When the Carpenters Arms closed a couple of years ago, we naturally expected conversion into flats awaited it. So you can imagine our excitement to discover back in the Autumn of 2007 that it had reopened.

If nothing else it's a little piece of East End pub history; many pubs in the area lay claim to associations with the Kray twins (some more tenuous than others), but the Carpenters was apparently owned by them and run by their dear old Mum.

So, what's it like now? In a word: 'nice' (or if you want two: 'very nice'). Not the largest of places, there's been a tasteful, comfortable pub refurb with an attractive bar area, photos of the local area dotted around and a pretty, small back garden.

Our last Friday night visit here found a pleasantly busy pub with a nice mix of customers and impeccable service. There's an excellent choice of drink, too - three ales on tap, an above average selection of lager and some nice bottled choices. We have nothing but positive things to say about spending time here - we wonder if Mrs Kray would have agreed?

CLIENTELE: good mix of locals
NEAREST STATION: Shoreditch station