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

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

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.

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.

8a - Review of 8A by richard123

richard123 — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:54:23 +0000

Review by richard123

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7247 5056

Tags: cool, food, relaxed

Excellent friendly bar close to Liverpool Street. Very good wines and a great place for a private partyExcellent friendly bar close to Liverpool Street. Very good wines and a great place for a private party

Bar Kick - Fun and friendly by VickieMac

VickieMac — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:33:06 +0000

Review by VickieMac

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7739 8700

Website: http://www.cafekick.co.uk/BK_location.html

Tags: friendly, cool, trendy

I first found Bar Kick when looking for a suitable venue to bring my diverse selection of friends together for my birthday celebrations. This place had music, activites and a place to for me to stash my presents so I decided to give it a go. I was very glad I did!

We arrived at happy hour which lasted long enough to get my party a few drinks and found that my name had been scrawled over a Fussball table convieniantly located beside my table so my friends didn't have to go far for some extra fun.

The bar staff were quick and friendly, the prices were reasonable and the fussball provided a fantastic conversation starter and helped my friends bond over some semi competitve banter.

I had great birthday and have been back many times since. I love this place.I first found Bar Kick when looking for a suitable venue to bring my diverse selection of friends together for my birthday celebrations. This place had music, activites and a place to for me to stash my presents so I decided to give it a go. I was very glad I did!

We arrived at happy hour which lasted long enough to get my party a few drinks and found that my name had been scrawled over a Fussball table convieniantly located beside my table so my friends didn't have to go far for some extra fun.

The bar staff were quick and friendly, the prices were reasonable and the fussball provided a fantastic conversation starter and helped my friends bond over some semi competitve banter.

I had great birthday and have been back many times since. I love this place.

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, hip-hop, friendly

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: 020 7729 2973

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, friendly

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.

INDO - Great local boozer by moooping

moooping — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:31:08 +0000

Review by moooping

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7247 4926

Tags: friendly, rock, independent pub

A tiny, narrow pub on Whitechapel road, Indo Bar features excellent live DJs on most Friday and Saturday nights. Together with a good selection of beers (try the Budvar Black!), a wonderfully rickety interior, and a late licence, Indos attracts an excellent mixed crowd of friendly fellow drinkers. Perfect for after a dinner at near-by Tayyabs or for those who are sill looking for a drink once your standard brick lane hangouts have closed for the nightA tiny, narrow pub on Whitechapel road, Indo Bar features excellent live DJs on most Friday and Saturday nights. Together with a good selection of beers (try the Budvar Black!), a wonderfully rickety interior, and a late licence, Indos attracts an excellent mixed crowd of friendly fellow drinkers. Perfect for after a dinner at near-by Tayyabs or for those who are sill looking for a drink once your standard brick lane hangouts have closed for the night

Commercial Tavern - Candle lit boozer by CristinaA

CristinaA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:17:22 +0000

Review by CristinaA

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7247 1888

Tags: relaxed, friendly, trendy

At first glance it could be mistaken for one of those old English pubs but as soon as you walk through the door you step into a candle lit world where collections of curiosities hang from every nook and cranny. The perfect place for a romantic drink for two, and despite serving a quality selection of vodkas I was disappointed that the bartender wasnâ¬"t aware of the difference between Sputnik and Below40. Vodka is vodka, rum is rum I guess and this is part of the laid back atmosphere.

Shame there is no website but like so many independent bars they rely on word of mouth and it works, the place is chockablock on Thursdays and Fridays with your usual Shoreditch trendies and local office workers.

At first glance it could be mistaken for one of those old English pubs but as soon as you walk through the door you step into a candle lit world where collections of curiosities hang from every nook and cranny. The perfect place for a romantic drink for two, and despite serving a quality selection of vodkas I was disappointed that the bartender wasnâ¬"t aware of the difference between Sputnik and Below40. Vodka is vodka, rum is rum I guess and this is part of the laid back atmosphere.

Shame there is no website but like so many independent bars they rely on word of mouth and it works, the place is chockablock on Thursdays and Fridays with your usual Shoreditch trendies and local office workers.

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, beer, pub

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 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, friendly, relaxed

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, rock, friendly

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.

Blind Beggar - Trinity by trinity

trinity — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 00:53:17 +0000

Review by trinity

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7247 6195

Tags: live music, food, friendly

One of the most craziest places ive ever drank in, I love it here. Monday nights the Grat singing duo the Burns brother, Sat night's Garden DJ's, The staff and owner always up for a laugh, always someting on the go, only thing to bring.... your sense of humor, warm and cosy, Great beer garden.One of the most craziest places ive ever drank in, I love it here. Monday nights the Grat singing duo the Burns brother, Sat night's Garden DJ's, The staff and owner always up for a laugh, always someting on the go, only thing to bring.... your sense of humor, warm and cosy, Great beer garden.

