Just a hop from Elm Park Tube in Havering, you’ll find a charming mix of no-frills locals and a couple of surprises worth the short stroll. There’s the traditional and dog-friendly “The Elm Park”, right by the station, perfect for a midweek pint. Pop further into Hornchurch for lively gastropub vibes at The Good Intent, serving food with a generous helping of sport and family fun. Then there’s The Bank – a comfy little bar-restaurant with 2-for-1 cocktails on Thursdays and a buzz of after-work chatter. Whether you’re after a cosy pint or a laid-back evening with mates, this mini-tour’s got it covered.
The Good Intent
Address: South End Road, Hornchurch, RM12 5NU
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled beside Hornchurch Country Park on the site of a former military airfield, The Good Intent sits on South End Road, within easy reach of signs for the 252 bus and just over a mile from Elm Park station.
- What’s the Vibe? A spacious, family‑friendly pub with a refurbished interior from 2014, it features aviation‑themed memorabilia and large open‑plan dining areas. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed – complete with a beer garden, pool table, live music, and sports screenings.
What’s On Offer
- Flaming‑Grill Classics: The chef’s open‑flame cooking produces succulent steaks, burgers and ribs, often promoted via “flaming hot deals” on mains and drinks.
- Live Sports and Pub Games: With Sky and TNT Sports screenings, a pool table and other games, it’s an ideal spot for catching matches and socialising with friends.
- Family‑friendly: High chairs and a children’s menu with veggie/vegan options.
- Real ale selections: Regular Greene King Abbot, IPA, and Morland Old Speckled Hen on hand‑pump for CAMRA members, who receive a 10% discount.
- Accessibility: Level access, disabled facilities, EV‑charging, free Wi‑Fi, and car parking.
- Leisure: Pool table, live sport, occasional live music and pub games.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Food served 11:00–21:00 Mon–Sat, and until 20:00 on Sundays.
- The bar stays open until 23:00 Mon–Thu, midnight on Fri–Sat, and 22:30 on Sundays .
The Hop Inn
Address: 122 North St, Hornchurch, RM11 1SU
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled just a 2‑minute stroll from Emerson Park station, this cosy micropub is ideally placed on North Street in Hornchurch’s historic precinct.
- What’s the Vibe? The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined: quiet, with no TVs or loud music, encouraging conversation. With soft acoustics and an intimate layout reminiscent of a snug lounge, it’s described as “a bit like sitting in your own living room”.
What’s On Offer
- Fresh Ale & Real Cider Focus: Offering up to five cask‑conditioned real ales alongside curated real ciders and perries, all served direct from cooled cabinets. Guests can order in pint, schooner (⅔), half, or nip (⅓) measures.
- Gin, Whisky & Tastings: Over 35 gins, malt and world whiskies are available. They regularly run themed tastings – sherry, rum, gin – plus private events and Tap Takeovers.
- Award-Winning: CAMRA’s National Cider & Perry Pub of the Year 2022, Greater London Regional Cider Pub of the Year for multiple years, and regional Pub of the Year 2021–22.
- Micropub Origins: Founded in December 2019 by hospitality veterans Alison and Phil, passionate about craft cider. Alison also established the London Cider Club, which hosts cider tasting sessions.
- Other Details: Card‑only payment, adult‑only (over‑18), dog friendly (on lead), shared parking available. A snug bar from the former off‑licence offers quieter group space.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday–Wednesday: 4pm–10pm
- Thursday: 2pm–10.30pm
- Friday–Saturday: 12pm–10.30pm
- Sunday: 12pm–9pm
The Harrow
Address: 130 Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch, RM11 1DP
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Conveniently positioned on the A124, The Harrow lies between Romford and Upminster, close to Harrow Lodge Park – ideal for locals and visitors after a stroll or commute.
- What’s the Vibe? A spacious, traditional pub that blends modern refurbishment with cosy charm. Expect a warm welcome, open fires in winter and a lively beer garden in summer.
What’s On Offer
- Real Ales & Themed Nights: Part of the Ember Inns family, The Harrow serves award‑winning cask ales and hosts regular theme events like Curry and Grill Nights.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Menu: A dedicated plant‑based offering includes options like a vegan burger, lentil cottage pie and cauliflower “chicken” – praised for good flavour and variety
- Facilities & Accessibility: Features include a large covered garden, free Wi‑Fi, parking, family and wheelchair-accessible amenities. Also, quiz nights on Sundays and occasional live music.
