The Crown & Shuttle (Bar)

Best for: prompt bar service.

Great: after work drinks in the spacious beer garden.

Even though I would definitely classify myself as a Londoner, there are days when I question my decision to stay in London. I'm not just talking about those rainy, cold days, waiting for a bus which will no doubt be so packed, the driver won't allow me on board.

It’s also not just about the unfriendly shop staff who serve so many people, they've forgotten humanitarian treatment.

It's everything: the expensive price tags, the hectic pace, the lack of consideration for others; at those times I wonder why on Earth I put up with it all.

And then there are days like yesterday, full of sun and joy.

It's almost as if the sun had magical powers. It was 7 o'clock and a friend and I were at The Crown and Shuttle pub in Shoreditch high street. The pub was filled to the brim with office workers. The lovely bar manager, Simone, secured a little seating spot for us in a corner.

We hit the bar, as there was no table service, and even though we needed to queue (not for very long; the service was quick), we didn’t mind because we chatted and cracked jokes with strangers, which was very enjoyable. The sun had indeed brought out the sociable best in people. Yes, I was very lucky to be part of energetic, vibrant London.

It takes so little to change hate into love for Londoners. With a bit of sun everything changes. People start acting friendlier; buildings blossom in their own architectural beauty; everyone wants to hang out after work; and instead of cursing at the bus driver, you just take a nice stroll.

The pub stands out with its spacious beer garden at the back. On a rainy day you wouldn't take notice of an outside patio. It changes when the sun comes out, though, and the space becomes an oasis of joy and freedom.

They serve food quite similar to other pubs but with more of a BBQ vibe. Everything is cooked outside in a kitchen van which makes the experience more like an authentic barbecue gathering with friends. Apparently the alfresco terrace is used in winter as well, when a marquee can be quickly erected and heaters provided.

I had a glass of a slightly warm Chardonnay, but on a sunny day like ours you just go take everything with happiness and a smile.

Surprisingly, the food didn't take long to arrive, given how busy the pub was. For starters we had very tasty grilled pork ribs with barbecue sauce (well-portioned) and fresh spicy prawns with garlic (equally tasty but under-portioned).

We weren’t sure what to expect from the main dishes as everything is served in a homemade wheat beer and poppy seed flat bread. I had summery West coast crab, served chilled, with crème fraîche and samphire. It’s definitely worth trying on a sunny day if you are looking for a quick bite or snack. The samphire had a strong flavour which overpowered the crab slightly.

My guest went for Simone’s vegetarian recommendation, porter and mustard Welsh rarebit. It was unique and unexpected for a pub. The combination of rarebit and green vegetables went together superbly.

Visiting places like this on a sunny day affirms my decision to stay in London. The service is prompt and the beer garden is relaxing. Although it might not be the most unique pub in our beautiful metropolis, a little sunshine really makes an enormous difference.

Unsurprisingly, the most common conversation I heard around me was about the weather. There I was, partaking in the greatest ever pastime for Londoners, talking about the weather in a pub....read more