This fairly newly opened brew-pub is following the current trend of using the hipster-friendly word 'tap'. It is located in the most conventional of locales....er... a shopping centre. In Stratford. But despite this, it's fairly decent. It has a good range of beers on tap, it brews its own, and has some presentation carry boxes of my favourite Belgian beers. It's perfectly situated for those times when you can't fake interest in the other halfs fascination with shoes, or want somewhere nice to sit and unpack your recently purchased toy.

Alas, this is where the goodness ends.

Firstly, the location within the shopping centre is just far enough out of the way to be a nuisance; it is certainly impossible to "accidentally" wander in when looking in other shops. It is also too far from the train station to pass by it on the way through the centre. You do get the benefit, however, of being able to go for a drink in Stratford without the pain of ever having to visit Stratford itself!

As for the beer - it's good, but not great. While I appreciate anyone who's able to brew their own beers, I appreciate it <i>more</i> when they bring something new to the proverbial table. The three beers I had all tasted like a majors seasonal ale - i.e. different for the sake of being different, OK in taste, but lacking the extensive brew-test-repeat cycle that the stalwarts get. They felt unfinished. Granted, this is a new brewery, so they're finding their feet still so maybe a follow-up trip in July would be a better test.

I think things will improve for Tap East. The "problems" are solvable, and probably wouldn't offend most drinkers as you can happily spend a couple of hours here. Although the location can't be fixed, its effects can be mitigated. However, I hope they produce enough business in the interim so they get an opportunity to build this into a destination pub, like it's namesake in Euston, and can refine the brews they have.

The disadvantage of being super busy, is that I don't get along to many lunch-time and afternoon events.

The advantage of being super busy, is that when I get along to an evening event the surprise announcement is still a surprise.

This was the case today when I made my way on rush-hour tubes to the Victoria off Lancaster Gate. Tony recognised me, which was lucky since the rain had temporarily impaired the function of my spectacles, and invited me for my first beer of the evening. A Chiswick. After the introductions and catch-up we were bundled into taxis. I shared mine with the Beer Justice himself, Steve Williams (http://beerjustice.blogspot.com) and Roger Protz (http://www.beer-pages.com) - a stellar trio, you must agree!

Outside the pub, the cabby handed us an envelope containing a clue. This would direct us to the location. To be fair, the clue started easy, and rapidly got more obvious. I guess they didn't want us running up a bill, should we ask the driver to take us to Nottingham.

When we arrived at the first stop, Covent Garden, we were expecting a party/event at the transport museum. Instead, we got another envelope. This clue-drive thing happened several times, and no point were we allowed out to get a beer, until we reached the final destination - The Hook and Cleaver in Spitalfields.

From a PR viewpoint, it was a very enjoyable (if thirst-inducing) exercise!

Inside the pub we were treated to several pints of the beer. A solid pint, for sure. And many a pleasant conversation was also consumed. We also got little die cast black cabs (with the beer logo stickered on) to take home, and drive around the living room. It seems that there is no age limit on me acting like a kid.

To learn more about the beer, it's blogged over here http://thebeercrate.com/blog/blog5.php/fullers-black-cab-stout-4

15 years. 15 ales.

The perfect evening.

Alas, after all the drinks I forgot/lost my days shopping. And tasting notes.

Pictures are here.