The Golden Heart, E1

This was one of two pubs on Commercial Street that are featured in Camra's inventory of pubs with historic interiors. Unfortunately there was no real ale on at the time of my visit, so I didn't have a drink. Whether this was a permanent situation or just a temporary one to encourage the drinking of Guinness, I didn't stop to ask.

Glad to report that the pub is still there, the landlady is still there, and the place is just as chaotic and amusing as always. But £10.80 for a pint of 3.9% ale and a pint of Aspalls Cider was eye-watering for a place like this.

Fine old ex-Truman pub with a imposing polygonal façade in a prominent position at the main junction at the north-east corner of Spitalfields market. The historic interior retains two separate bars between a triangular servery, with traditional furniture and decor retaining various original features. Three real ales on handpump: Landlord and (fittingly) two from the new brewery bearing the former owner's name - Swift and Zephyr (£4.80).

A large early 20th century corner pub with two bars set out in a traditional way,very busy on my evening visit,I only spotted two handpumps and these were serving T.T.Landlord and Trumans Runner,not a destination pub by any means but worthy of a stop off if passing by.