The White Hart

Stoke Newington's extremely likable White Hart seems to cater for about anyone. Inside, it's spacious and comfortable, with low-slung sofas and comfy chairs the order of the day (plus pinball, quiz machines, pool and table football). On match day, two big screens show live football and rugby, while on weekend evenings there's a late licence as live DJs and bands play sets. During the week, it's a relaxed neighbourhood pub with a well-stocked bar, the odd comedy night and extremely friendly staff. The Gents (although rather stinky) even has a black board and chalk so bursting/relieved chaps can write salacious musings and scribble infantile doodles on the walls (perhaps the idea is that a little distraction will take people's minds off the stench?). The pub menu is simple, honest and inexpensive, with classic pub grub (with an excellent Sunday roast for under £7) favoured over pretentious gastro fare (although a separate restaurant upstairs now caters for those who prefer a proper sit-down meal over bar snacks). But the unique selling point of The White Hart is the enormous beer garden (it's more like a mini park!) around the back which pulls in crowds most evenings and throughout the weekend afternoons. With ample space, shade and seats, the garden is a hive of activity during the summer months, especially when a barbeque is fired up and the sun's beaming down.