With its authentic cockney-making chimes, the history of the Bow Bells is an important part of East End folklore; however, the pub bearing the same name will probably never garner such fame.

The Venue
Located on Bow Road just a short walk from the tube stop, the Bow Bells has shunned The City’s glamour spots to take its place in the heart of the east. The vast building that looms over the main road is a shabby orange mess from the outside with a few picnic benches sweeping the standing drinkers off their feet.

The interior is as classic as they come - the carpet’s pattern launched a thousand eighties pub refits, the fruit machines flash incessantly and the pool table takes pride of place on the floor. The screens show most big football matches and the pub is packed for most of them with a good atmosphere.

The Atmosphere
Aside from ninety minutes during football matches, the feel of the Bow Bells is surprisingly friendly. Students from nearby Queen Mary University have a little to do with that as they flock away from the inflated prices of the west. There are quiz nights and music and it is a popular place. There are lots of locals who perch proudly on bar stools and patrol the pool table but give little in the way of bad attitude to outsiders.

The Drink
There is a typically dull selection of drinks for the ten-a-penny type of pub that the Bow Bells is with a range of Becks Vier, Carlsberg and Stella. There’s a little whoop factor with Hoegaarden holding its down for wheat beers and London Pride and righteously named Toby Bitter are two good choices of ales.

The Last Word
The Bow Bells is a no frills old school pub offering a good atmosphere for sports and a fair enough pint to go along with it.

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