Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Spitalfields, London, United Kingdom

The Last Days of Decadence - Sumptuous Art Deco in the heart of Shoreditch by SusieH

SusieH — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:55:16 +0000

Review by SusieH

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7729 2896

Website: http://thelastdaysofdecadence.com/home.html

What really makes this place different is the atmosphere. When you have a venue to get dressed up for, a cool crowd and delicious food all at a more-than-decent price you can't go wrong. I go to the Saturday nights regularly and end up dancing all night, which is more than can be said for most Shoreditch venues. Try it, you'll definately be back.What really makes this place different is the atmosphere. When you have a venue to get dressed up for, a cool crowd and delicious food all at a more-than-decent price you can't go wrong. I go to the Saturday nights regularly and end up dancing all night, which is more than can be said for most Shoreditch venues. Try it, you'll definately be back.

Kings Stores - Venue Hire by michou

michou — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:12:02 +0000

Review by michou

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7247 4089

Website: http://www.laurelpubco.com

Tags: relaxed, food, friendly

We hired this pub for a 50th birthday party and I cannot praise it enough. Very accommodating owner and staff, great venue so central, just the right size for 60-100 people. Space to dance, or talk ; food was excellent, late licence, could go in early to decorate, reasonable priced wine - made for a perfect evening. Will definetly use again if the occasion ariseWe hired this pub for a 50th birthday party and I cannot praise it enough. Very accommodating owner and staff, great venue so central, just the right size for 60-100 people. Space to dance, or talk ; food was excellent, late licence, could go in early to decorate, reasonable priced wine - made for a perfect evening. Will definetly use again if the occasion arise

Commercial Tavern - Kooky relaxed by aimeealewis

aimeealewis — Thu, 14 May 2009 14:32:06 +0000

Review by aimeealewis

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7247 1888

Tags: relaxed, trendy, cool

I like this pub. It's very Shoreditch with it's darkness and random wallpaper samples, chandelier collection decor and photo wall. It also serves wine in tumblers. Yes that is because it's cool to disregard wine glasses. Not because they broke them all (apparently). Upstairs the decor is a little smarter with artistic lighting. You can reserve areas which is a good idea if you have a big group. They have a pool table too, if you like that kind of thing.I like this pub. It's very Shoreditch with it's darkness and random wallpaper samples, chandelier collection decor and photo wall. It also serves wine in tumblers. Yes that is because it's cool to disregard wine glasses. Not because they broke them all (apparently). Upstairs the decor is a little smarter with artistic lighting. You can reserve areas which is a good idea if you have a big group. They have a pool table too, if you like that kind of thing.

INDO - Awesome Staff, Food and Atmosphere by london4life

london4life — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:42:58 +0000

Review by london4life

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7247 4926

Tags: friendly, independent pub, cool

Tiny little boozer on Whitechapel road, right opposite the East London Mosque. A great change from your typical east end pub, and one of the best places to drink for miles around. The staff and clientele are all friendly, the food is legend (particularly the pizza) all in all can't be beat...
It's a little bit trendy and pretentious, art on the walls etc, but that's not really a criticism. Does get a bit rammed in the evenings though, so don't expect a seat. Often open late late with music (live or DJ).

Highest recommendation.Tiny little boozer on Whitechapel road, right opposite the East London Mosque. A great change from your typical east end pub, and one of the best places to drink for miles around. The staff and clientele are all friendly, the food is legend (particularly the pizza) all in all can't be beat...
It's a little bit trendy and pretentious, art on the walls etc, but that's not really a criticism. Does get a bit rammed in the evenings though, so don't expect a seat. Often open late late with music (live or DJ).

Highest recommendation.

