Cheap Eats Pubs in London

The Goose Walthamstow in London is that rare breed of local pub that manages to feel both thoroughly modern and delightfully old-school at the same time. Nestled in the heart of vibrant E17, it's the kind of place where football fanatics and casual pint-sippers coexist in perfect harmony, each finding their own slice of pub paradise. Let's be honest - we've all walked into pubs that try too hard to be everything to everyone. But there's something refreshingly straightforward about what the Goose Walthamstow brings to London's ever-evolving pub scene. It's not trying to reinvent the wheel - just make sure it's perfectly round and rolls smoothly, thank you very much. The moment you push through those doors, you're greeted by an atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between lively and laid-back. The interior is a clever mix of contemporary comfort and traditional pub elements, with enough screens strategically placed around the venue to ensure you won't miss a single goal, while somehow avoiding that sports-bar-on-steroids feel that plagues so many similar establishments. What really sets the Goose Walthamstow apart from other London pubs is its remarkable ability to keep prices surprisingly reasonable without sacrificing quality. In a city where a pint can sometimes cost as much as a small car payment, finding a spot that serves properly pulled pints at wallet-friendly prices feels like stumbling upon hidden treasure. The beer selection hits that sweet spot between familiar favorites and interesting alternatives, and yes, they know how to pour a proper Guinness (because let's face it, that's always the true test). The space itself deserves special mention - it's deceptively large without feeling cavernous, with different areas naturally lending themselves to different vibes. Want to catch the match with fellow fans? There's a spot for that. Looking for a quieter corner for a catch-up with friends? They've got you covered. The outdoor seating area is a particular gem, especially during those precious few months of London sunshine when every square inch of outdoor space becomes more valuable than gold. Speaking of gold, let's talk about those little touches that make this place shine. The staff actually seem to enjoy being there (a rarity in itself), and they've mastered that fine art of being attentive without hovering. They're quick with recommendations and even quicker with banter - exactly what you want in a proper London pub. Dog owners, rejoice - your four-legged friends are more than welcome here. On any given afternoon, you might spot a few local pups holding court by their owners' feet, adding to that community feel that makes the Goose Walthamstow feel more like a neighbor's living room than just another London pub. The food menu, while not attempting to compete with the gastropubs of the world, offers solid pub grub that hits the spot, especially when you're a few pints in. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and sometimes that's exactly what you need. They've also got all your payment options covered - card, contactless, or good old-fashioned cash - because nothing kills a pub mood faster than a "cash only" sign in 2025. Location-wise, you couldn't ask for better. Just a stone's throw from Walthamstow Central station, it's perfect for both locals and those venturing into E17 for an evening out. The proximity to public transport means you can enjoy that extra pint without worrying about the drive home (though do watch out for those night tube times - they can be trickier than explaining cricket rules to an American). Here's the thing about the Goose Walthamstow - it's not trying to be the fanciest pub in London, or the most innovative, or the most Instagram-worthy. Instead, it's focused on being something far more valuable: a reliable, affordable, and genuinely pleasant place to spend your time. Whether you're meeting friends before a night out, watching the match, or just seeking refuge from London's notorious weather, you'll find yourself thinking, "Yeah, I could get used to this place." So next time you're in E17 and the siren call of a proper pint beckons, make your way to the Goose Walthamstow. Get there early on match days, bring your four-legged friend if you've got one, and settle in for what might just become your new favorite London local. Trust me - your wallet will thank you, and so will your friends when they discover you've found them a new go-to spot that doesn't require a small loan to enjoy a night out.

Ah yes, The Good Yarn in London - another Wetherspoons establishment trying to convince us that cheap pints and microwaved meals constitute a legitimate dining experience. Located in the heart of the capital where seemingly every other building has a fascinating history, this one rather anticlimactically used to be a menswear shop. How terribly exciting. But here's the thing - and I absolutely hate admitting this - there's something undeniably charming about this place. Maybe it's the way they've managed to preserve some of the building's original character while converting it into yet another link in Tim Martin's empire of affordable inebriation. Or perhaps it's the fact that in a city where a simple pint can cost you the equivalent of a small mortgage payment, The Good Yarn actually allows you to enjoy a night out without requiring a call to your financial advisor first. The space itself is admittedly on the cozy side - and by cozy, I mean you'll become intimately familiar with your neighbor's conversation about their aunt's knee surgery whether you want to or not. The tables are arranged in what I can only assume was inspired by a game of Tetris played by someone who'd already sampled too much of the establishment's wares. Still, there's something to be said for their efficiency. The app-based ordering system means you won't have to engage in the traditional British pub sport of trying to catch a bartender's eye while simultaneously maintaining your position at the bar through strategic elbow placement. Just scan, tap, and wait for your suspiciously affordable feast to arrive. Speaking of which, let's address the elephant in the room - the food. Yes, it's mass-produced. Yes, some items have clearly seen the inside of a microwave more times than I've seen my mother-in-law (thank heavens for small mercies). But blast it all, their fish and chips are consistently decent, and the chicken wing bucket with its array of dips has no business being as satisfying as it is. The scampi, in particular, has developed something of a cult following, and I begrudgingly understand why. The drink selection, while not exactly competing with London's craft beer havens, offers enough variety to keep most punters happy. Their real achievement is maintaining prices that make you double-check whether you've accidentally time-traveled back to 2005. In a city where drink prices can make you weep into your wallet, The Good Yarn's beverage menu feels like finding a twenty quid note in an old jacket pocket. The clientele is a fascinating cross-section of London life - from suited professionals dropping in for a quick after-work pint to students making their loans stretch further, to locals who've likely been perched on the same stool since the place opened. It's democratic drinking at its finest, or at least its most economical. One particularly vexing issue is the back door situation - every time a smoker ventures out or returns, the entire rear section of the pub experiences a micro-climate shift that would interest meteorologists. Pack a sweater if you're seated in the blast zone. The Good Yarn handles sports screenings with surprising competence, though during major matches you might find yourself watching the back of someone's head instead of the actual game. The atmosphere during these events transforms from "budget-conscious dining" to "gladiatorial arena with cheaper beer." For all its faults - and there are many, believe me - The Good Yarn serves its purpose admirably in London's vast pub landscape. It's a place where you can actually afford to treat your entire office to lunch without having to sell a kidney, or where meeting friends for "just one quick drink" won't require taking out a small loan. Look, I'm as surprised as anyone to be writing this, but The Good Yarn has earned its place in London's drinking ecosystem. Yes, it's a Wetherspoons. Yes, it's basic. And yes, you should probably go anyway. Just bring a jacket for that cursed back door, order the scampi, and embrace the beautiful mediocrity of it all. Your wallet will thank you, even if your culinary sensibilities might not.