please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I've always enjoyed visits here as it is an unspoilt oasis amid the uncontrollable gentrification afoot in the area. The guy behind the bar was old time East End through and through and in possession of gentlemanly manners while the two ales on were in great condition. Quite between Christmas and New Year and I'm sure it attracts a few geezers needing excitement as well as possible extras from the Pulp song, 'Mile End' but for me, a good place.
|
This pub is so nice and unique and is separated in two halves like most pubs were in the old days. It is a Jazz pub and this is apparent made by all the photos above the bar by various Jazz artists. I do like a little bit of Jazz so is ok for me. Th actual pub is like a walk in relic and could easily have not been touched since the 50's, although is still clean and cozy. I am a beer and crisp man normally, but for some reason when ever I go there I have an urge for Guinness and Twiglets lol. The punters are a mixture of locals and students, both of whom are well behaved and polite. It is also by the canal and a nice bit of green, so a place to go in the summer too. May even go later on today if I can persuade a mate or two to join me. Just a little bit pricey and when one half of the bar is closed the far side, then doing a number 2 is not an option here, unless your polite to staff to open it quickly to use.
Serlo - 24 Jun 2013 14:45 |
I had a most enjoyable couple of lunchtime hours in this pub and the landlord was most welcoming and projected a sincere warmth throughout my stay there. Not being from the area or indeed the East End it would be nieve of me to begin to understand the complexities of a pub such as this but i would suggest an open minded approach should you choose to visit.
Public Houses such as the Palm Tree are in my opinion very special places especially to local people and this should be borne in mind when visiting from outside the area. This would not be a pub for everybody but that should not be taken as a criticism of any kind. It is primarily a pub for local people and that ought to understood and respected albeit i have no doubt that visitors will appreciated and welcomed as i was.
|
Absolute gem. A timewarp in the best way from the characterful curved bar to the old gold wallpaper! Good beer, friendly welcome from regulars and landlord alike.
Re the previous poster's comments; was this the right pub? I didn't note any lights at eye level, and the clientele tends towards the more mature; it just doesn't fit with my experience of this cracking boozer. One of the best in the Capital (no need for CAPITALS)
|
SATURDAY NIGHT 26-02-2012, POST DINNER-AT-HOME-DRINK WITH A MATE & HIS WIFE & A FRIEND - ALL TO THE PALM TREE.
JAM PACKED WITH SOME BEAUTIFUL GIRLS, COOL GUYS, LIVELY, VERY NOISY CONTEMPORARY ATMOSPHERE. GET TO THE BAR.
BRIGHT BAR LAMP AT MY EYE HEIGHT, I TOUCH IT ADMIRING IT.
SHORT BARMAID WITH BLACK HAIR SNARLS & HYSTERICALLY SCREAMS SOMETHING UNINTELLIGIBLE AT ME FOR DOING SO, TURNS TO OLD WHITE-HAIRED GEEZER BEHIND HER & RANTS AT HIM.
I APOLOGISE, TAKE MY DRINK OFFERED BY MY MATE & BACK OFF/AWAY -NOT CONFRONTATIONAL, ME- ALSO TO LET SOMEONE ELSE SQUEEZE PAST INTO THE ALMOST NON-EXISTANT SPACE I LEAVE.
FIND MYSELF NEAR DOOR HAVING DONE SO.
NEXT THING AM ON THE GROUND IN THE CAR PARK BEING KICKED & PUNCHED BY THE OLD WHITE HAIRED GEEZER & 2 OR 3 OF HIS MATES -HAVING COVERED MY FACE I'M NOT SURE IF IT WAS 4 BUT IT WAS DEFINITELY ATLEAST 3..
AFTER ABOUT A MINUTE, THEY BACK OFF & DISAPPEAR.
40 PEOPLE -MORE OR LESS- WATCHED & DID NOTHING EXCEPT A BEAUTIFUL BLONDE(?)GIRL IN A GREY FUR COAT WHO, AFTER I GET BACK ON MY FEET SHOCKED, BEWILDERED, BEGINNING TO BECOME ANGRY & SHOUT 'WHY ?' AMONGST OTHER THINGS -INCLUDING MY FRIENDS' NAMES FROM THE CAR PARK ON THE OFF-CHANCE THAT THEY MIGHT HEAR ME OVER THE DIN INSIDE- ASKS ME IF SHE CAN GO & GET MY FRIENDS WHO I START TO DESCRIBE BUT, WHILST DOING SO, MY MATE CAME OUT LOOKING FOR ME BEFORE SHE NEEDED TO GO IN.