Scarborough Arms - by Johnpubman

Johnpubman — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 08:14:41 +0000

Review by Johnpubman

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7481 1841

Tags: cool, food, friendly

Now this is a little gem - a back street pub just one block from tower hill dlr or aldgate east - unlike most of the pubs in the area it's bright and airy serves great beer and fabulous traditional pub grub. You can sit outside in the sunshine all day. Prices are decent too and the menu is incredible value. Friendly, welcoming and fun. The first floor is a real shock, with downstairs being a traditional country pub feel; the first floor is a luxourious bar with red and silver decor, a smoking balcony and its own bar. Bar far the best pub in the disrict.Now this is a little gem - a back street pub just one block from tower hill dlr or aldgate east - unlike most of the pubs in the area it's bright and airy serves great beer and fabulous traditional pub grub. You can sit outside in the sunshine all day. Prices are decent too and the menu is incredible value. Friendly, welcoming and fun. The first floor is a real shock, with downstairs being a traditional country pub feel; the first floor is a luxourious bar with red and silver decor, a smoking balcony and its own bar. Bar far the best pub in the disrict.

8a - Great little bar by Eliot84

Eliot84 — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:27:57 +0000

Review by Eliot84

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7247 5056

Tags: cool, relaxed, food

Difficult to find but worth it once you're there.

Nice surroundings, nice people, excellent service and good beer at very reasonable prices.

I will deffinitly being going back.Difficult to find but worth it once you're there.

Nice surroundings, nice people, excellent service and good beer at very reasonable prices.

I will deffinitly being going back.

Blind Beggar - A BIT OF HISTORY by alfie0207

alfie0207 — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 19:02:12 +0000

Review by alfie0207

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7247 6195

Tags: live music, friendly, pool

The Blind Beggar was built in 1984 and took its name from the legendary blind beggar of Bethnal Green,This man was wounded,disfigured,and blinded during the battle of Evesham in 1265.But most Eastend Londoners would say it became famous on the 9th March 1966,When Ronnie Kray a east end gangland villain,and the other part of the Kray twins walked in the salon bar and shot George Cornell in the head using a 9mm Mauser,supposedly because he called Ronnie a big fat poof.It is also said that the record playing on the juke box was The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore,by The Walker Brothers.The Kray Twins are still well remembered and respected by many Eastenders,and beyond,The pub itself is now one bar,but as a really welcoming open fire to greet you as you enter.its very clean and sells a couple of real ales,one being Fullers London Pride,it as music nights and a quiz night,staff and management are very friendly,and prices are fair,and you can still pick out a few old characters.and im told the food menu is good but im yet to tryThe Blind Beggar was built in 1984 and took its name from the legendary blind beggar of Bethnal Green,This man was wounded,disfigured,and blinded during the battle of Evesham in 1265.But most Eastend Londoners would say it became famous on the 9th March 1966,When Ronnie Kray a east end gangland villain,and the other part of the Kray twins walked in the salon bar and shot George Cornell in the head using a 9mm Mauser,supposedly because he called Ronnie a big fat poof.It is also said that the record playing on the juke box was The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore,by The Walker Brothers.The Kray Twins are still well remembered and respected by many Eastenders,and beyond,The pub itself is now one bar,but as a really welcoming open fire to greet you as you enter.its very clean and sells a couple of real ales,one being Fullers London Pride,it as music nights and a quiz night,staff and management are very friendly,and prices are fair,and you can still pick out a few old characters.and im told the food menu is good but im yet to try

The Light Bar - Noisy and dark by hollowlegs

hollowlegs — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 10:56:28 +0000

Review by hollowlegs

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7247 8989

Website: http://www.thelighte1.com

Tags: lively, bar, trendy

Perhaps I'm getting old, but I didn't have much of a good time in The Light Bar. I came here on Friday night and found it to be noisy, really dark and rammed; same as any bar in London on a Friday night, I suppose.

Their choice in music was a touch bizarre. Drum and bass was the choice of the evening and was a bit of a downer. The crowd were a mix of post-work suits and girls dolled up to the nines, ready for a night out. Lots of jostling to get to the bar.

