Award-winning East London pub and playground of City folk, the Dispensary occupies a pretty listed-building and is CAMRA-endorsed.

The Venue
Situated in the not so beautiful environs of Aldgate, The Dispensary does a good job of adding a bit of quality to the area. It is a grand building the colour of cream and the bar is accessible via a flight of steps up off the street. A tiled floor covers the entrance and leads seductively into the main bar area, seducing those who enter with its gleam. A wooden bar stands against the back wall and there are informal bar stools lining it. Round the corner there are decadent red armchairs delicately placed in circles by the large windows. Above the bar, a restaurant takes things to a higher and more informal place where rich chocolate coloured wallpaper surrounds high backed chairs and square dining tables.

The Atmosphere
The look of the bar is all very pleasant on the face of it but it’s not always conducive to feeling comfortable and it can even feel a little sterile. The restaurant is a different proposition because its purpose is more formal meals. The clientele are predominately dressed in suits and have come straight from the office.

The Food
The bar below offers an eloquent pub menu of simple classics done well, and the handmade pie and chips (£11) is better than average. In the dining room, mains of market fresh fish, porcini mushroom and white truffle ravioli (£12.00) and roast Gresham duck (£14.00) show the level they’re aiming for.

The Drink
The Dispensary stocks a large range of wine and spirits that cater perfectly for the sometime enthusiast. The house white, a French Astica Merlot or Colombard, starts at £14 and prices then rise. As it’s this area of London’s best pub as voted by CAMRA members, you really should sample the ales, which include Harvey’s Best, Dark Star and Deuchars. The lagers on draught are not too shabby either - Heineken, Fosters, Moretti and Bitburger, Brugse Zot Blond are amongst the options. Pints cost around £2.90-£3.70.

The Last Word
If you like real ale and old buildings that have been faithfully restored, The Dispensary is a cut above most in this part of East London.

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