'Fives' board

The London Fives or East End board pre-dates the more familiar 'clock' board, and can still be found in at least thirty East London pubs (although some swap it with the clock, depending on what day it is and in which league they are playing).

The safest bet for a game on a Fives board is the Isle of Dogs (known locally as The Island). There's a couple of options within a short walk of Island Gardens DLR, and another nearer Canary Wharf:
- Ferry House, 26 Ferry Street E14 3DT. The oldest pub on the island. You'll be guaranteed a fairly esoteric welcome here; on last visit they had two boards and a large dog.
- Waterman's Arms, 1 Glenaffric Avenue E14 3BW. Traditional big imposing boozer with similarly imposing locals.
- North Pole, 74 Manilla Street E14 8LG. Quiet old boozer, a world away from the buildings (and people) nearby.

Alternatively, the Mile End area is an option, almost entirely due to one of the finest boozers in London:
- Palm Tree, Haverfield Road E3 5BH. This pub is worth visiting for so many reasons (including the occasionally surly service). Live music, sing-songs, stunning inside and out, and, hidden away in the back bar with the boxing photos, a fives board. The second bar is not always open, so you may need to ask, politely.
- Lord Cardigan, Cardigan Road E3 5HD. A perfectly suitable alternative if the Palm Tree board is busy, just a few minutes walk away.

Finally, three other interesting options, not particularly near each other, or any suitable alternatives:
- Queens Head, 8 Flamborough Street E14 7LS. Limehouse DLR. Where the Queen Mum pulled her famous Young's pint.
- Turner's Old Star, 14 Watts Street E1W 2QG. Wapping tube. Old-fashioned, daunting and hugely welcoming on visit. Named after the painter, apparently.
- Boleyn Tavern, 1 Barking Road E6 1PW. Upton Park tube. Very busy before a West Ham game.