I THANK HER FOR HER CONCERN & RELATE WHAT HAPPENED TO MY MATE TELLING HIM I'M LEAVING BUT MY PHONE IS AT THEIR HOME. I SUGGEST HE GOES TO GET HIS WIFE & WE LEAVE UNDER A TIRADE OF ABUSE FROM HIS MISSUS WHO MIFFED AT HAVING HER BINGE INTERRUPTED.
IF THIS ANTIQUATED VIOLENTLY DODGY OUTFIT -RUN IN THAT MANNER BY PEOPLE WHO WOULD PERHAPS BE BETTER OFF RUNNING AROUND IN CAGES WITH COLLARS ON AT A VICTORIAN SIDE SHOW INSTEAD OF WORKING & MAKING LOTS OF RELATIVELY EASY MONEY IN 2012- IS SHUT DOWN SOON, DO NOT BE SURPRISED.
IF THIS PLACE -WHICH HAS ITS OWN PERSONAL '666' IN RAISED LETTERS ON THE PLAQUE ABOVE THE DOOR IS ERADICATED FROM GOD'S EARTH SOON, AGAIN DO NOT BE SURPRISED.
I HAVE INFORMED THE POLICE.
|
Popped in around teatime earlier in the week, a friendly welcome from behind the bar, and excellent beer to boot. Landlord quite happy to chat about his beers and to elicit opinion on what we thought of them.
Nice atmosphere, excellent beer. Always worth a visit. Apparently opens at 12:30 on weekdays.
|
Biked up from Wapping on the canal last night (very slowly and considerately of course as I'm old sensible now) and revisited the Palm Tree for the first time in at least 6 years. A was joined by a friend who rode down the canal from Bdy Mkt (he does not have a fashion tache). The view across the water has changed but the pub had not and it shame they aren't doing anything with the little yard area to the rear which added to a feeling of neglect at the Palm Tree.
Enjoyed trying the guest ales which were Brewsters A Roll in the Hay (Grantham) and the more well known Mighty Oak's Maldon Gold. I do not have a beer gut or a matted beard but I did prefer the former. The price, �3.60 a pint really doesn't sit well with me but I can't see that the place makes much of profit so I'm happy to support it on this occasion. The bar man was very pleasant asked me what I thought of the beer after I'd finished up.
We drank out on the grass though were the only ones ones at 5pm on a warm Wednesday in August which was a little surprising. I then picked up the Hertford Union to head home, all in all a great place to stop of on the bike.
|
This site is all about beer ( sometimes in the evening) and this is definitely the place to have it. Just go there if you want a little oasis in a bit of a bleak area. It's worth it.
|
This is a fantastic pub and amongst the best I've come across in the East End. Wallpaper, carpets and decent lighting help to create a warm, convivial atmosphere. The lager is well presented, two ales in tip top condition and not the usual suspects. Sinatra's 'Sunshine of My Life' is pretty much the Friday night anthem in this place, for better or worse! Prices are at the top end of what you would expect for an East End boozer but are fine when you consider that the place is quite unlike anything else still standing in 2011, with your money rung out on a till that would have been scrapped by most landlords by the advent of decimalisation. The Palm Tree epitomises the romance and nostalgia of the 'good old days' of the East End described by many an aging taxi driver. An image of the East End no doubt viewed through rose-tinted specs but nonetheless an image I'm happy to share as someone too young to remember if those old days were good or bad. Most likely. it was the best of times and the worst of times in which the best were enjoyed in a place like the Palm Tree.
All I can say about the bad reviews of this pub is that bad reviews only paint one side of the story. Having worked in numerous pubs, you realise that some people will not take no for an answer. 'Rules' which seem petty, arbitrary, neurotic and verging on the bizarre to the customer have often come about for very good reason so it is perhaps best to just accept that if they won't give out tap water for nothing then just leave it at that. You'll find friendliness and kindness in the staff but if provoked don't expect smiles and nods, it's not wetherspoons after all. It's a real Easy End boozer from a bygone on era so High Street, customer-is-always-right mantras are not ingrained. Just drink from the tap in the toilet that's what I always do!
edman - 12 Feb 2011 12:13 |
Sound pub, friendly barstaff and locals. Recommended.
|
Love this pub. A survivor of the demolition of most of the neighbourhood to create Mile End Park, walking in you take a step back in time. Very friendly barstaff, good mixture of customers, 2 decent ales on. Live jazz Thur to Sun eves.
