The Palm Tree

In a city that’s constantly changing, there’s a comforting certainty in the permanence of places like The Palm Tree, which we first started drinking at some 15 years ago. Sited incongruously in the middle of Mile End Park, it’s practically immune to passing trade but that doesn’t matter for this hidden gem that pulls in punters from every corner of the city thanks to its stunning vintage decor. Smoky red lights shimmer against copper-coated wallpaper, while classic instruments and a large piano fill the corner stage, conjuring images of jazz-age elegance. An immaculately dressed Gentleman with a capital G potters about behind the bar, the centrepiece of which is a vintage cash register – no cards or contactless in this classy time-capsule. The only nod to modernity is the pricelist – £7 a pint is steep by Sessions standards, but who are we to complain when landlords are up against it and people need the sanctity of their pub more than ever? Some things you just can’t put a price on.