Leytonstone Tavern

Just what East London needed - another gastro pub trying to convince us that burgers are haute cuisine. The Leytonstone Tavern in London has been generating quite the buzz lately, though I'll begrudgingly admit there might actually be substance behind the social media storm this time.

Let's address the elephant in the room: yes, it's in Leytonstone. For those of you who haven't ventured this far on the Central Line, it's that stop you've probably dozed through on your way to somewhere else. But like that friend who won't shut up about their latest life-changing discovery, the neighborhood keeps insisting we pay attention. And the Leytonstone Tavern is making a compelling case for why we should.

I arrived determined to hate it. The exterior hits all the predictable notes of a modernized London pub - just enough original character to remind you what it used to be, with contemporary touches that scream "we serve craft beer now." But stepping inside, I felt my carefully cultivated cynicism begin to crack. The space manages to thread that impossible needle between cozy pub atmosphere and contemporary dining spot without feeling like it's trying too hard at either.

The beer selection is actually... impressive. There, I said it. They rotate their taps frequently enough to keep the craft beer zealots happy while maintaining enough familiar options for those who just want a decent pint. The staff actually knows their stuff too, offering genuine recommendations instead of just pointing to whatever has the highest price tag.

Now, about those burgers everyone won't shut up about. The Bone Daddy Burger is their Instagram darling, complete with bone marrow that ensures at least three tables around you will whip out their phones when it arrives. At £20 without fries, it's pushing the boundaries of what anyone should pay for ground beef between buns. But Lord help me, it's good. The patty has that perfect crisp-yet-juicy balance that makes you forget about your arteries for a few blissful minutes.

They're not one-trick ponies either. The vegetarian Sunday roast (yes, I tried it, and no, I can't believe I'm about to praise vegetarian food) is legitimately excellent. The kitchen clearly understands that vegetarian doesn't have to mean punishment, and they've created something that might actually make meat-eaters question their life choices.

The place is dog-friendly, which usually means enduring some influencer's precious purebred while trying to eat. But somehow they've managed to make it work without turning the place into a canine circus. They even bring water bowls without prompting, which is more consideration than some places show their human customers.

Yes, it gets busy. Very busy. The kind of busy that makes you wonder if everyone in E11 simultaneously decided this was the only place worth eating. Book ahead unless you enjoy the special pleasure of watching other people enjoy their meals while you wait for a table. Service can slow down during peak times, but they maintain their composure better than most.

There are some genuine deals to be found if you time it right - their Taco Tuesday offers and Thursday burger specials make the prices more palatable. The portion sizes won't have you questioning the laws of physics like some American spots, but they're satisfying enough. Though I do wish they'd be a bit more generous with the fries - this new trend of treating them like precious truffles needs to end.

The Leytonstone Tavern has done something I didn't think possible in London's oversaturated pub scene - they've created a place that actually deserves the hype. It's not perfect, and your wallet will definitely feel lighter after visiting, but it hits that sweet spot between quality and pretension that so many places miss.

So fine, Leytonstone Tavern, you win. You're worth the trip east. Book a table, bring your friends (and your dog if you must), and prepare to join the annoyingly enthusiastic chorus of converts. Just don't expect me to be happy about admitting you've earned your reputation.