The Aldgate Exchange, Aldgate, E1

I wasn’t paying attention and thought from the style of the front signage that this place was a Wetherspoon’s on approach, but it isn’t. And on leaving and paying better attention I now know it is part of the Thorley Taverns chain Very clean and sterile wooden décor as described below and had more the feeling of a company canteen than a pub, if it wasn’t for the copious amount of screens around the place. And considering it is directly beneath the City of London University I wouldn’t mind guessing it doubles as one as the food menu and beer prices appeared reasonable for the area. There were 4 ales on, including Adnams, Doombar and Pride and the Doombar was perfectly fine. Strangely it was virtually empty on my early evening visit, so I probably didn’t see it at its best, as it was completely void of atmosphere. I’m sure the clean light pine wood effect decor will be to a lot of people’s tastes. But it’s not to mine so I can’t see myself coming back in a hurry.

Close to Aldgate East Station, a bright and clean pub but a bit sterile with loads of white pine furniture. Deuchars and Pride plus a couple of others on. Four TV’s showing two different channels which is useful for live sport. Also a 5th plasma screen with a music channel on mute whilst different music was playing over the speakers, which seemed a bit pointless. Got the impression that it’s tried to go upmarket with a bit of a refurb but hasn’t attracted any new clientele.