchtime in February. The pub had not long opened, so I had a good mooch about. There were half a dozen older locals in attendance who were having a catch up and a game of pool in the back bar. Not long after, the pub started filling up with West Ham fans having a few prematch pints. The service was excellent, I had a brief chat with the new Guv’nor who took up the reins from the much loved Landlord and Landlady who retired last year.
I absolutely loved it here, I could have stayed here all afternoon. This is a classic London boozer which oozes oldschool charm and was such a joy to spend time in. One of the reasons I started posting about pubs, was to seek out pubs like this as they remind me of my childhood growing up in working class community based pubs. Amazing decor, lovely punters, reasonably priced beer, this pub has it all. @the_eleanor_arms is a must visit London Pub.
📅 15th February 2025
More London Pub info @londonpubmap 🍻
A great pub, The Eleanor Arms on Old Ford Road, a local's local, maybe? Recently under new guidance. Lovely pub, purports to be Victorian but, the decor (wood panelling etc.) looks to me a little bit later, very art deco, painted over. I may be very wrong! Lovely people, both staff and customers. Glad I visited, recommend you do too. Not sure about the design of the urinals though! 2 on each side? 🙃
I only came across this pub by chance word of mouth! What a fab find! We went to the jazz night they have on Sundays and it was a lot of fun. The atmosphere was cosy and intimate. Their was a great buzz about the place and it was full of character. The staff were really friendly and the selection of ales were a bonus! A bit out of the way but well worth the trip, especially if you're into jazz! Plus it's free to attend, just make sure you check out their selection of beers. Definitely intend on returning! It did get quite busy so I would say if you would like a seat to get there a bit earlier than planned.