Unfortunately, when I was here my drinks weren't very good. Vodka, lime and soda came in a warm glass with slightly flat soda and only a small wedge of lime; luckily I tasted it before I left the bar as I had to ask the barman to chuck some lime cordial in it. Vodka and water isn't my thing. Still, the staff are friendly and they heat the outdoor space, which is a plus.Perhaps I'm getting old, but I didn't have much of a good time in The Light Bar. I came here on Friday night and found it to be noisy, really dark and rammed; same as any bar in London on a Friday night, I suppose.

Their choice in music was a touch bizarre. Drum and bass was the choice of the evening and was a bit of a downer. The crowd were a mix of post-work suits and girls dolled up to the nines, ready for a night out. Lots of jostling to get to the bar.

Unfortunately, when I was here my drinks weren't very good. Vodka, lime and soda came in a warm glass with slightly flat soda and only a small wedge of lime; luckily I tasted it before I left the bar as I had to ask the barman to chuck some lime cordial in it. Vodka and water isn't my thing. Still, the staff are friendly and they heat the outdoor space, which is a plus.

Bedales - Fine for a quick drink by curlynewf

curlynewf — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:43:11 +0000

Review by curlynewf

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7375 1926

Website: http://www.bedalestreet.com

Tags: wines, wine, "small bites"

Bedales is a French wine shop/wine bar hybrid, a sister shop to the one in Borough Market. You can buy any bottle of wine off the shelf and drink-in for a flat Â£8 corkage fee, or choose from a small selection of wines by the glass.

There's also a cold food counter offering the usual wine-accompaniments - breads, cheeses, olives and various dips and salads.

I suspect the time of day has a bearing on your definition of the place â¬ during the day a wine shop, at night a wine bar. We arrived on a cold winters evening, a Thursday to be precise, and it felt very much wine bar-ish - mood-lit and busy with an after-work kinda crowd. There is some perimeter seating at the front and a long communal counter down the middle, and the walls are shelved with an impressive collection of wines from all over.

Noted oddities were a) the music and b) the bathroom. The music was disco, and bathroom was outside. Not only is it outside, but thereâ¬"s only one â¬ so, should you need to â¬Ügoâ¬" you need to wait for whomever is currently gone to come back with the key. This system also requires the bartender to keep track of whoâ¬"s asked for the key when so that an orderly, invisible queue is maintained. (There was a near confrontation when my friend was about to get the coveted key ahead of the woman next to us whoâ¬"d been â¬Üwaiting agesâ¬".) Combine this petrol station-style operation with wine-logged brains and bladders and it all begins to break down fairly quickly.

All in all, a nice atmosphere, though. The staff were very laid back, smiley and friendly. Iâ¬"d go back and sample some more of the wines or maybe sign up for one of their tasting events, but itâ¬"s more of a quick stop-in place than somewhere to spend the whole evening in.
Bedales is a French wine shop/wine bar hybrid, a sister shop to the one in Borough Market. You can buy any bottle of wine off the shelf and drink-in for a flat Â£8 corkage fee, or choose from a small selection of wines by the glass.

There's also a cold food counter offering the usual wine-accompaniments - breads, cheeses, olives and various dips and salads.

I suspect the time of day has a bearing on your definition of the place â¬ during the day a wine shop, at night a wine bar. We arrived on a cold winters evening, a Thursday to be precise, and it felt very much wine bar-ish - mood-lit and busy with an after-work kinda crowd. There is some perimeter seating at the front and a long communal counter down the middle, and the walls are shelved with an impressive collection of wines from all over.

Noted oddities were a) the music and b) the bathroom. The music was disco, and bathroom was outside. Not only is it outside, but thereâ¬"s only one â¬ so, should you need to â¬Ügoâ¬" you need to wait for whomever is currently gone to come back with the key. This system also requires the bartender to keep track of whoâ¬"s asked for the key when so that an orderly, invisible queue is maintained. (There was a near confrontation when my friend was about to get the coveted key ahead of the woman next to us whoâ¬"d been â¬Üwaiting agesâ¬".) Combine this petrol station-style operation with wine-logged brains and bladders and it all begins to break down fairly quickly.

