The Bell, Aldgate, E1

This pub dates from the mid-19th century but was rebuilt at the end of the century, a few yards from the original location, due to the widening of Middlesex Street. It spent some time as the Market Trader from 1997 to 2006, probably because of its proximity to Wentworth Street’s Petticoat Lane Market. Inside, and it’s quite a simple interior, with the bar to the rear. The floor is modern boarded and there’s some natural wood panelling to about half height, then smoky blue paint up to a ceiling of the same colour. Lighting comers from a couple of crystal chandeliers and Victorian-style sconces, décor arrives in the form of some knickknacks, stuffed animals and framed prints. Furniture is mixed and conventional, with some banquettes and there’s a games room downstairs, with pool, darts and a SEGA Mega Drive (whatever that is). Customers were mixed and harmless, though didn’t appear to be City workers. There were three unused pumps, then just Landlord at £2.60 a half or £5.00 a pint, so quite a markup though in good condition. This isn’t a half bad little place, a lot better than neighbouring pubs and bars, with their blowhard City boy lager swillers; worth a punt if in the area. Rated 6.5.

Wedge-shaped pub with lots of wood panelling, traditional furniture and some quirky decor. Function room above and games room below. Efficient and friendly service. Four real ales on handpump: Doom Bar and Atlantic from Sharp's, Proper Job (£4.15) and Landlord.

The Bell consists of a wedge shaped main bar area, a downstairs ‘games room’ and an upstairs function room. I didn’t venture far as I remained in the bar, but I did note that the downstairs area houses pool, darts and table football. The function room is available throughout the week and the entire pub is available for hire at the weekends when I imagine it is closed if not hired out. The main bar area is wedge shaped with a plasma screen that was showing muted rolling news and there was some low background music playing. The furniture consists of standard tables and chairs and along the window ledges are some board games for bored punters. The bar supports a standard and premium keg selection and the four hand pumps were drawing Harvey’s Best, Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, Sharp’s Doom Bar and St Austell’s Proper Job. I found the service to be friendly and I would have no problem returning for another beer or two.