Snuggled in a side street off Bishopsgate, Williams Wine and Ale House is a cute little pub with an off-the-beaten-track feel. With the City/East London boundary just inches from the front door, the pub is geographically a City bar, but its persona remains modest, a refreshing thing in this part of town.

The Venue
Hanging baskets welcome drinkers into the building from Artillery Lane. Although a classically dressed pub from the outside, the interior is a fusion of old brick archways, parchment yellow plastering with modern trimmings and a wood panelled bar. Sofas and low coffee tables blend at the back of the pub, cushioned pew booths line the right wall and a combination of barstools and armchairs mingle around the brick archways. Red lamps dangle from the ceiling and a mix-and-match of contemporary canvas prints and endearing London photographs cling to the walls.

The Atmosphere
Due to its location close to Spitalfields market, City workers mix with faux-fur coated vintage shoppers over a lunchtime pint. As the venue is slightly out of the way, drinkers are more likely to find a comfy seat unruffled – no need for a cattle prod to navigate – as, pleasingly, the Williams Wine and Ale House isn’t subject to seething lunchtime overcrowding. The bar staff are likeable and well versed in their ale recommendations.

The Food
Based on a ‘Best of the British’ theme, meals include Suffolk pork sausages (£6.95), ham and eggs (£5.75), and a roast beef Yorkshire pudding wrap (£7.25). Chalk boards also parade the ‘Chef Loves’ section with recommendations such as the warmed duck and hoisin salad (£7.25). The traditional beef lasagna is served piping hot, with lightly browned crisp cheese on top and a creamy rich sauce inside. This is supplemented with a tangy garnished dressed salad and sweet garlic ciabatta, and the dish is well worth the price tag.

The Drink
The vast range of ales and sizeable section of wines live up to expectations, as the Williams’ name suggests. Wines are divided into eight sections, ranging from the ‘Fresh Clean & Crisp’ to the ‘Soft Smooth & Velvety’, and prices vary from £3.25 a glass to £26.95 for the most expensive highest bottle. Ales start at £3.20 a pint including favourites such as IPA Greene King. Long drinks start at £3.40 and, advertised as ‘new’ to the menu, the pub also offers a limited range of cocktails (£4.95).

The Last Word
For welcome breathing space on the border of the City bubble, the Williams Wine and Ale House is a cosy retreat with good food and well kept pints.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (2)