The Golden Heart is placed perfectly between Brick Lane and Spitalfields. This eccentric old school boozer attracts mixture of local faces, artists and market shoppers.

The Venue
Sitting just opposite Spitalfields Market and just down the road from Brick Lane, The Golden Heart is an old school, wooden panelled pub with two bars built around 1910. The pavement outside is regularly packed with drinkers keen to smoke or check out the passing talent - especially on market day, which is Sunday.

The Atmosphere
The Golden Heart attracts a constantly changing clientele of all ages and backgrounds – local shopkeepers and workers, artists (Gilbert and George, Tracey Emin, Chapman Brothers), fashion students, the occasional alcoholic and celeb (Pete Doherty, anyone?), which is all part of its unique charm. A good jukebox keeps it buzzing inside and open fires soon warm even the most miserable drinker. This place gets rammed and sometimes you’ll find yourself trying desperately to catch the barmaid’s eye.

The Drink
The Golden Heart is well known in the hood for its well kept Guinness and at least two types of Adnams. Also on tap is Kronenbourg, Carlsberg, Grolsch and Strongbow. There’s a standard bottled selection of beers and cider but very few alco-pops. The spirit selection is perhaps less than its competitors. Wine buffs may find the list at The Golden Heart slightly restricting, too.

The Last Word
The crowd at The Golden Heart changes by the hour, and the atmosphere is dominated by the landlady’s presence. Just don’t get too out of control – it is said the ghost of Elizabeth Fry lives in the basement and turns the beer taps off if things get too rowdy.

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