The Gun, Docklands  

We can think of few others pubs in London which crop up in the work of both Iain Sinclair and Brian Clemens and have significant historical connections. There has been a pub here for more than 250 years and, according to their notes, got its name from the cannon which was fired when the West India Import Docks were opened in 1802. Admiral Lord Nelson was a regular visitor to the docks and this pub - he had a house just up the road - apparently arranging clandestine assignations with Lady Emma Hamilton in the rooms upstairs. A rather legendary Isle of Dogs boozer then, now reborn as a Grade II listed pub and restaurant. Indeed, that this one's gone gastro is as clear an indication of the changes in these parts, as Canary Wharf Tower itself. It's hard to do much wrong with such an historic pub and having won a number of awards for its food, it's proving a success. The starchy tablecloths of the dining space are as you expect but there's also enough space if you just fancy a drink. There's the lure of a riverside terrace (with great views of the Millennium Dome) for the summer, but when the rain and wind whip off the Thames in the winter months we can't see there being many sitting beneath the Champagne-sponsored awnings. It has a decent selection of guest beers on the three hand pumps which are well kept, though not cheap at around £3 a pint. The menu is pricey, but interesting and, when we've saved up some pennies (and a lot of pounds), we'll be breaking open the piggy bank to give it a try.

reviewed:
10/07/2008

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

real ale - regular guest beers

function room for hire

outdoor seating

riverside patio

live music (jazz)

separate restaurant

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