The Bell, Cannon Street, EC4

A proper pub adjacent to Cannon St Station, currently badged Courage. A Spartan, wood-floored, single-room boozer which only does food at lunchtime. The clientele are mainly sensible mature drinkers, a welcome contrast to the barrow-boy culture in other nearby pubs, while the staff, although not local, were decent, normal human beings. Five ales on draft: Courage Best, Harvey's Best, Doombar, Sharp's Cornish Coaster and St Austell Tribute. The beer was well kept and enjoyed in a pleasant atmosphere. I'd definitely be happy to while away a few hours here every now and again.

Tucked away down a side street next to Cannon Street station, the Bell is a classic, traditional city pub surrounded by modern developments. The pub is set up for those looking for a quick post-work pint rather than a lengthy session, so comfort has been forsaken to a degree, although the small, cramped interior is a limiting factor in itself. The pub has a single bare boarded room with some stained glass front windows, dark wood beams and hop lined walls which all adds to the traditional feel befitting such an old pub. Seating is restricted to three short pews which serve two small tables opposite the servery. There is a drinking ledge around the rest of the pub to encourage vertical drinking thereby making more efficient use of the available space. The bar back has a back-lit Courage sign and some stained glass panes depicting bells, which are a nice decorative touch. Old pictures, horse brasses, jugs and pots line the walls and hang from the beams, enhancing the traditional feel, although I'm not too sure of the significance of the photo of Sid James that hangs near the front door. A couple of TV screens at either end of the room were showing a muted 24 hour news channel, although no-one was paying attention, as most punters were stood outside. There were five ales across the two banks of handpulls on the bar with the options on this visit being Sharps Doom Bar and Cornish Coaster, Harvey's Best, St Austell Tribute and Courage Best. The Tribute was £4.10 for a pint and served up by a grumpy Kiwi barman, although I can't say I blame him, having witnessed some of the boorish idiots he has to put up with, including one moron who threatened to empty the ice cubes in his cider onto the floor unless the barman disposed of them. Arrogant city boys aside, this place has got a certain charm to it and is certainly worth seeking out if you want to experience a traditional pub in the city. In a way, it's a shame that it doesn't lend itself to a longer session, but I guess if it did it would lose much of what makes it great. A survivor, and one I'm sure I will return to.

Basic ground floor bar room and first floor dining room. Wooden floor, beamed ceiling with hops around the outside, open fireplace and two TVs on silent showing BBC News but no noise apart on Friday afternoon from chat. The gents was especially compact. On handpull there was Take Courage, Otter Bitter, Cornish Tribute, Sharp’s Cornish Coaster and Harvey’s Best Bitter. For me, it lacked a bit of soul.

Bell pages at the Redcar pubs site - www.redcarpubs.com