Only thing I would change is that food (sandwiches) are only sold Mon-Fri lunchtimes, would be great to be able to have a bite to eat other times.
|
too expensive we are in a recession for christs sake.
|
A bit hard to find this place if you aren't from the area, but a real gem. Beer is indeed on the expensive side but perfectly served.
|
Good pub full of character, a bit pricey at a tenner for three pints but still well worth a trip.
|
1 pint of Carlsberg now � 3.80
|
Untroubled by fad, fashion or the passage of time, this East End pub is a real gem.
|
It doesn't matter who you are or what you do (or how much you spend). If you go to the Palm Tree often enough you will eventually become aware of the deeply unpleasant attitude in this pub - and it is nothing to do with most of the customers! I am in my sixties, live nearby and was until a few years ago a regular customer with my husband. I now pass it by with regret. I think it is easy to overlook the prejudiced and antagonistic atmosphere behind the bar because it is so very popular and lively that people are focussed only on having a good time with friends. But if you sit quietly with a drink as a regular customer (and one who is not acquainted with the management) you gradually begin to witness what it really like. Anybody who is 'different' might like to stay away if they want to be sure of a comfortable and enjoyable time - though they shouldn't have to. It is such a shame that this attractive pub is spoiled by this.
|
I was taken to this pub by a very old mate of mine who lives a stones throw away from it. He had 'bigged it up' for some time prior my visit but I always try to approach things with an open mind. To say this place is unique is an understatement.... It is a distillation of all things 'East End'. We arrived about 10.30 on a Saturday evening and the place was jumping and packed to the rafters with a diverse cross section of customers. I was introduced to Alf the landlord and you couldn't want to meet a nicer individual. We also enjoyed some fabulous cabaret style musical entertainment from the house band who had an average age of approaching 90 by the looks of things. I will be going back for sure - love the place and I'm a fussy sod...... I would go as far to say this is in my top 5 favourite 'boozers' and I've been to more than a few......
|
Bloody Hell,
this all smacks of a conspiracy by ex-staff or barred customers. I'm pretty fussy about pubs, but I went in here on Tuesday with a friend, and found it to be an honest regular pub.
Maybe not a date pub, nor an eating pub, but if you want a pint and a packet of s&v, then it's pretty good.
A touch of character in the east end.
And no, I didn't ask for a glass of water, but if I did I would have expected one for free.
|
avoid! a previously much-enjoyed pub with nice cosy feel and good crowd has been ruined by the rudeness and homophobia of the staff... as result of having my arm on my girlfriend's shoulder (and nothing more!), we were told by the barman working on saturday 2nd jan 2010 that they didnt have hugging and touching there and it "wasnt that kind of pub".
|
Great pub! if you like paying for tap water and getting your head rammed into the toilet wall by one of its lovely clientele?. If this dosn't do if for you, then why not try talking to the landlord about the meat head Tw4t that attacked you and your friend? oh no thats right! you cant because it is the Landlords mate! who after tucking his belly back into his socks, will endeavor to follow you out of the pub with the other members of the Anthill Mob to see that the job is done right! But on the upside, as you leave the Landlord will say a polite "hope you had a nice evening? come back soon now". What a farewell to the worst pub in London. Do not go here!
|
Me and three people from work went to the Palm Tree pub in Mile End on Friday night. It's well known as being a great East End boozer. We were drinking in there from about 6.30pm and must have had six or seven pints each - so, in other words, we'd spent a lot of money. After about my fifth pint, at the same time as buying a round of four drinks, I also asked for half a pint of tap water. They refused to serve it. I thought it was the law and told them this. I was told that it certainly wasn't the law and it was at the manager's discretion. I asked to speak to the manager and she came over and said that it's not their policy to serve tap water and that if I wanted water I would have to buy bottled water. They said that people often come in off the street and just want to use the pub to get a free glass of water. Really!!?? Who does that? And anyway, this is a small pub and they knew full well we had been drinking there for hours (and spent about �70-�80), so why couldn�t they give me a glass of water? I've been reading up on this on the Internet and it seems that it does really annoy some people when people order tap water in pubs. But I have ordered tap water in literally hundreds of pubs and never ever been refused, and if you�re buying loads of drinks at the same time, I think that it's a reasonable request. Since this experience I have noticed that many other reviews on this website about this pub also complain about their policy of not serving tapwater - and some have even been charged �1 for it! So, for the record, is it against the law or not?
|
Lovely little pub have been here twice just a shame about the miserable landlord and his mrs (or whoever) behind the bar who say they don't like advertising and they don't like certain people in the pub. That kind of attitude shows why the place is usually half empty. Would be a lot nicer if the landlord and current staff p*ssed off and it was run by the people who run the White Hart in Aldgate east. Beer is overpriced and not that nice either. A 6 for the pub and a zero for the staff.
