The Britannia

The Britannia on Bow Common Lane has a rather grisly history. It’s probably best known for a near-​fatal shooting that took place here several years ago after a bodged robbery attempt. Apparently it was also a favourite drinking spot for several of Jack the Ripper’s victims leading to speculation that the murderer himself used to come here to wet his whistle. When a pub’s greatest claim to fame involves varying degrees of violent assault you know you’re in for an interesting experience.
Sadly this is not exactly what you get. There is no murderous thrill when you walk through the door just the sound of scraping stools as every head is turned in your direction. This is very much a local pub and you have to earn your welcome. The landlord himself (possibly the same man that foiled said robbery) is a decent no-​nonsense sort of character and if you’re lucky he might even offer you some free sandwiches. The interior is pretty drab and the furniture looks like it may well be the same used in Jack the Ripper’s era, the walls are stained a putrid yellow colour from years of smoke.
Quite a depressing experience really though worth it for a bit of local history.