Chesham Arms

Like so many of London’s traditional watering holes, The Chesham Arms in Hackney faced closure in the name of property development. The fate of this local pub seemed certain– it was labelled as ‘inviable’ by developers– and a significant amount of renovation was required modernise the 150-​year-​old building. But this all-​too-​familiar London tale has a happy ending: the pub was saved at the hands of a local publican and has been restored to its former glory.
The story behind the Chesham Arms is a tremendous victory for the local community and for punters alike. I visited the boozer after it was named Pub of the Year by CAMRA last week, mostly because I was surprised that– despite being on my doorstep– it was completely under my radar.
It’s a smallish pub with a mix of tables and stools at the bar, the environment was boisterous and friendly, the bartenders were personable and the crowd was diverse. We arrived in time to see an elderly couple– obviously regulars– being warmly seen off by staff after enjoying a quiet tipple. As the night went on, there were larger, younger groups arriving, but games of Scrabble were still being waged and pizzas delivered by local pizzeria, Yard Sale. The music was decent and the selection of beer, both on tap and cask, was unbeatable and rotated in front of our eyes.
The Chesham Arms is so utterly charming that it will make you envious of the lucky local residents. We popped in just for a pint, but ultimately planted ourselves there for a few hours, freely chatting with others at the bar and trying some great local beers. The pub retains a sense of its history, keeping a traditional décor and not opting for anything too flashy in the vein of mismatched furniture or gimmicky fixtures. They are intending to eventually open a kitchen, but I can vouch for the pizzas that were being delivered in droves (you can get your menu at the bar) — they looked hot, gooey and plentiful.
The story behind The Cheshire Arms is at the crux of its identity, but it’s a pub successful on every front. If you’re in East London and not wary of going off the beaten track, it’s worth the effort. If nothing else, your visit will restore your faith in just what a community can achieve in the face of gentrification, modernisation and unviability.
Just don’t tell too many people– there are only so many seats at the bar.