London,

The Ten Bells

Description: The Ten Bells is a pub that serves a variety of beers, wines and spirits as selection of pub snacks.

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• Ed Glinert

84 Commercial Street, E1 6LY

Phone: +44 (0) 20 7366 1721

Transport: Aldgate

The Ten Bells

The Ten Bells should be a familiar pub to any one who has been on a Ripper tour, or is out doing the Spitalfields circuit on a Friday or Saturday night.

Having previously fit into the category of the archetypal shabby chic pub, the Ten Bells seems to be smartening up a little.

By replacing the worn-out settees and coffee tables with more standard (and harder-wearing) wooden tables and chairs, the seating capacity has increased by quite a lot. The glorious Victorian tiled friezes remain and there's still work going on down below, but, whilst it's an improvement on the most recent incarnation, our soft spot for the shabby old version still remains.

The beer is OK, with three decent ales on the hand pumps and there's plenty of lager, wine, spirits and cocktails as befits this area.

Service is adequate and there's a lively, buzzy atmosphere almost any time of day. However, it is not a large pub and therefore can get pretty crowded, especially evenings and weekends.

Whether you're a drinker, clubber or Ripper Tourist, you'll find the Ten Bells a pretty hospitable place for a pint or two - especially when it's not too busy.

NEAREST STATION: Shoreditch High Street
FEATURES: Function room available

Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.