Perched quietly upon a corner of East London's De Beauvoir Town, The Scolt Head offers itself as a quiet oasis from the hectic goings on of the world. Known for its laissez-faire attitude to drinking, its low priced ale and its collection of Penguin Classics, The Scolt Head shines on even the darkest of days. Always on the hunt for the perfect inner-city country pub, I wandered down for a little escapism.
The Venue
An ideal space to run away to, whatever the season, The Scolt Head offers all of the charms of a country pub with the convenience of a local tube stop. Toast yourself beside the roaring coal fire and pet the multitude of dogs that are welcomed in on a brisk winters day. During the summer, step outside with a tasty pint and soak up the sun in the small-but-perfectly-formed outdoor area. As you wander in through the bar, you're presented with a number of options, each branching off from the central bar area; sit at one of their aged wooden tables, or venture into one of the back rooms and find yourself slumped on one of the much coveted Chesterfields.
The Scolt Head is easily one of East London's finest pubs.
The Atmosphere & Clientele
Any suggestion its décor is tired is immediately counteracted by its atmosphere. Attracting a cool crowd of young, media-types as well as an older bunch of seasoned ale drinkers, it becomes clear that this is a friendly and versatile space. The staff are welcoming (to both humans and dogs) and are always happy to indulge in a chat. Promising a fun atmosphere and offering a little ale-induced escapism, this East London pub thrives with a convivial buzz, making it an ideal spot to wile away many an hour throughout the week.
Overflowing with charm, The Scolt Head offers a calm respite from the outside world.
The Drinks
These guys really know how to nurse a hangover; arrive on a Sunday afternoon and you'll find a pre-mixed jug of Bloody Mary behind the bar, ready for seasoning with an obligatory splash of Tabasco and Worcestershire Sauce. They also serve a small but well-considered selection of real ale and craft beers, with a pint of Green King IPA coming in at £3.10, and a pint of Trumans Runner priced at £3.20, and that's bloody good. Enjoy a crisp glass of vino for under £4 – prices generally unheard of in this part of town, particularly for an independent pub with as much character as this one.
Grab a pint of the good stuff for £3 - quite possibly the cheapest pint in East London.
Summary
A real East London gem, The Scolt Head is a breath of fresh air on the East London drinking scene. With all the charm of a country pub, but with the quirks and oddities typical of an East London drinking den, this is the perfect spot to hide from the elements and ignore any speck of responsibility.