|
WARNING: DO NOT VISIT THIS PUB. I WAS RUDELY WELCOMED BY THE LANDLORD WITH THE WORDS "WE DON'T SERVE PEOPLE WHO JUST COME IN". THAT'S ODD, HOW ELSE DOES IT WORK? I INTERPRET THIS AS A VERY STRANGE FORM OF XENOPHOBIA THAT I STILL STRUGGLE TO UNDERSTAND. ORDERING DRINKS AND CRISPS IS A CONSTANT STRUGGLE WITH THE LANDLORDS HUGE EGO. WE WERE 8 PEOPLE AND SPENT CONSIDERABLE MONEY ON DRINKS THAT WERE OVERPRICED. I ASKED FOR ONE GLASS OF TAP WATER FOR MYSELF, IRONICALLY, IN ORDER TO REHYDRATE AND GET MORE DRINKS AND SPEND MORE MONEY. STAFF, LANDLADY AND FINALLY LANDLORD ALL REFUSED WITH ATTITUDES RANGING FROM DISMISSIVE TO DOWNRIGHT AGGRESSIVE. THE LANDLORD MADE A HUGE DEAL ABOUT IT AND BASICALLY ASKED ALL OF US TO LEAVE WITHOUT DELAY. AS OF NOW, THERE ARE 57 REVIEWS ON THIS PUB IN THIS FORUM AND 15 ALMOST EXACTLY CORRESPOND WITH MY IMPRESSION OF THE PALM TREE. NEVER HAVE I BEEN TREATED SO BADLY. DO NOT VISIT THE PALM TREE. INSTEAD, MAKE YOUR OWN DISCOVERY OF AN EAST END PUB THAT HAS NOT BEEN SPOILT BY REVIEWS IN THE GUARDIAN. THE NOTION THAT YOU WILL ENCOUNTER A "TRUE GEM" IS A GIANT MYTH WHICH THIS FORUM IS INCREASINGLY DEBUNKING.
|
Possibly the worst experience I've ever had, incredibly rude staff (they told me to F off because I argued about having to pay for tap water!). Later I lost a pint to their downward sloping tables - it just fell off and smashed on the floor (more abuse about this which really wasn't my fault). They get a lot of custom from the nearby climbing wall but if you think they might appreciate this, no chance! They just seem to want to have the place for themselves and their friends. Nothing would make me go back to this pub until the current staff F off themselves.
|
A lovely ex Trumans pub with a practically intact refurb dating from the 30's, a classic! Had contrasting experiences within 1 visit here- very nearly walked out, an incredibly rude landlady was on the phone & ignored us for sevreal minutes a s we stood expectantly at the bar, eventually served us 3 pints of cloudy beer for �9.60 when questioned we received the classic reply "Thats what its supposed to be like" howvere a chat with the landlord turned it around completely- a lovely old east end fella whos been in residence for over 30 years explained that the beer had a percentage of wheat in it hence the murkiness, & showed us around his classic pub with its unique(?) dartboard & boxing pics in the lounge, we left totally won over! A 7 for the surly & rude "greeting" tho!
|
I put the building location and ambience above the people who work in the places, hence The Palm Tree is perfect. As you approach it you realise that it is a survivor amongst the re-development around it. It is a very beautiful pub. The canal hints at another age and adds to the whole atmosphere of the place. Highly recommended.
|
Great pub in a good spot nice to sit outside on a sunny day but the staff are so rude and be warned they don't take card and it is about a 10 min walk to the nearest cash point.
|
Interesting pub, friendly welcome and great live jazz music. Let down by the beer prices - �3.40 a pint was a tad excessive.
|
AFTER MANY YEARS AT THE PALM TREE ,TONIGHT WAS DEFINITELY THE LAST. WE WERE 9 PEOPLE DRINKING AND LISTENING TO JAZZ ,BUT UNBELIEVABLE RUDE STAFF, NO MANNERS ,NOT FRIENDLY AT ALL.THEY CHARGE FOR TAP WATER, ???ISN'T THIS ILLEGAL? HOW CAN THEY CHARGE AFTER SPENDING 100S OF POUNDS, ON BOOZE ????? INCREDIBLE, IT HAS LOST MY SUPPORT AND I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND TO ANYBOBY, NOT EVEN IF THIS IS THE LAST PUB LEFT ON PLANET UK. BELIEVE ME THEY DON'T DESERVE YOUR COMPANY OR YOUR MONEY, BY THE WAY IT'S THE MOST EXPENSIVE PUB IN EAST LONDON. MY FRIENDS LEFT EARLIER SFTER BEEN CHARGED �1 FOR A GLASS OF TAP WATER, RIDICULOUS IN ANY SOCIETY!!! THINK TWICE BEFORE GOING THERE AND TAKE MY ADVICE GO SOMEWHERE ELSE WHERE WITH CIVILISED PEOPLE THAT APPRECIATE YOUR CUSTOM AND YOU KNOW YOU ARE WELCOME, AND.. NO CHARGE FOR TAP WATER
|
Please do not got to this pub. It's my favourite and I want to keep it to myself!