All in all, a nice atmosphere, though. The staff were very laid back, smiley and friendly. Iâ¬"d go back and sample some more of the wines or maybe sign up for one of their tasting events, but itâ¬"s more of a quick stop-in place than somewhere to spend the whole evening in.

Exit Bar - Wicked live music by CristinaA

CristinaA — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:28:51 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7377 2088

Tags: cool, friendly, young and fun

Great Bar great people and expect some fantastic music especially the electronic band I saw a while back called Base Mosquito were absolutely phenomenal.

Great Bar great people and expect some fantastic music especially the electronic band I saw a while back called Base Mosquito were absolutely phenomenal.

Juno - Live art event... by CristinaA

CristinaA — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:59:23 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7729 2660

Tags: relaxed, friendly, hip-hop

I loved Juno. Went down to see a friend in the street wars competition and there was a really nice atmosphere in there. There's a lovely bit downstairs with retro computer games and big old sofas that I'd love to sample for a long and easy afternoon.

Juno is definitely one of the best places on Shoreditch High Street.
I loved Juno. Went down to see a friend in the street wars competition and there was a really nice atmosphere in there. There's a lovely bit downstairs with retro computer games and big old sofas that I'd love to sample for a long and easy afternoon.

Juno is definitely one of the best places on Shoreditch High Street.

Jam - Ok... by CristinaA

CristinaA — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:51:42 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7613 3554

The snacks were great and the variety of different cocktails was awesome, the downside was that the prices were high and the music could have been better.
The snacks were great and the variety of different cocktails was awesome, the downside was that the prices were high and the music could have been better.

T Bar - Rank toilets... by CristinaA

CristinaA — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:33:52 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 02032061091

I thought the T Bar was awful, the music was really bad skipping from Techno to 80's cheese, toilets are rank and the place is smelly and dirty. I like the raw, underground warehouse look but the T Bar is taking the P.

Don't waste your pennies!
I thought the T Bar was awful, the music was really bad skipping from Techno to 80's cheese, toilets are rank and the place is smelly and dirty. I like the raw, underground warehouse look but the T Bar is taking the P.

Don't waste your pennies!

The Big Chill Bar - Not that chilled... by CristinaA

CristinaA — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:07:06 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7392 9180

Tags: relaxed, friendly, young and fun

The Big Chill Bar is great, though the name doesn't really deliver on a Friday or Saturday night, when it is extremely busy. Any other time at The Big Chill Bar more or less guarantees you some nice, chilled music and a relaxed atmosphere.

As far as I can determine, this place is not popular with the ridiculously trendy crowd, so if you would class yourself as 'ridiculously trendy', maybe there are better places on Brick Lane for you to pose the night away. But for everyone who doesn't think your choice in drink is a fashion statement, it's a great place to spend a relaxed Sunday. Highly recommended.
The Big Chill Bar is great, though the name doesn't really deliver on a Friday or Saturday night, when it is extremely busy. Any other time at The Big Chill Bar more or less guarantees you some nice, chilled music and a relaxed atmosphere.

As far as I can determine, this place is not popular with the ridiculously trendy crowd, so if you would class yourself as 'ridiculously trendy', maybe there are better places on Brick Lane for you to pose the night away. But for everyone who doesn't think your choice in drink is a fashion statement, it's a great place to spend a relaxed Sunday. Highly recommended.

Vibe Bar - A good night out.. by CristinaA

CristinaA — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:06:50 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7247 3479

Website: http://www.vibe-bar.co.uk

Tags: young and fun, cool, relaxed

Vibe Bar rocked! I liked the young artsy crowd and the female DJ was really good. The drinks weren't that pricey, which is good since its London. The cold weather didn't stop me and my friends from chilling outside on the courtyard benches. They have tents with heaters and the catering is delicious too.

