The Sun Public House

Just what London needs - another pub with delusions of grandeur. The Sun Public House in London's bustling landscape of identikit watering holes initially struck me as yet another establishment riding the coattails of British drinking culture. But hold onto your warm beer, because this review takes an unexpected turn.

Let's address the elephant in the room: The Sun Public House is cheap. Suspiciously cheap. When I first encountered their drink prices, I assumed there must be a catch - perhaps they water down the beer or employ pickpockets to make up the difference. £3.80 for a pint in London? In this economy? I actually checked my receipt twice, convinced there had been some sort of mathematical error.

The space itself is deceptively large, like that friend's house that looks modest from the outside but somehow contains an IKEA showroom within. Multiple screens broadcast football matches, which would normally send me running for the hills faster than an Arsenal fan after a disappointing season. Yet somehow, the layout prevents that oppressive sports-bar atmosphere from dominating the entire venue.

What really threw me off was Tracy, the landlady. In an age where most London pubs have all the personality of a corporate training video, she's something of an anomaly. She actually knows her regulars' names - and not in that artificial, chain-restaurant way where they write it on your coffee cup and still manage to spell it wrong. She's genuinely invested in creating community, which is about as rare in London as an affordable flat or a reliable tube service.

The garden out back is another surprise, offering an escape from the interior that's admittedly showing its age. Yes, the décor could use some updating - it's got that "your aunt's living room circa 1995" vibe - but there's something oddly comforting about a London pub that doesn't look like it was designed by an Instagram influencer's algorithm.

Live music features regularly, and unlike most pub performances that make you wish you'd brought earplugs, the programming here shows actual thought. The DJs seem to understand that not everyone wants to hear the same four Ed Sheeran songs on repeat, mixing classics with current tracks in a way that doesn't alienate either the young crowd or the regulars who've been propping up the bar since before I was born.

Speaking of the bar, the staff operate with surprising efficiency. In a city where getting served can sometimes feel like participating in an endurance sport, the team here moves with purpose. They're quick without being brusque, friendly without being fake, and - most importantly - they actually know how to pour a proper pint.

The Sun Public House has embraced its role as a pre-club pit stop for the Romford scene, but somehow manages to balance this with being a legitimate local for regular punters. It's like watching someone successfully walk a tightrope while juggling - you're not quite sure how they're pulling it off, but you're impressed despite yourself.

The amenities hit all the essential marks: good for groups (check), dog-friendly (check), accepts cards (welcome to the 21st century), and free parking (a miracle in London). They've even got proper loos - a detail that shouldn't be noteworthy but becomes increasingly precious as you navigate London's pub scene.

Let's be clear - this isn't a gastropub trying to reinvent the wheel with deconstructed fish and chips served on a shovel. The Sun Public House in London knows exactly what it is: a proper pub that serves proper drinks at proper prices, with just enough modern touches to keep it relevant without losing its soul.

Look, I came here ready to be underwhelmed. Instead, I found myself becoming one of those people who actually remembers the landlady's name and doesn't mind the occasionally wobbly table. If you're seeking an authentic London pub experience that won't bankrupt you - and you can handle the shocking concept of genuine hospitality - you might want to give The Sun Public House a chance. Just don't tell too many people. Some secrets are worth keeping, even if I've completely failed at doing so in this review.