Freshly refurbished, the Angel of Bow is an East End pub that balances the familiarity of a proper local with enough thought and care to make it a place you would happily travel for, whether that’s for a long lunch, a Sunday roast, or an evening that stretches on longer than planned.
The Ambience
Walking in, the Angel feels lively and lived-in, its personality marked by eclectic furnishings and bric-a-brac with stories attached. A rocking horse here, reclaimed furniture there, it has the easy intimacy of a local that’s been loved for decades. On busy days, it hums with chatter; on quieter ones, it feels almost like being invited into someone’s living room.
The Food
The menu centres on traditional pub cooking, with almost everything made from scratch and a seasonal approach. Almost all of the produce is sourced within three miles. Classics like prawn cocktail, homemade pâtés, burgers and fish and chips are solid and tasty, but it’s the Sunday carvery that really stands out.
It’s one of the best in London for sheer homely comfort. The steamed green beans are crisp and fresh, a simple but welcome contrast to the richness elsewhere on the plate, while the Yorkshire puddings are light and fluffy, holding their shape beautifully under generous pours of gravy. That gravy, drawn from a large cauldron that sits alongside a host of other condiments, has depth and warmth.
The trimmings are where the Angel really shines. The seasonal greens, and cheesy broccoli and cauliflower, all have that soft-edged, unmistakable comfort that comes from tasting like the best version of a dish at someone’s house, which makes them a genuine highlight. The portions are generous, comforting, and add texture to the already-rich offering. Plus, self-serve trimmings mean no skimping (a small but crucial joy). The roast beef and pork are beautifully cooked, and the guinea fowl — a rare and welcome sight on a carvery — is excellent.
Dessert finishes things on a playful note. While the deep-fried Mars bar lacked crunch and the batter itself was a little plain, once cut open, the molten centre did exactly what it promised. Paired with vanilla ice cream, it becomes indulgent and nostalgic. Add Friday oysters, fresh, limited, and gone when they’re gone, and this is a kitchen that understands exactly what kind of food people actually want to eat.
The Drink
Beer lovers are spoiled. With 22 rotating taps, the Angel champions some of the best local breweries, including Neckstamper, Pillars, East London Brewery, Hackney Brewery and Hammerton, alongside its own Angel of Bow session lager. The cocktail list has all the big hitters, and the wine and spirits list is broad and well chosen, making it easy to come in for “just one” and accidentally stay all evening.
The Verdict
The Angel of Bow focuses on doing everything well. It delivers solid, well-cooked food, an excellent beer line-up and an atmosphere that feels natural and cosy. Overall, the pub feels established and assured. It’s worth the journey.
The Details
Angel of Bow
London, UK
Food made mostly from scratch using hyper-local suppliers
Sunday carvery (self-serve trimmings)
Fresh oysters every Friday (limited availability)
22 rotating beer taps + cocktails
Live music, open mic nights, drag brunches, quiz nights and more
Boutique rooms available from £125 per night