Has the most incredible interior that's apparently been frozen in time since 1930, also boasting a bar till that would make Arkwright from Open All Hours scared and an ancient spangley gold drum kit. It's like some surreal living pub museum and I love it!
Also has a fantastic expanse of wild grass outside next to the canal which is just perfect for lazing around on hazy sunny afternoons, with locals from the climbing club next door often tight rope walking between trees.
It's a local bar for local people. Don't go there. It's mine!
|
I have only ever been to this pub on a Friday/Saturday night. The east end jazz is ace and makes the whole experience well worth the effort.
Staff aren't 'all bar one' friendly but thats because you're milling around their home! the decor is unique and you should go for pints here if only to treat it as a museum and support one of the most unique pubs around,
|
Curious location, stuck out on its own in the middle of Mile End park. Interesting interior with lots of memorabilia. Got there at around dusk - and initially thought that the place was shut - but it appeared that the landlord was just saving on electricity (and I think he only turned the lights on when he couldn't see the till). Reasonable pint of Davenports ???, but expensive at �3.20. A mixed bag, but well worth the walk from Mile End station.
|
Glorious mid-20th Century timewarp of a pub with the dark, heavily patterned decor typical of the traditional London boozer. The exterior reveals it to have started life as a Truman's house of the type seen in many other Inner London streets; I don't know enough about architecture to be sure of it's age but I'd guess Inter-War years. With it's isolated position it looks like the lone survivor of Luftwaffe bombing raids on the neighbourhood, but the GBG suggests that the surrounding buildings were mainly demolished by the old Greater London Council, leaving the surrounding area as parkland.
One of the two bars appeared to be closed for a quiet Saturday afternoon session, but I immediately felt at home and marvelled at the unspoilt yet clean and tidy room which could have looked exactly the same thirty or forty or more years ago, except possibly for a modern cigarette machine in a corner and the decimal price showing on "Arkwright's" till on the back of the bar.
Autographed photographs of various minor celebrities adorned the wall above the bar, a drumkit lay dormant on a small stage in one corner and pleasant classic pop music played at a sensible volume in the backgound. Clientele was entirely student types on my visit - at 43 I reckon I was the oldest customer by 20 years - but frankly anyone who likes pubs ought to feel at home here unless they're a total philistine.
Two real ales were on offer: Deuchar's IPA and Hook Norton Old Hooky - I had a pint of the latter which was served in perfect condition by, presumably, the much mentioned landlord (average height & build, grey hair, in his sixties) who was perfectly friendly and hospitable, greeting me as I arrived and thanking me as I left despite me placing my overcoat on the adjacent stool and a small bag on the floor!
Ideally a choice of more than two ales would be nice, but other than that this place ticks all the boxes for me and is pretty much my perfect pub. I'll definitely be back and hopefully introduce some friends to it too. One word of warning, you can easily miss it if you walk up and down Grove Road as I did. The address is given as 127 Grove Road in the CAMRA Good Beer guide, but it's set well back on the far side of Mile End Park on the far bank of the Grand Union Canal and partially obscured by a raised area adjacent to the main road.
|
A right dump. Landlord really odd insisted we put our coats behind the bar, no idea why, gents toilets stank despite there being no actual toilet there, really busy on saturday night only 2 people working behind the bar for ages took 15 mins to get served, left early.
|
I know it looks a bit grim from the outside. But anywhere with foil wallpaper and lurid orange interior lighting is special in my book. Upsides aplenty: live jazz old-man band, good ale selection, healthy mix of punters, good outdoor space and nice canal-side location.
Downside: why the hell do they refuse to sell tapwater? And yes, the landlord is occasionally a bit hard to handle. Overall though a nice feel to it. Enjoyed many a summer evening laying out on the grass with a few pints, enjoying the music from the little old guy on a mobility scooter parked under one of the trees, who brings his tapedeck with him for all to enjoy. Lovely.
|
Overall, this is a very special pub.
Great atmosphere, well-kept ales, and a fairly unusual location in the middle of Mile End park.
They *do* seem to have a bit of a problem with people carrying bags. Even small shoulder bags. I can't quite work out what the issue is, and they wouldn't really explain, but they definitely don't like it.
