“We’re going to a pub,” my friend says, after I asked her what the plan was for last Sunday evening. At the time, we’re 4 pools in to our goal of 11 London Lidos in the one day. The thought of hitting a nice cosy corner of one of the capital’s finest, lovely roast in front of me and 11 other worn out swimmers by my side stinking of chlorine, seemed like heaven on Earth.

“in Hackney.” She continues. ‘Now just hold on one cotton-picking minute girlfriend!’ I thought, until I realised I was neither an early nineties stereotype of middle America, nor was I a late nineties stereotype of north America. I was in fact British, and therefore simply said – “nice.”

In fact due to various factors, not least the poor transport links, I’ve hardly ever had the chance to experience the delights of Hackney before. Sure there’s been a drunken night here and there. I’ve passed through, and came close a few times. But not enough to get a proper feel for the area other than typical views of a run-down ‘hood’, crime-riddled ‘ghetto’, or gang-land ‘patch’, and other words you might find grown men using in combination with what seems like a poor understanding of the English language on MTV Base.

In fact, the real reality of the place is very pleasant. We pubbed it up right after the final Lido – London Fields. This is next to a reasonably sized park, still full of friendly Hacknians at 18:00 on a cooling Sunday evening. I can’t tell you exactly where the pub is, or indeed its vicinity to the park, the lido, or anywhere. It just doesn’t matter. You’re never really lost in London, there’s always a nearby bus willing to trundle you down to a nearby tube. Plus in the middle of this gorgeous Indian Summer, who even cares if they’re forced a little out of their way and wait for a bus?

On to the actual pub then, not before time. And I’m not disappointed. Everything’s exactly what you’d ask for, even if you don’t manage to bag one of the 3 picnic tables out the front (something tells me you’d need to have been conceived and born on one in order to get there early enough). What’s special about it? Enough. Nice drinks, good quality ciders, guest beers and cask ales. Friendly staff who’ll bend over backwards to try and seat 15 of you and let you bring your own cake, even join in with the festivities. The food menu isn’t too extensive, but we’re not in a restaurant, this is a pub. What else are you going to eat other than a roast, fish and chips or the vegetarian option?

It just feels comfortable. Even the thought of leaving seems all right. The location really makes the place. It’s perfect for spending a late weeknight, stumbling slightly on the walk to the bus stop, enjoying the wide, leaf-laden streets.

There are downsides of course. It’s a touch pricey at £4 (sometimes more) a pint, and £12.50 for the roast. Which was nice, but frankly my plate and stomach have been filled better for less elsewhere. Perhaps not one for every night, but if you fancy celebrating something with a few lazy drinks rather than staying in to watch Crimewatch, then you’re in business.

BEER SELECTION: Brilliant. All the best stuff. *****

COST OF A ROUND: Don’t stay too long. 3 drink round, over a tenner. **

STAFF: Friendly, happy, smiley, welcoming. Like their job, why not? ****

FOOD: Also pricey. Ranges from £2.50 for nuts, to £12.50 for a roast. Nice, but not that nice. ***

SKIRT RATIO: Young, trendy, friendly crowd. Not bad, but not the best place to pull.  ***

Overall: Great location in a nice part of town. Atmosphere is something you can’t pick out of a catalogue, can’t be determined by brewery, furniture, lighting or music alone. Tough to get, but this place leads by example. ****