The Minories, Tower Hill, EC3

Situated below the main railway line into Fenchurch Street by the entrance to Tower Gateway DLR station, the crumbling Victorian brickwork overhead appears ready to fragment and drop into your pint every time a train rumbles overhead. The thick brick walls are complimented by a heavy flagstoned floor and they have at least made an effort to retain the "under the arches" feel but without the pigeon shit. Plenty of cubby holes tucked away and usually several seats available even at busy periods. Service was fine although 2 of the 3 (rather mainstream) beers were unavailable. Fairly cheap (Courage Best £2.30 is at least 50p less than avarage for the area). Given the tills by each entrance, I get the impression that it turns into a more clubby establishment later in the evenings when the volume probably gets turned up loud. Plenty of screens for sport. It does get a bit smoky and it attracts its fair share of loud and lairy city office workers who are usually worse for wear after4 pints. There is a sizeable seated area outside when the weather permits. Overall, certainly not brilliant but it has its merits and makes a change from the usual standard pub.