Spotted Dog

It's all about the atmosphere at the Barking Dog. Before you even step in, you'll be met by Charlie. He comes with the pub. Charlie is usually blasting unusually good dnb and pop on his speaker, and may offer to suck you off for a fiver. He's truly the heart of this establishment. Now the best area is of course the beer garden. The security tried to kick some guy out because he was slicing salami on a chopping board, until he was offered a piece. The salami was so good that the salami man was pardoned, now that security guard is truly the digestive system of this establishment. The salami was so damn good that the guard proceeded to lift the pub anvil. You should go to the beer garden just to try to lift the anvil, it's a tradition.

I have used this pub over the years, albeit every now and then. This used to be a somewhat conservative establishment that was renowned for being on the expensive side, despite being virtually next door to a large Wetherspoons. However, it has been under new ownership for the past couple of years and has changed considerably. Prices have been reduced to a sensible level, food is more readily available and the staff seem pleasant, as does the clientele. I particularly like the ''Sea Fury'' real ale they serve and will continue to use this watering hole whenever I am in the Barking vicinity.