WE STOPPED by The Kings Arms pub in down-to-earth Bethnal Green in the East End after P‘s hair appointment, which was nearby on Emma Street. It may have been one of the pubs that was on the list compiled by the Substack that he subscribes to, so I think that’s how we found it. It’s a great place⏤easy-going and modern and quite different from the old-school pubs we normally favour. It was about 5:53 pm on a Thursday evening when we got there, so it was quiet, but heard that it can be quite lively on weekend nights. It’s the kind of pub that serves guest ales and local craft beers along with simple bar snacks (such as Finest Fayre Scotch Eggs with piccalilli), so no mains. We read somewhere that some 50 bottled beers from the UK, Scandinavia, and the US are also served, as well as a range of keg beers. There is also a very extensive wine list, including some natural and low intervention wine (which is amazing), and artisanal cheeses, including a 14 month aged Manchego! There are also three vegan cheeses on offer with quince jelly and oat cakes. We didn’t have time to sample any of the snacks that day, but we’ll definitely be back.
The Kings Arms, 11a Buckfast Street, London, E2 6EY
020 7729 2627
[email protected]
A Little History
There doesn’t seem to much history about The Kings Arms, but records show that it existed from at least 1829, first at 1 Abbey Street in what is now known as Bethnal Green, up until 1882. It was then moved to 11a Abbey Street from 1884 to 1934 (renamed to 11a Buckfast Street by 1944). The pub closed in 2013 to undergo conversion to residential use, and reopened the same year (Christmas 2013) with with residential usage above (five flats). The Kings Arms is currently owned by Barworks/Grace Land. Its former owner was Courage.
