Opposite the office of world-famous architect Zaha Hadid, The Bowler bills itself as a pub and dining room, so you can find a buzzy bar and an area more focused on dining, as well as plenty of room outside on the curb should the weather permit.

The Venue
Clerkenwell creatives from the many nearby offices and architects rub shoulders outside this modernised pub on sunny evenings. It has plasmas for sport, a fairly spacious bar area and plenty of menus throughout to emphasise its commitment to food.

The Atmosphere
It’s a popular place for lunch or after-work drinks and there’s a good buzz outside when the weather permits. The Bowler is also favoured by those hosting informal business meetings over a burger and those letting off steam with a few pints. Staff are young and fairly keen.

The Food
A fair proportion of the room seems geared up towards eating, even if all the tables aren’t full of people doing so. You can expect fish and chips with mushy peas (£8.50) and gammon, egg and chips (£7.50) to be supplemented by The Bowler beef burger (£8.50) with spicy apple and chilli relish and the odd daily special that tend to be a bit more adventurous.

The Drink
Previously, ales have included a very average Marston’s English Pale Ale, an inoffensive tipple that’s not got enough quality to stand up against pale ales from the likes of Thornbridge or Meantime. Several lagers, cider, wines and plenty of spirits pad out the options.

The Last Word
A decent pub that is more than adequate for lunch or after-work drinks. But with so many great pubs in Clerkenwell, it’s got its work cut out to compete with the best of ‘em.

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