Good beer guide: Pub factfiles

The Grapes, 76 Narrow Street, E14 8BP
Adnams Bitter, Marston's Pedigree, Timothy Taylor Landlord (+1 guest)
Try this: Marston's Pedigree, £2.90

What they say: "It's a traditional pub. It's a real pub and not a gastropub. We don't have background music or TV, and we don't have darts or pool." (Landlady Barbara Haigh)

What the guide says: "Formerly the haunt of dockers and watermen, this Punch pub now caters for locals from the riverside apartments and the estate nearby. It is understandably very popular with tourists, with quality bar meals and a highly regarded fish restaurant upstairs."

North Pole, 74 Manilla Street, E14 8LG
Black Sheep Best, Fuller's London Pride, Timothy Taylor Landlord
Try this: Timothy Taylor Landlord, £2.80

What the guide says: "A typical local back-street pub in the heart of Docklands, serving print workers and locals, this Enterprise pub can get very busy at lunchtimes and early evenings. There are three regular ales, with Black Sheep now joining the flock. Unusually, it still holds with the afternoon closing between 3-5pm. Enjoy a truly welcome haven from the busy city life outside."

The Gun, 27 Coldharbour, E14 9NS
Adnams Southwold Bitter, Greene King Abbot Ale, Young's Bitter
Try this: Adnams Southwold Bitter, £3.10

What they say: "It's a historic pub that been here for 400 years. It still maintains that charm, and the relaxed feel of a typical pub environment." (Manager Ross Holdsworth)

What the guide says: "Highly acclaimed British food is available daily in a separate dining room, as are bar snacks. The inside of this Punch pub is wonderfully atmospheric and outside are impressive river views from the terrace, with The O2 dome on the far bank."

The George, 114 Glengall Grove, E14 3ND
Caledonian Deuchars IPA, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Fuller's London Pride, Young's Bitter (+2 guests).
Try this: Caledonian Deuchars IPA, £3

What they say: "It's a grown-up pub where the beers are only one quality - the best. We have four core beers and a kaleidoscope of guest ales." (Landlord Pat Burns)

What the guide says: "The present, early '30s building comprises three distinct bars, each with its own special character, plus a large conservatory and patio garden. There are numerous photographs of local dock scenes and characters throughout, all in a welcoming, comfortable environment."

Richard I, 52-54 Royal Hill, SE10 8RT
Wells Bombardier, Young's Bitter, Young's Special (+1 guest)
Try this: Young's Special, £2.83

What they say: "We've got customers who have been coming here for 40 or 50 years. People come for the quiet atmosphere and for the Young's beers. Customers know they can get good beer here." (Manager Diane Radbron)

What the guide says: "Warm and welcoming Young's pub. Split into a saloon and a public bar, it boasts a well-kept beer garden and a tremendous menu. It was refurbished in 2008, giving it a modern facelift without losing its unpretentious, quiet atmosphere."