Sitting in a somewhat neglected area just south of Aldgate, this was until 2007 the abysmal and somewhat notorious Bar Bed. Now however a new bar has taken its place under the name Zeppelin Shelter.

Sure enough inside you'll find plenty of war related nostalgia. From the George V tea tray on the piano to the various military hats on the wall and the reproduction newspapers in the loos, it's a subtle nod to a theme (unlike the sledgehammer of a name). Whatever happened to the interior as Bar Bed removed most traces of what original features may have been here, but there's still enough remnants to create a proper pub feeling.

Service was friendly, the solitary ale was well kept and the tunes healthily eclectic; there were even cling filmed sarnies on the bar - ration book not required. Sadly our visit coincided with a private party in the upstairs bar and roof terrace, so we missed out on that, but rest assured we shall be back. Saying that, the last place you would've wanted to be during an air raid in World War Two is on a roof terrace in East London.

NEAREST STATION: Aldgate East station

FEATURES: real ale, function room available, outdoor seating