- Rich History: Once a 19th‑century coaching inn on the Romford–Upminster route, the pub sits among former farmland, offering insight into the area’s local heritage.
- General Vibe & Reviews: Visitors often comment on the warm and friendly staff, good food value, and a well-maintained garden.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Opens from 11:00 – 23:00 (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays); food served from noon until 22:00 across the week.
The Fatling
Address: 109 High Street, Hornchurch, RM11 1TX
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled on Hornchurch’s bustling High Street, The Fatling occupies a prime spot that’s easily reachable by bus and close to local shops and amenities.
- What’s the Vibe? This multi-level community pub blends upscale, family-friendly dining with a lively social atmosphere. By night and at weekends, it shifts into a vibrant hub – hosting live bands and DJ sets that bring in a sociable crowd.
What’s On Offer
- Pub Food Done Right: Food is served from early morning through to early evening – offering everything from full English breakfasts and burgers, to tapas, steaks and hearty Sunday roasts.
- Live Music & DJs: A regular schedule of live local bands and weekend DJ nights – especially DJ Howie’s nostalgic three‑decade playlists – brings a fun, entertainment-focused edge.
- Extensive Drinks Selection: With a strong emphasis on real ales – including Fuller’s London Pride and rotating Brentwood Brewery guest ales – plus ciders, craft beers, artisan cocktails, spirits, wine and coffee, there’s a drink for every taste.
- Beer Garden & Heated Outdoor Seating: The expansive, partly covered beer terrace is a popular gathering spot, especially during bank holidays and summer days.
- Local & Charitable Hub: The pub has steered community initiatives – regular charity fundraisers and award recognitions like being shortlisted for Charity Pub of the Year 2019.
- Live Sports: Multiple screens show Premier League, Champions League, rugby, F1 and more.
- Group Offers: The MiXR rewards app offers package deals and midweek offers to groups.
- Booking & Access: Table reservations are possible via their website or app, with an adult-only policy in force, and full disabled access including toilets.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Mon–Thu: 10:00–23:00
- Fri–Sat: 10:00–Midnight
- Sun: 11:00–23:00
- Food service: Daily from 10:00 (or 9:00 on weekends) to around 19:00, with Sunday roast available in the afternoon.
The Sutton Arms
Address: 14–16 Station Lane, Hornchurch, RM12 6NJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Situated in the heart of Hornchurch’s bustling town centre, The Sutton Arms occupies a central spot on Station Lane – just a short stroll from Hornchurch tube and surrounded by shops and eateries.
- What’s the Vibe? The venue offers a relaxed, friendly daytime atmosphere ideal for casual dining and chatting over a pint. This shifts to a lively, vibrant ambience after dark – especially at weekends when DJs host “#PartyInOurPub” and “#PayDayParties” on Friday and Saturday nights.
What’s On Offer
- Live Sport Experience: A full range of live sporting events – including Premier League, Champions League, rugby and Formula 1 – is shown on HD screens. They provide table service during major matches from Sky Sports and TNT Sports.
- Food, Drinks & Offers: Serving a modern British menu daily between 11:00 and 21:00, the pub features daily food and drink deals such as burger-and-drink offers, cocktails, and “Twosome Treat” specials. Expect casual pub classics alongside cocktail deals and a well-curated real-ale selection.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Bar: Monday–Thursday & Sunday 11:00–23:00; Friday & Saturday 11:00–01:00.
- Food Served: Daily 11:00–21:00.
Ready to Visit?
Just a stone’s throw from Elm Park Tube, this corner of East London boasts a refreshingly diverse pub scene with something for everyone. From the low-key charm of The Elm Park to the family-friendly buzz of The Good Intent, the area offers a mix of local comfort and lively entertainment. Hornchurch ups the game with standout spots like The Hop Inn – a refined micropub experience – and The Fatling, where live music and a top-notch beer terrace attract weekend crowds. For sports fans and late-night revellers, The Sutton Arms brings big screens and party vibes, while The Harrow provides a traditional pub feel with modern twists and hearty food.
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Tried a pint at The Fatling or sampled a real cider at The Hop Inn? Share this article with your mates, pop down for a visit, and don’t forget to leave a review once you’ve found your favourite!
