The Bell is an independent pub exhibiting gastro tendencies alongside its collection of salvaged wood, art-attacks and battered Chesterfields.

The Venue
The Bell doesn't quite fit the area, a busy, built-up street just north of Aldgate, but then not all Hoxton-alikes can actually be in Hoxton. A chalkboard outside reads 'support your local independent pub' and, inside, independent is exactly what you get. There's none of the naff brewery branding, no printed menus and little in the way of a generic pub look.

The Bell sets itself apart – albeit scruffily - with a hotchpotch style that takes in a slew of mixed furniture consisting of rickety tables, old converted Singer sewing machines and the beatnik leather sofas that command the corners. This is the immediate area’s own Macbeth or Commercial Tavern if you like, in that it mixes a considered slipshod style of peeling paint with chintz tapestries and framed Monet prints on a wall of art opposite the bar. Pay special attention to the salvaged wood panels behind the bar, a touch only slightly overshadowed by the giant head of a bear mounted next to it.

The Atmosphere
On first impressions you might wonder whether you've actually walked into a strip club, at least that's the effect of the heavy drape across the doorway. You haven’t, of course, and the loud Trojan sounds on the stereo confirm a different atmosphere altogether. The high ceilings don't make the pub feel too spacious, as the hanging crystal chandeliers swing low to fill the void, throwing a gentle glow over the venue that works well with the music. Hipsters and poseurs are to be found and this probably means that The Bell's on to a good thing, however it doesn't frighten away the other local demographic of businessmen and women, and with the Gherkin and the City in such close proximity, they file in at lunchtimes and help fuel rowdier evenings. The fun of the venue's pool and darts basement space is also a big attraction for fans of pub sports.

The Food
The Bell serves an impressively modern menu with more than just its chalkboard displaying signs of a gastro bent. White bait on granary toast (£4.50) is just one of a selection of light bites. The pot smoked mackerel (£4) with sour dough bread, and the bubble and squeak with poached egg (£5.25) are other temptingly cheap dishes. Even the simple fish finger sandwich is a cut above, with its hand-cut chips and homemade tartar sauce (£7.75) offering an adult version of a childhood favourite.

The Drink
Even at its quietest point, its emptiness overshadowing the chic, you can still tell The Bell’s aim from the beers on the taps. Peroni (£3.90 a pint), Staropramen, Becks Vier, Stella (£3.30 a pint) and Leffe (£2.70 half a pint) make up some of the fine range on draught, whilst Bombardier (£3.10) and Courage Best ales (£3.05) are also on offer.

The Last Word
The Bell isn't on the most fashionable of London streets but its stylish interior and excellent food and drink make it well worth a visit.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (8) image gallery (1)