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, underground, friendly

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

The Brown Bear - Nice 'Pub' - Minging Burgers by snowbadger

snowbadger — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:31:48 +0000

Review by snowbadger

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 020 7481 3792

Tags: traditional pub, relaxed, food

If you want a drink in a trad pub. Good.

Thai food might also be good.

I just had a pint of London Pride, which was nice and a homemade rump burger.

Not sure what was going on there, but it tasted like someone had spilled either MSG or cumin into the pot. Maybe both.

It's the first burger I've failed to eat.

Not overtly horrible, just too strong, whatever it was.

Don't get me wrong though, beer was good, pub was nice.
If you want a drink in a trad pub. Good.

Thai food might also be good.

I just had a pint of London Pride, which was nice and a homemade rump burger.

Not sure what was going on there, but it tasted like someone had spilled either MSG or cumin into the pot. Maybe both.

It's the first burger I've failed to eat.

Not overtly horrible, just too strong, whatever it was.

Don't get me wrong though, beer was good, pub was nice.

The Ten Bells - Good stock, but Main Strip by snowbadger

snowbadger — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:22:00 +0000

Review by snowbadger

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7366 1721

Tags: independent pub, trendy, jazz

I like a bar with a good stock.

Hendricks Gin, Grey Goose vodka, Bulmers Cider, Leffe, Fruli, Grolsch on tap and Illy coffee are all good signs to me.

WHilst on the main strip this bar is pretty decent. Usual Brick Lane mixed bag of folks that make people watching a fun thing to do.

Or there is always reading the graffiti in the toilets which carry some serious pearls of wisdom I can tell you.

Staff were reasonably friendly.I like a bar with a good stock.

Hendricks Gin, Grey Goose vodka, Bulmers Cider, Leffe, Fruli, Grolsch on tap and Illy coffee are all good signs to me.

WHilst on the main strip this bar is pretty decent. Usual Brick Lane mixed bag of folks that make people watching a fun thing to do.

Or there is always reading the graffiti in the toilets which carry some serious pearls of wisdom I can tell you.

Staff were reasonably friendly.

Pride Of Spitalfields - simple, cheap and hearty by gavinedwardsuk

gavinedwardsuk — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:33:35 +0000

Review by gavinedwardsuk

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7247 8933

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

found this after moving office to Brick lane. Was looking for a simple pub, wiht a pie and beer option. Even better i got Chicken Kiev, chips and beans. None of that swanky gastropub hand reared by monks in the hills Ostrich burger with hand massaged rocket.

The beer tasted great, service was quick and friendly and i got to site outside on a nice cobbled street.

Not the place for gastro extravaganza but perfect for a quick simple, cheap bite to eat near brick lane

*UPDATE: Just went back, awesome service, friendly and once again great food and beer..tempted to upgrade to 5 stars!found this after moving office to Brick lane. Was looking for a simple pub, wiht a pie and beer option. Even better i got Chicken Kiev, chips and beans. None of that swanky gastropub hand reared by monks in the hills Ostrich burger with hand massaged rocket.

The beer tasted great, service was quick and friendly and i got to site outside on a nice cobbled street.

Not the place for gastro extravaganza but perfect for a quick simple, cheap bite to eat near brick lane

*UPDATE: Just went back, awesome service, friendly and once again great food and beer..tempted to upgrade to 5 stars!

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

The Light Bar - Noisy and dark by hollowlegs

Exit Bar - Wicked live music by CristinaA

8a - Review of 8A by richard123

Bar Kick - Fun and friendly by VickieMac

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

INDO - Great local boozer by moooping

Commercial Tavern - Candle lit boozer by CristinaA

The Gun - A bankers haunt.. by CristinaA

The Poet - The *Water* Poet by subterranean

The Market Trader - The Market Trader by Brodule

The White Heart - Local pub for the workers by musikmessiah

Blind Beggar - Trinity by trinity

Nags Head Gentlemens Venue - strip clubs by stevenfrmlondon

The Brown Bear - Nice 'Pub' - Minging Burgers by snowbadger

The Ten Bells - Good stock, but Main Strip by snowbadger

Pride Of Spitalfields - simple, cheap and hearty by gavinedwardsuk

The Poet - The Water Poet by subterranean