The Culpeper, Spitalfields, E1

On approach this one looks like it could be a traditional back street Victorian boozer, but in reality, nowadays it is a modern city bar hiding inside an old Victorian pub skin. All exposed brick and tubular steel as well described in the reviews below, we managed to get a window spot equipped with beer shelf. Clearly one aimed at a young city crowd, and the available drinks section reflects that. But there are still two handpumps that were dispensing the same two ales as for Strongers visit below. Good service levels and I would concur it’s not a bad place and we did spend the evening here as the Five Points Best was well kept and remained so through the four rounds of our stay.

The Culpeper is an open plan wedge shaped parquet floored bar that is split by a central U-shaped serving counter that supports premium and craft keg alongside four hand pumps. These were doubled up with Purity’s Mad Goose and Five Points Brewing’s Best. To the left of the counter are standard tables that are faced by an exposed brick fireplace on the left-hand wall. To the right the tables had been pushed together to host a work Christmas dinner, it looked like they’d brought their own food, but I could be wrong. I thought the service was very friendly and the Best was ok, but maybe a bit hoppy for my taste. I’d pop back in if passing.