They have South African barbeque which I didn't think would be so awesome in the winter. Vibe Bar is a place worth checking out, especially if you like sitting outdoors where it's nice and warm. Trust me if you are tired of the loud music inside, you'll appreciate the heated tents.
Vibe Bar rocked! I liked the young artsy crowd and the female DJ was really good. The drinks weren't that pricey, which is good since its London. The cold weather didn't stop me and my friends from chilling outside on the courtyard benches. They have tents with heaters and the catering is delicious too.

They have South African barbeque which I didn't think would be so awesome in the winter. Vibe Bar is a place worth checking out, especially if you like sitting outdoors where it's nice and warm. Trust me if you are tired of the loud music inside, you'll appreciate the heated tents.

The Gun - A bankers haunt.. by CristinaA

CristinaA — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:58:26 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7247 6462

Tags: food, pub, beer

Nothing going on here apart from the rustle of crisp packets and the occasional cheer at the footy on the big screen. Itâ¬"s a haunt for bankers for a quiet after work pint and a spot of pub grub, where it lacks any sort of atmosphere it makes up for with the friendly bar staff.

It keeps a traditional pub feel with booth shaped chesterfields, dated wallpaper, dingy lighting and a whiff of stale in the air.

With a noticeable absence of lap tops, as they have no wireless, you can opt to sit in a corner and escape in your book.

Nothing going on here apart from the rustle of crisp packets and the occasional cheer at the footy on the big screen. Itâ¬"s a haunt for bankers for a quiet after work pint and a spot of pub grub, where it lacks any sort of atmosphere it makes up for with the friendly bar staff.

It keeps a traditional pub feel with booth shaped chesterfields, dated wallpaper, dingy lighting and a whiff of stale in the air.

With a noticeable absence of lap tops, as they have no wireless, you can opt to sit in a corner and escape in your book.

The Water Poet - The Water Poet by subterranean

subterranean — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:49:22 +0000

Review by subterranean

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7426 0495

Tags: cool, relaxed, friendly

The name of this pub is actually the Water Poet...though many people simply call it the Poet. As my local I am obviously obliged to produce a biased review - but after hearing rave reviews from all friends I bring to the pub, I think I can honestly give an objective view.

Put simply, an excellent pub in the heart of the Spitalfields area and (perhaps) the only beer garden in all of Shoreditch. The pub is absolutely massive and goes on and on...you'd think the front room was all there was to be seen, of course there are about 4 other massive rooms, an events venue downstairs, and a massive gardne out back to while away a Sunday afternoon.

The beer selection is solid but unexciting. At least Timothy Taylor's Landlord and Flower's IPA are usually on offer (however a few additional Belgian beers would be a welcome improvement). Food is good as well - but this is the kind of pub you come to to drink and hang out with friends...

Trendy? Maybe a bit - but it's a trend all its own.The name of this pub is actually the Water Poet...though many people simply call it the Poet. As my local I am obviously obliged to produce a biased review - but after hearing rave reviews from all friends I bring to the pub, I think I can honestly give an objective view.

Put simply, an excellent pub in the heart of the Spitalfields area and (perhaps) the only beer garden in all of Shoreditch. The pub is absolutely massive and goes on and on...you'd think the front room was all there was to be seen, of course there are about 4 other massive rooms, an events venue downstairs, and a massive gardne out back to while away a Sunday afternoon.

The beer selection is solid but unexciting. At least Timothy Taylor's Landlord and Flower's IPA are usually on offer (however a few additional Belgian beers would be a welcome improvement). Food is good as well - but this is the kind of pub you come to to drink and hang out with friends...

Trendy? Maybe a bit - but it's a trend all its own.

