Aldgate Tap, Aldgate, EC3

This is a highly unusual modern bar set amongst the Roman ruins of Aldgate Square where you can find loads of outdoor space for that classic Central London al fresco pub experience. The interior is a compact triangular space with lots of glass aling each side and some sloping ceilings at either end which give the pub a pyramid shape when viewed from outside. The bar runs along the back wall and is a relatively conventional affair with a very helpful and detailed beer board to one side. Seating is available at each end of the room, mostly in the form of high tables and stools, but not a single person was sat inside on a hot September evening. Outside there's a large square with several high tables for people to stand around, some low walls that folk were sat on and acres of general standing room. On arrival, I was met with an isanely long queue, literally snaking outside the pub, but I was served within five minutes thanks to the highly efficient bar team. Like most of these London Tap venues, the cask range was limited to just two options - Redemption Pale for a highly competitive £4.40 a pint and in excellent condition, and Thornbridge Lord Marples. The main action is across the fifteen or sixteen keg lines, which offered a good selection of well known and obscure craft beers covering a decent range of strengths and styles. I can't knock the excellent value beer, which was in top condition and went down very nicely sat on one of the walls outside in the late afternoon sun. What remains to be seen is just how good this pub experience is on a cold, wet Winter evening, when the outdoor overspill option is ruled out, as the interior didn't offer much in the way of comfort or capacity. Well worth a look in passing but perhaps not ideal for a longer session. Date of visit - 6th September 2023