The Bancroft Arms

Despite this being the nearest pub with live sports to me, I wouldn’t exactly fit in with the crowd in a self-​proclaimed ‘locals bar’. That being said, it was a cosy affair and gave off a friendly vibe for the duration. Great atmosphere to (quietly) watch a football match, fantastic prices, and a perfect place to relax in the most low-​key way possible.

Honestly of all the bars I’ve been to, this one is my favorite. What makes that sad is that I return to the states in August. Here’s what I love about this place: It is a decent sized old style pub. Anything old fashioned is a plus in my book, but it’s not just the old fashioned style that makes it great, it is quiet as well.
The bartenders are friendly, the regulars and locals are great as well-​I have often said these are some of the «friendliest people you will know» here in London. The prices are very reasonable as well, usually around three pound for a pint. I’ve actually left another bar that was too pricey just to come here. I love the price, I love the friendly atmosphere and the ability to just sit down and work on whatever or just relax with a pint. You can’t do that at many bars these days because they’re just not as good.
Heck, the first time I visited on my trip to London, the bartender here walked me through every pence coin so I understood the coins almost instantly.
If you come with a smile, you will leave with one.

The Bancroft Arms is located directly opposite the Queen’s Building, the focal point and central building of Queen Mary university. In spite of this you almost never see any students drinking in this establishment. Strictly speaking this is a local pub though the management do go to pains to stress the friendly welcome on offer with large alluring signs.
I stopped in here once to watch a football game and was quite pleasantly surprised. I like to be able to hear myself think and actually see the TV when I watch sport so this place, where the average attendence including staff is about 8, was the perfect spot. In spite of its pretty diminutive size they’ve also managed to squeeze in a quite enormous television. The décor is hardly exciting and pretty dated but the bar has a decent selection and very reasonable prices.
Not a bad spot for a chat, a read or a think.