The Market Trader - The Market Trader by Brodule

Brodule — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:29:36 +0000

Review by Brodule

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7247 3459

Website: http://www.thorleytaverns.com

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

While this pub is under restoration from a new owner, the interior already looks much better & is more welcoming. A good range of wines and beers, and good food too.

While this pub is under restoration from a new owner, the interior already looks much better & is more welcoming. A good range of wines and beers, and good food too.

The White Heart - Local pub for the workers by musikmessiah

musikmessiah — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 16:51:30 +0000

Review by musikmessiah

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7790 2894

Tags: relaxed, friendly, rock

In the last recent months this pub has had more changes to its staff than anywhere I've seen. Located in Whitechapel, the White Heart is a standard boozer pub. Full of local employees of the surrounding businesses. The prices of drinks are in line with other pubs. However the food range is limited and quite dear in price terms, around Â£7.50 for bangers and mash! With outside seating on hot summer days this is ideal for a pint with a bunch of mates. Footie is also shown which is a bonus after work. Staff are polite and well served. It's an ever improving pub and worth a visit in the area with its limited but unique ranges of food.In the last recent months this pub has had more changes to its staff than anywhere I've seen. Located in Whitechapel, the White Heart is a standard boozer pub. Full of local employees of the surrounding businesses. The prices of drinks are in line with other pubs. However the food range is limited and quite dear in price terms, around Â£7.50 for bangers and mash! With outside seating on hot summer days this is ideal for a pint with a bunch of mates. Footie is also shown which is a bonus after work. Staff are polite and well served. It's an ever improving pub and worth a visit in the area with its limited but unique ranges of food.

Nags Head Gentlemens Venue - strip clubs by stevenfrmlondon

stevenfrmlondon — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:36:00 +0000

Review by stevenfrmlondon

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7426 0830

Tags: cool, friendly, underground

went to this place for my birthday with some mates after work, got some gorgeous woman working there. one girl called lolita was amazing, she was doing some crazy moves on the pole. Been to a few strip clubs in shoreditch, i love them all. nags was the same as white horse and browns, they've got a pub element with stripers and you dont feel pressured fromthe girls for private dancing. got to go back and see if this lolita girls still working there. her private dances are pretty steamy as well. if you see her about, get a dance with her. just to finish it off they had a pool table in there as wellwent to this place for my birthday with some mates after work, got some gorgeous woman working there. one girl called lolita was amazing, she was doing some crazy moves on the pole. Been to a few strip clubs in shoreditch, i love them all. nags was the same as white horse and browns, they've got a pub element with stripers and you dont feel pressured fromthe girls for private dancing. got to go back and see if this lolita girls still working there. her private dances are pretty steamy as well. if you see her about, get a dance with her. just to finish it off they had a pool table in there as well

Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Spitalfields, London, United Kingdom

The Last Days of Decadence - Sumptuous Art Deco in the heart of Shoreditch by SusieH

Kings Stores - Venue Hire by michou

Commercial Tavern - Kooky relaxed by aimeealewis

INDO - Awesome Staff, Food and Atmosphere by london4life

Scarborough Arms - by Johnpubman

8a - Great little bar by Eliot84

Blind Beggar - A BIT OF HISTORY by alfie0207

The Light Bar - Noisy and dark by hollowlegs

Bedales - Fine for a quick drink by curlynewf

Exit Bar - Wicked live music by CristinaA

Juno - Live art event... by CristinaA

Jam - Ok... by CristinaA

T Bar - Rank toilets... by CristinaA

The Big Chill Bar - Not that chilled... by CristinaA

Vibe Bar - A good night out.. by CristinaA

The Gun - A bankers haunt.. by CristinaA

The Water Poet - The *Water* Poet by subterranean

The Market Trader - The Market Trader by Brodule

The White Heart - Local pub for the workers by musikmessiah

Nags Head Gentlemens Venue - strip clubs by stevenfrmlondon

The Water Poet - The Water Poet by subterranean