If I rate somewhere I try not to wax too lyrical as it can sometimes sound insincere but if a pub ticks a lot of boxes I’m inclined to call it how I see it. Every post is authentic and without agenda and I’m delighted to say that the reopening here has been nothing but a roaring success.

I was very graciously permitted access to photograph the changes during the cosmetic makeover. I’m made up how the old Gent still looks so regal after a minimal internal update. I’ve popped in a few times since they reopened and the first time, a ‪Saturday late afternoon, the pub had a huge buzz running only from wet trade. It was packed and the atmosphere of a convivial local East London boozer warmed me as I enjoyed a few pints of the black stuff.

It’s a beautifully appointed building nestled in the backstreets of Hackney and visually everything about it screams traditional London pub. I’m delighted to report that every care has been made to maintain the pubs link to the past and its name. Old photos of the area and the great man himself have been put back up on the wall after being left to gather dust in the basement, garish tiles have been removed and the warming brown colour that works so well on the Arthur’s sister pub in Homerton creates a homely feel.

Dark wood and stripped floors maintain a cool and traditional feel which the owners impress is so important to them. To hear a publican state that they are merely custodians of a pub, serving the community since 1861, and that it is their duty to treat it with respect and due care fills me with joy and admiration.

Food is expected to be back on the agenda very soon and with summer only a heartbeat away I can’t wait to be sitting out on the little front terrace lapping up the rays. This is a proper 21st century Hackney pub, where old school locals and new faces mix as one. With one foot firmly planted in the present and the other respectfully in the past for me that really is the perfect blend for a fine boozer. I say it earnestly; you know what to do…