The Marksman

The Marksman’s landlords have made a silk purse from a sow’s ear. They can’t do a thing about the din on Hackney Road, but no matter. Once you’re inside the dark wood-panelled interior with groovy chandeliers, vintage mirrors & pitchers of Pimm’s, in the company of the fashionista regulars, all is well. The kitchen is unusual in offering ‘diner’ dishes alongside pub food, so a meal is as likely to consist of eggs Benedict, a bacon butty or waffles, as tuna burger or pork belly & mash. Gentrification hasn’t got out of hand, though, & the bar still attracts the geezer & barfly contingent with its fine choice of beers. Meantime London lager, Erdinger & St Peter’s Organic are clear winners.