Why visit this spot?

For its near faultless tinny drinking. This spot offers a perfect, middle-distance view of the regal environs of Greenwich – one which allows you to avoid battling with tourists and inconvenient traffic management systems.

Old father Thames laps away below you, flowing softly in undulating ripples which swell in intensity when Thames Clippers glide past.

Island Gardens – a narrow park that stretches out along the river – is seemingly made for beer swilling. Solid wooden benches set out at satisfyingly regular intervals make for comfortable waterside seating. If none are available, there is Victorian iron railing to lean on, and plenty of turf for drier days.

Looking directly southwards over the waterscape the eye is drawn to the baroque quarters of the Maritime Museum, with the lush rising incline of Greenwich Park as the backdrop. Slightly to the west, you see the historic Cutty Sark and the redbrick dome-shaped southern entrance to the Greenwich foot tunnel. Looking back east, the view is further endowed by the steel framed, brick clad Greenwich Power Station which completes a diverse, pleasing and altogether British visage.

Transport links: 4/5 and how to get there

Easy way

Island Gardens has its very own DLR stop. Disembark here and head straight out of the station down the narrow pedestrianised path opposite the station, which leads towards the river. Head straight through the wrought iron park gates – you can’t go wrong.

Interesting way

A more pleasant and intriguing route is to come from the South, by disembarking the DLR a few stops later at Cutty Sark. Greenwich boasts a range of arresting delights, which have been known to delay even the most ardent of tinny drinkers from their cans.

The fascinating Fan Museum opened in 1991 is the world’s first museum dedicated to the preservation and display of fans. It is just one of the gems in this southern crown.

The most intriguing benefit of starting from the South is the atmospheric journey through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel. Completed in 1902, its creation owed much to the efforts of local hero and working-class politician, Will Crooks. The very same Will Crooks who opened the tinny spot itself.

Upon arrival North of the river, crack yer can and raise it to the great man.

Proximity to tinny shops: 4/5

Being just off the main road and a mere three minutes from a DLR station, you would think there are wealth of tinny shops in the immediate locale, and you would not be wrong. Turn left out of the DLR station on Manchester Road you’ll find two shops in quick succession.

The second one you reach, Island Newsagent and Off Licence, offers a standard form tinny selection which includes the usual selection of Eurpoean style lagers. The affable proprietor accepts card with a cashback service to boot. This is worth considering if you are thinking of a meal/snack from the local Chinese/chippy, New Kwun Wah which excels with fast and friendly service and exemplary portion sizes.

Toilet access: 1.5/5

Despite its other conveniences, there are no obvious places to go to the lavatory in Island Gardens. For those who don’t mind urinating in nature, there is an abundance of opportunity in nearby Mudchute Park – the large green expanse heading back towards the station.

Capacity for wandering onward: 5/5

I have already lingered on the options to the South, but North of the river also has plenty to offer. Isle of Dogs is largely residential, and outside of the capitalist modernity to the north, it has a sleepy forgotten air – retaining a certain east-end ordinariness which is to its benefit.

You could choose to head towards the DLR station, amble North West-ish across Mudchute Park, and enjoy the striking view of Canary Wharf beyond. After a few minutes’ walk, negotiate a few fences and you’ll find yourself in Mudchute City Farm.

There’s nothing like a post-tinny stumble and a fulfilling interaction with domesticated animals.