Also, the prices tend to be on the high side of random.
But when you hear the remarkable jazz singing on a Friday or Saturday night, these oddities just fade into the background. Well worth a visit.
|
...an update following my visit to Radiohead's gig and specifically this pub.
It does indeeed have a very, very old till and some tiny musical instruments on a tiny stage (as if ready to welcome a miniature Chas & Dave tribute band). It was cold outside in the garden area. Admittedly, blame for this cannot be directly attributed to the pub landlord but a complete absence of garden furniture, parasols, heaters etc... was a shame and could have helped. It also has the tiniest gents urinal facility (ok for the mini in-house band perhaps, but I struggled) and no actual male flushing toilet apparent (there must be one somewhere). I couldn't tell which of the three middle-aged chaps in cheap tailored shorts was the boss. They all seemed equally glum but didn't throw me out for any random issue.
All in all, it served a purpose but it's a fantastic building in a great setting and could do with a bit of love and attention.
I'm never going there again though, because I don't live anywhere near it.
Radiohead weren't up to much either, that night.
|
1 pint of (yuk) carlsberg = 3.40... not that cheap for an east end pub! And I agree the order price can vary somewhat... get rid of the "open all hours" till (or keep it for display purposes only)!
|
this is more of a preview, really.
i'm looking forward to visiting this pub next week as it's near the Radiohead gig.
reading the reviews, it would seem that this landlord can't add up, refuses to serve tap water, short changes people, won't tolerate a non-drinker, is stroppy and doesn't like rucsacs one little bit. he's also a great guy and shouldn't be slandered in this way.
on balance, it would seem he's a bit of a tossbag, but I'll be happy to report back on my findings next week, readers....
|
Can confirm the landlord doesn't like serving tap water. I have reported him to trading standards, who will be paying a visit soon. Else a fine pub and fine beer, even if the guv is a bit stroppy.
|
The Palm Tree is a pretty cool place, especially when the jazz is playing. The most annoying thing about it though it the random pricing and over pricing. The middle aged guy with brown hair (who i think is the landlord) is the worst. On a few visits i have placed the same order and never received the same price, it could vary by 2-3 pounds on an order of 3-4 drinks.
|
hasher10
dinkums.
tombs - 20 Mar 2008 12:53 |
I am part of a social running group called hash house harriers. We always run from and back to a real ale pub. After the run we all drink in the pub therefore bringing in alot of money to the pubs concerned. I live in East London and thought that since this pub was CAMRA nominated would mean that it would a great pub. This was not the case.
When I arrived a asked for a glass of water which I was refused. Despite running from alot of pubs in London I ahd never had this reaction before. I am now told that it is a legal requirement to give someone a glass of water if asked. I did not want bottled water.
The landlord also then asked our group if we thought that the pub was some sort of hosterl or that it was a charity for our benefit. I'm not sure where this very rude comment came from but some in our group had ordered drinks. If he had taken timeto find out more about us he would have found out that we were going to spend alot of money on drinks after the run. I will not be visiting this pub again.
|
Fine old fashioned traditional pub by the canal approx half a mile from Mile End Tube Station. Has that classic "don't go in on your own" look from the outside, but do, you won't regret it. Note the splendid gold wallpaper - well you can hardly miss it !
|
just heard that the palm tree got voted pub of the year for the london area out of 2500 pubs. Well deserved and about time too. The pub is one of the areas unsung heroes and as one of the pubs regulars I have always found the bar staff to be amongst the best and as for the slur on the landlord you had better get your facts straight pal as the landlord is one of the most straight up guys you would meet and i can assure you would not risk his reputation for tuppence
|
i agree there's something seriously old school about the Palm Tree. I have drunk there many times and would/do not trust the bar tender but this adds to the authenticity in many ways. It's a proper East End joint.
The jazz played by the oldies who roll out on weekends is just sweet - great to be around even though I'm one of the 'Shoreditchy' types that probably herald the end of the place's authenticity.
such is life...
|
Been to this place a couple of times, it has a great location by the canal, and the atmosphere is quite pleasant.
