Much like the Tardis in Doctor Who, the stealthily located Water Poet boasts incredible space. Only moments before entering the pub, my small but eager party of three stood disappointed in the rain. The deceivingly quaint and traditional exterior promised a small dimly lit seating area followed by the usual pint-at-the-bar setup – yet what we were given was far more interesting.

Something not dissimilar to culture shock hit me as I stood transfixed by the morbidly appealing mannequin heads displayed behind the bar.Funky splashes of modern décor infused with charming old fashioned chandeliers slapped our senses silly, and instantly our spirits were lifted.

Impressed with the attentive bar staff and their speedy service (yes, the drinks were a little on the expensive side) despite the large gathering of [sweaty] city bankers, we ventured further into Wonderland almost instantly.

With the famously bohemian Shoreditch only minutes away, The Water Poet comprises of a surprisingly different group of regulars to the fashionable student crowd haunting the nearby area. Swarmed with networking professionals after a long day on the job, this more mature (though admittedly just as rowdy) bunch are treated to the usual surround sound pop music and HD widescreens. Sky Sports anyone?

Although shacked up with the latest in pub entertainment, The Water Poet nonetheless lives up to its artistically romantic name. With several beautifully dark yet quirky pieces of art amidst a wall of thespian style masks, it wasn’t hard to find ourselves immersed in our surroundings. The vast collection of framed mirrors hung throughout the pub made it difficult not to indulge in a bit of vanity.

To say the saloon style snooker room had very masculine undertones would be an understatement. Intricately patterned wallpaper reminiscent of William Morris sets the mood for a serious game or two, and under dimmed lights, players work their magic on dark beech wood pool tables.

With quite a few seating areas, a second bar is thrown into the mix. Dining tables are provided for a good old fashioned pub meal, and the venue is often available for private events.

For those who crave nicotine, you’ll be delighted to find a large (and partially sheltered) beer garden out back. However, as a non-smoker, huddling up to one of the many numerous heaters only reinforced the notion that this semi-alleyway would be better enjoyed in the warmer summer months. Stuck to the brick wall, a sign warning customers against bag thieves caught my attention; “Don’t let the bast**ds ruin your night!”.

The Water Poet is indeed something to be experienced, though perhaps more appreciated for its eccentric atmosphere on a quiet lazy morning.

http://www.waterpoet.co.uk/