Leman Bar, Whitechapel, E1

One large bar with a couple of small drinking areas to the side and a restaurant upstairs.The inside seems a bit clinical and it does not have the feeling of a pub.This place was CAMRA city and east London pub of the year 2009 but on my visit there were only 2 real ales on with the Sharps Red Ale being in very poor condition.Perhaps it was a bad day.

Fine old building converted to a bar next to the entrance and private dining rooms upstairs.The atmosphere and furniture is more bar than pub ,and the main room to the left of the entrance quickly becomes full of vertical drinkers.There is a quieter area to the right with more tables and leather upright chairs.Not far from the City but more popular with students than suits,the attraction is the ale.5 handpumps ,one reversed the other serving Dark Star Golden Gate (fantastic),Slaters Craic,Nethergate Old Growler and Itchen Valley Pure Gold which also ran out quickly .All very well kept ,and despite being busy all staff topped up pints without being asked,bright efficient service.If you get seated there are free hot nibbles between 5pm and 7pm ,nice touch.Prices are very reasonable for the area £2.80 per pint and although pub traditionalists might recoil ,you cant argue with the range and ale quality served here.Deserving of its CAMRA branch pub of the year award.