A Hackney pub from the people behind The Black Horse in Deptford, The Tiger has a relaxed, neighbourhood vibe that makes it feel older than it is. There are a couple of concessions to east London trendiness. All the walls are artfully stripped and there’s an elaborate cocktail menu. The overriding feeling, though, is one of cosiness: squishy brown leather sofas, an indie playlist and a big screen showing the game. Most importantly, it smells comfortingly pubby (you know, beery).
The cocktails were good and the barman who whipped them up was seriously lovely. Best was a New York whiskey sour – sharp and boozy and beautifully pink from red wine. A margarita had a nice kick but was a bit too salty; and I was a bit disappointed that an amaretto sour came with none of the customary froth.
The food? At the time of writing there was no food – which makes The Tiger an unpretentious port in a storm of posh gastropubs – but I’m assured that, soon, there will be pizza.
Everything was so chilled on my Tuesday night visit that by about 10pm, one lucky boy had started playing Fifa on the big screen. Things get rowdier on the weekend, but honestly? I like it just fine as a laidback local.