Indo is one of the area's finest bars, with all that’s good from food to drink, music to people.

The Venue
Located opposite the East London Mosque and a short walk from Brick Lane, Indo stands alone in the immediate area as an original and individual presence.

Its tiny façade is no illusion and the space doesn’t open up once you’re inside, however the narrow width, eaten into by the bar on the right hand side, is cosy rather than cramped. The look is a mishmash of styles, with all manner of quirks spread out in front of the leaded glass of the window and beneath the looming station clock. Mismatched decor is a bit of a cliche these days, but Indo was one of the first to match the beaten leather sofas, chipped floor tiles and walls of interesting work within its random space. Tables and chairs line the left and a small lounge area at the entrance makes for the only space for a large group to sit, so a will to stand (especially after dark) is important. The art and crafts that have been accumulated over the years make the bar itself a thing to stare at, and the walls give a gallery aspect to the look, with a revolving art policy. Toilets here are far from pristine – they're quite rotten to be fair - but you can be soothed by the tiled mosaic of aqua and marine by their entrance.

The Atmosphere
Indo beats all-comers on atmosphere, whether it’s for coffee and pizza during the day, or after dark seediness. The clientele are a regular gang and after you’ve been here once you’ll probably come back. The ‘creative’ types are present but, on the whole, it’s a mixed affair with civil-servants just as likely to be in attendance as artists, shop-girls or graphic designers. Everyone is pretty pleasant, although DJs need to watch their backs, as nights can get unruly and needles are jolted from records by bystanders.

The Music
Indo hosts various music events, and Friday and Saturday nights go strong until 3 in the morning. The music is a jumbled mix of anything. During summer months the pavement outside is crowded as people temporarily defect from the music, but when it’s cold and dark, Indo’s music packs them in.

The Food
Stripped down to its most simple form, the Indo menu concentrates on pizza. The range is impressive for a bar, and all manner of classic Italian concoctions can be ordered. Prices for these stone-baked treats are about £7 each or £5 for a half, both of which are served with salad.

The Drink
Indo has a fairly creative selection behind the bar, with its shelves stacked high with all sorts of premium tipples as well as party-starting spirits like the lethal Jaigermeister. Wine is fairly priced and well stocked but it is the draught beers that grab the attention. The usual sights of Becks Vier and Carlsberg are on tap but it is the Belgian lager Cristal and the Mort Subite Kriek which are the interesting choices. The Kriek is an especially good alternative to the saccharine-sweet Fruli. There are also a few different ales from the keg.

The Last Word
Indo does things in a straightforward way without a lot of show, and it creates an easy-going environment that excels when it comes to music, art and decent food and drink.

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