However last time the landlord tried to shortchange us. In the end he did give us the correct change, but this wasn't the first time, it happened with a friend before, he even tried it with other customers the same evening. Bizarre, not as if the place seems struggling. Shame as the other bar staff seemed nice, but I won't be returning.
|
Brilliant. Alf & Val are still listed as landlords of this quite wonderful proper pub. Classic decor and fantastic Mighty Oak, in a beautiful isolated park location. How has this avoided attention for so long. Only caveat - pub overrun by the sort of custom you expect to see in Stoke Newy or the Camel, but still had to fault.
|
This was run by Alf and Val for many years. They had a daughter called Kerry and a son called Paul. I would love to know if they are still there. In the days when I drank in there we had a guy called George who owned a television shop and a mad guy called Dudley who used to sell insurance. We would all drink until the very early hours (Before all day drinking). Needless to say this went on almost daily. Alf worked as a docker years ago and left the docks due to an accident. Both he and his wife Val were very nice people and the children were exactly the same. Both very well mannered and working people. Kerry used to date a guy called Mark Smith and she was a very good singer and sometimes sung in the pub. Paul, on the other hand was trying to break into the stock market and was doing ok the last time I saw him around twenty years ago. I don't know what happened to Dudley but I do know that George has his own business and is doing very well running his own news agency supplying news to the national tabloid. He is now based in Bedfordshire with his Staffordhire Bull Terrier Dexter. This old-style beer-shop has got to be worth a ten rating. This was one of the first pubs in the East End to put on good live music not once a month but several times a week. The surrounding areas have changed so much but it would appear that this place is still the same. Spot on.
anonymous - 27 Jul 2007 01:14 |
What a magical place.....like stepping back in time to a place where people still respect each other and welcome even strangers like us....we will be back....
|
I find the comments by anonymous 28 Jun 2007 09:38 totally out of place. The Palm Tree can best be described as the the best kept secret in the East End. In relation to the incident mentioned I can confirm that the account given is not entirely what happened(I will say no more on for it might embarass those who chose to complain in this way) and should not deter you from visiting what is a lovely pub with locals who are as friendly as one might expect a local to be...
|
Visited this weekend, Great pub, Brilliant music and friendly bar staff. We had a great time. Can totally recommend it!
|
Great pub, only been there twice but have had no problems with the staff, found the atmosphere very friendly.
Only thing I would put against it is the selection of tap lagers is terrible: Fosters, Carlsberg & Stella.
|
Good start to the afternoon soon ruined by the landlord. 3 separate orders wrong and all blamed on the customer with the instruction to "pay or leave". After spending 4 hours there and not an insignificant amount of money a request for tap water was refused. This somehow resulted in what can only be described as assault on the part of the landlord. Wow. I've never experienced anything like it.
anonymous - 28 Jun 2007 09:38 |
Visited early Friday evening. Fairly busy without being crowded. Old fashioned sort of pub (this is meant as a compliment) with two good beers on handpump from Arundel and Wyre Piddle breweries. Friendly and efficient bloke behind the bar and I bumped into an old mate who bought me a pint!
|
Great time warp pub from the seventies. Decor and bar fittings a delight. Landlord very friendly and keen to top our beer to the top. The two real ales were first class and there is a full range of other largers, Guiness etc. Our visit was on a quiet afternoon, looking forward to an evening visit.
|
A lovely place to spend a few hours and enjoy the guest beers.
Has been confirmed as East London & City pub of the year too. Congratulations!
|
Stopped in this canalside pub for a pint on my cycle home. Nice inside, with flamboyant gold wallpapaer, but the real draw was the outside, where it was very pleasant indeed to sip my drink on the grass by the canal.
|
On myt latest visit the bar staff were extremely friendly. General atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant. A must to visit.
|
The beginning of friday night with friends, very happy to be at the place like this where people aged 18 - 88 are listening to great Frank Sinatra etc. music. Sounds like great evening, doesn't it? Not necessarily.... One of staff members came to me and told me to go and buy a drink or leave 9i took a break as i usually do not like to be drunk)- just like this - i was absolutely suprised and reacted with the finger (shame on me!) so then he grabbed my arm and started to make fuss of all the situation... Can you imagine??? Maybe I overeacted but he is the one who works there.... It was my first and last time at this place and obviously last time for my friends - there are many other places....
anonymous - 19 Jan 2007 12:57 |
A time machine in Mile End Park of all places, well I never, it is like stepping back to 1975. For real ale lovers don't despair, there are two handpumps, which on my visit served Adnams Bitter and Itchen Valley Godfathers. So put on your flares and platform shoes and head down to E3.
|
Heaven
timby - 20 Nov 2006 23:24 |
I'd heard great things about this place so called in for a pint whilst walking home along the Regents Canal. I was subsequently baffled to be refused service because I was carrying a small rucsac (we're talking a small day pack here - large enough to contain a jacket and a bottle of water and that's about it)(and I certainly wasn't drunk or disorderly or especially badly dressed). What next? "Sorry darling - we can't serve you, you've got a handbag?" A shame because what little I heard of the jazz starting up sounded great. Unimpressed - and quite frankly confused!
|
This is a great pub. It has a nice blend of old locals, students, young couples and decent local and recently moved to the area people. The beer is not too exspensive and it is a great place to drink in the summer as it is by the canal and a fair bit of green. The music is also at a reasonable level so you can have a conversation too. The best thing is, is that some how all the sections formentioned who frequent here also get along well. Top pub!
