The Duke

This pub used to be a proper old-​school east-​end boozer filled with locals from round the estate*, until earlier this year when it closed for renovations and rose like a phoenix from the ashes to become a thoroughly gentile local gastropub.
I went down for a drink and a spot of lunch one weekday afternoon, and was completely won over by the neighbourliness of the proprietors and staff. They only had one option on offer for lunch, as they’re still building up their regular business. This being said, the one thing they had on offer — roast lamb in a flat bread with cucumber, watercress and yogurt raita — was beyond fabulous. Deliciously prepared by an obviously expert kitchen.
The staff were setting up for the England World Cup match that evening, and running a special match-​day burger+pint deal while they still try to win over the locals. Consider me won.
The interior is charming, and there’s an equally charming beer garden to the side, plus overflow picnic tables at the front and across the road.
I also noticed that the Duke recently closed to host a wedding reception. If you’re looking for a quaint and low-​key wedding reception, you may want to check it out before the place gets too popular!
*not that there’s anything wrong with that