The Palm Tree

The Palm Tree is one of the most atmospheric and unusual pubs in East London -- a Grade II listed, entirely unspoilt 1935 Truman's Brewery pub that stands alone in the middle of Mile End Park, its surrounding houses long demolished, making it one of the most extraordinarily isolated pub settings in London. Time Out describes it as "a relic of a pub" to which "people traipse to this middle-of-nowhere Mile End gem," and that description captures perfectly the devoted pilgrimage quality that the Palm Tree inspires in its regulars.

The interior is entirely unchanged from its mid-twentieth century heyday -- velvet banquettes, flock wallpaper, a proper bar and no concession to fashionable pub design whatsoever. Live jazz sessions, traditionally on Friday and Saturday evenings, have been a fixture for decades and draw a devoted crowd of music lovers alongside pub regulars. No food to speak of, but drinks are well kept and the atmosphere is unmatched. A genuine East London cultural landmark.