LOL81 - 12 Jul 2006 22:36 |
Amazing pub. Huge red velvet drapes. Decadent feel. Autographed photos of past jazz legends who have played here. Friendly service and top beer.
Tucked away in the park.....worth the trip out east specifically to visit.
anonymous - 31 May 2006 17:36 |
Cracking pub. Friday night is always top notch. Free jazz, nice ladies and the old skool East End crew. Possibly the best pub in the East End.
anonymous - 23 Jan 2006 13:30 |
always was a good pub, even back in the seventies, Had plenty more competition then though;
Ie:the " aberdeen arms" Opposite, By the traffic lights. And the " beehive" On the canal bridge
|
Strolling along Regent's Canal we had a beer break at The Palm Tree in Mile End Park. A public house from the 1930s with heavy curtains at the windows. Nice decoration with china and flowers. Friendly reception and a few real ales in perfect condition. Music from Michel Bubl� in the backgroun. Three palm trees outside the pub.
|
Saw Oona King on the campaign trail in here before the general election. She called George Galloway a bastard. Great. And the pub is nice, especially on a hot summer's day when you can take your beer and sit by the canal.
|
I feel guilty about writing this as I'd rather the crowds didn't come. But the Palm Tree is just such a great place to go for a few beers that people ought to know. Fri, Sat & Sun are jazz nights when the old crooners come out from the East End to bash out jazz classics until turfing out time (whenever that might be) The whole ambience of the place epitomises the East end's former glory days, faded, vibrant and friendly. You can't go wrong.
|
Great Pub, but doesn't do food.
however does do open mike Jazz.
Be sure to get along to see Reg Webb on Bank Holiday Monday
|
Cant agree more with comments posted so far - an oasis in what is a desert for decent non-theme 'pubs'. Good service, good beer, good luck to 'em...
|
Blimey - and I thought the good old eastend boozer had died with the encroachment of the poncy gastro pubs! Went there last night to find myself caught up in the midst of a Christmas knees up - carols and good cheer aplenty! I have only lived in the vicinity for a couple of months but in that time have managed to visit the majority of pubs in the area and this is by far the best, mainly because it has so much character, something often lacking these days. Would recommend it to anyone - especially on a Saturday night when the aging crooners take a turn on the mike!
|
The best pub in London, bar none. Live jazz, great atmosphere, good beer, and a good mix of locals and students keep the place at the top of my favourites list.
10/10, every time
Ted - 27 Jul 2004 13:59 |
This is undoubtedly a belter I have to say. I have nothing to add to these other comments. Not the best full picking up chicks though.
Dickboy - 27 Feb 2004 12:32 |
Yeah, this is a winner. Old folks and younger folks in the same place at the same time. Jazz standards sung by walk-ons. Nice location.
Larry Edelstein - 7 Jan 2004 05:39 |
Best Boozer in London! Amazing wallpaper, and fantastic oap jazz band to boot, a real treasure...
miss - 6 Jan 2004 19:26 |
this pub is my absolute favorite in london because it at once represents all that is good about british pubs whilst totally eschewing the norm in location and atmosphere. Its got everythig you could want (unless you are looking for annoying people, crappy slot machines, or terrible dukeboxes). Its hard to find for the novice but this only makes it more desirable to those of you who are looking for a safe haven from the london streets.
nils davey - 6 Jan 2004 17:36 |
an excellent boozer, without doubt truly underrated. I write with trepidation but for fact that every diamond deserves to get found out in the end. gorgeous central bar dividing longue and saloon, red velvet and orange lamps, freindly family who run it, top sandwiches, striking building, great outdoor space (a whole park), considered music (if jazz heavy), knees up on a saturday night and clean as a whistle to boot. so good im doing a daytime party there nov 16th all welcome. sandwiches and peanuts a-plenty.
annie davey - 27 Oct 2003 23:11 |
Smack bang in the middle of Mile End park, right next to the canal. This is a proper east london boozer with a lounge and public bar with men playing dominoes. It's best enjoyed in summer due to its location. The pub is on its own in the park, but looks like it might have belonged to a street once apon a time, WW2 bomb damage I guess, but it makes for a interesting building!
Dominic - 7 Aug 2003 18:13 |
