please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
havnt been to the dog since i got married in 1966 but paid a fleeting visit a few years back and was appalled to note that all the features downstairs had been pulled out and a form of indian take away kitchen installed. used it as undeage teenager it was my local for years. it used to be owned by watneys and was leased to a wine company who had premises nearby. tradition had it that dick turpin visited it and it was one of henry v111 hunting lodges. my point is how was this allowed by the local council planning department . never went to the new bit upstairs but the landlord in my earlier times was fred who left to take over a family pub in barking.
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I remember the fun we all had in 1985/6 working in this pub some good times. The locals was great Butch,Greg,Lorry,Sandy and Mickey of course. Brian from Norfolk was a lovely boss all the staff was great and the meals fantastic.I would love to here from everyone again Irish Mary,Margo,Kev,and all who worked there in 1985/86
Welsh Kath
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I also would like to know what is happening to this pub used to go in there in my youth and loved it in there lovely food, a typical east london pub loads of character. I drive past there every week on the way to work and the lights are always on upstairs and at one point workman were in there, they have put a metal fench round the place under lock and key but not much other than that happening do you know anything?
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Walked past the Old Spotted Dog last night, Friday 23 June 2006, and noticed that it was shut and all of the windows boarded up. Does anyone know if the pub is being refurbished or joining the long list of East End pubs coverted to "luxury flats".
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My parents lived in West Ham around 1947-1950. There was still rationing at the time as it was just after the war. The regulars at the Spotted Dog chipped in their ration cards to buy my parents a bottle of champagne to celebrate their wedding day. A real sense of a 'local' for the local community, great people. My Dad was a schoolteacher in Forest Gate and my mum taught in Woodford so I guess they were well known in the area.
anonymous - 16 Mar 2006 11:40 |
worked in the spotted dog in 1985/6 was known as oi Jock by most of the clientele, the regulars there were some of the best I ever met and the pub holds some real good memories for me. Mike and his wife and Brian from Norfolk were the managers at the time, Brians son worked there and I worked with them until the pub was sold to a JP and his family. I remember Micky(how could I forget) Butch, Gregg, Lorry and Sandy, and Steve and his wife Elaine. Welsh Cathy worked alongside me in the lounge and the bar. Irish meg worked upstairs in the restaurant.
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In 1955, as schoolboys, 4 of us used to get a cheap lunch in the dining room at The Spotted Dog as school meals were terrible. Had to be there early before the local business me arrived. Still remember the college pudding with custard.Set me up for pubs and puddings for life!
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I worked in this pub for a number of years (1982-1985) and must agree it was the best in the area (not to be confused with the 'Spotted Dog' in Barking !?!?)
It was a Bernie Inn for a while (good old steak & chips) before being taken over by the Mike Corby Leisure Group. Staff and clientele at the time were very East End so I am a bit surprised by the current Brazilian influence.
Patrons of the Public Bar were very 'colourful' whilst the �Lounge Bar� was a little quieter. A few tourists passing through but mainly locals. We had many varied nights (fights, parties, impromptu stripteases, lock-ins, and the occasional quiet one !)
Lots of history (one of the oldest surviving buildings in the area) and lots of character. Remember this was 20 years ago so not sure if the same applies now. Sound like it is worth going just for the jam sessions (did anyone ever see �Juice on the Loose� at the Railway Tavern in Finsbury Park? � heady days !)
Steve Hill - 23 Aug 2004 02:43 |
"The Dog" was my local until 1971.
The food served then was really superb. Absolutely enormous portions,and very reasonable.
Anyone remember the "loan club"?
Don Thompson - 25 Oct 2003 22:35 |
Last visited this pub in February 1963. At that time they were still serving up whisky in oaken casks. Hope it's still such a pleasant spot.
Montana Slim, ex-USAF - 22 Oct 2003 00:59 |
Went in for the first time last friday with my guitar (I was told there was a jam session) to find about 30 old hippies banging out songs on about every acoustic instrument known to man kind. super.
Adam Rayner - 9 Sep 2003 14:53 |
For Se�n's info and anyone else who's interested Henry Vlll stayed there as a kind of hunting lodge, I believe his dogs were kept there, before and after a hunt it was a good place to sup. The pub is littered with history, not only with it's amazing structure that has been added to over years, it also has informative pictures and info on it's history. Well worth a visit.
Jay - 9 Jul 2003 05:11 |
This pub is the best in this area! I frequent it all the time, it's Brazilian members of staff bring a warm cultural feel to the place and when they have a Brazilian night just get on down there and check it out! Other pubs in this area can't touch it.
Jay - 9 Jul 2003 04:57 |
Very old pub where Henry VIII alledgedly stayed. Front bar has original flagstones and hearth, this pub simply oozes charm and character and has a rich history. Parking outside (rare for pub in this part of London), food served upstairs is good value and yummy. Slap bang nextdoor to non-league Clapton Football Club as well. After a bit of a dry spell with ales they've started to get them back in order now, well done.
Se�n - 18 Mar 2003 09:45 |
