Larkshall, Chingfordback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
recently moved into the area and having tried all the locals,this is by far the best.lovely boozer .was like tripping into the time tunnel back to the eighties on a sunday lunchtime when a pub was a pub.friendly locals ,good selection of real ales and your standard lagers. an open fire,really nice layout and decor(an enchanced winchester from minder) decent jukey(not to loud when the football was on) sky etc etc.all thats unimportant because what makes a pub is the atmos,the characters ,who have served their apprentership and general feeling of the gaff. You could go there with your missus or your mates..its one of those all to rare pubs that stiil manage to survive against all odds these days.the main bar seems to be home to the local (older) characters and the bar to the right for the younger element who didnt seem like your normal marching powder merchants we seem to have a lot of in chingford.will be our local.
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I returned to the Larkshall after being away for five years,I had tried to visir during that time bur I could'nt fint it,as it is set back a fair distance from the road and is separated by a tall hedge.
The pub has much to offer it has two bars the front main bar,where there are several Tvs showing sky sports and a back bar which also has an upstairs mezzaniene area,accessed via a steep spiral staircase.
There is a standard Digital Jukebox,and several quiz machines and an ATM Machine.
There are at least 3 woodburning stoves which give out a lot of heat,and some of the best outside pub areas in Chingford,complete with Adventure playground for children.
A nice pub to visit especially in the summer.
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Best real pub in Chingford by a country mile.Staff are friendly, and the beer is good Nice antiquated interior.Gets quite busy at knocking off time.
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The main bar dates from 1890 but the core of the building, with some of its original timbers, dates from the C16. Surprisingly, the building is not listed, only 'locally listed', which gives it a lot less protection from developers than some people might think. How about getting it properly listed? You would think it already would be, given its survivor status.
The pub adjoins the tiniest fragment of Epping Forest, but nearby good walks are to be had in the more substatial woodland of Larks Wood.
A good range of ales and some outside decking.
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The 'Larky' is a converted farmhouse, some of which dates back to the late 16th century. It is the only 'listed' farmhouse left in the Chingford/Highams Park area so developers will hopefully never get there hands on it. A member of the Spirit group of pubs, the grub is of a good standard and very reasonably priced. The menu is substantial. The pub has two distinct bars; the upstairs bar has a quiet lounge type atmosphere whereas the downstairs bar attracts those who like to listen to music on the jukebox. The Larky has a very regular trade but newcomers are always made to feel welcome. Regulars are right across the age spectrum, from 5-year-olds to Paddy Murdoch, a 92-year-old wartime bomber pilot who has recently published his memoirs of his POW camp escapes. There is a large new decking area in the substantial garden and a children's play area. Kids are always welcome (up to the 9pm deadline). There is a well-supported quiz night every Tuesday (9pm start) which has been running for years and a karaoke night once a month on Saturdays. The Larky even has it's own Facebook area entitled 'I Love The Larkshall' where some of the more IT literate regulars make postings and keep up with the news. The Facebook area has a photo of the pub and numerous photos of fun nights out. Well worth a visit.
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Recently under new management, Larkshall continues to fly the flag for traditional pubs in an increasingly standardised (and diminished) Chingford pub scene.
Managers Kit and Kerry have raised the bar in terms of food and general cleanliness whilst still retaining Larkshalls unique blend of friendly regulars and fair weather walk ups.
In my initial comments I forgot to mention the history of the "bottom bar", believed to date from the 16th century the converted farmhouse/barn is the real deal in a market full of faux history. The top bar (dating from the 1800's) also pleases with a couple of large bay windows making a light and airy contrast to the bottom bar's more intimate and cozy atmosphere.
Enjoy.
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It's a great pub with lovely barmen but keep your hands off the best looking one...he's taken ;)
Wouldn't say there's extensive grounds but the garden's a nice size and quite secluded from the main road.
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Larkshall is a converted farmhouse with two entirely different bars, an upstairs lounge frequented by the more sedate regulars and a rustic low cielinged and, at times, noisy bottom bar.
This is a very friendly local pub where trouble is extremely rare and the beer is decent (Courage Best and Directors for the bitter heads, Fosters and Kronenbourg for the lagerists).
Although primarily a summer pub (with extensive grounds abutting part of Epping Forest) well worth a visit at any time of year.
Come and visit.
Shaun - 9 Dec 2003 16:14 |
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