The Worlds End

Step into the World’s End and history awaits you, or something like that. The foundations of old markets are laid beneath it, the story of Old Mother Redcap is whispered from toilet cisterns and you can enjoy a drink in one of Dickens’ favourite haunts. So far so historical, but unfortunately most people that come here are in it for the quiz machines, the Underworld (live space directly below) and the enormity of it all, rather than taking a Time Team angle on things.

The huge pub covers mezzanines, multiple bars, staircases and of course, the venue below it. Its inhabitants are a clash of the old and very young, the smart and the greebos, the leathers done up with Pantera patches and the suits of after workers looking to go grunge.

It’s not the cleanest or most attractive place but it’s not hard to see the attraction here in a place that feels more like a neighbourhood than a pub. It’s pure rock and although it doesn’t wear the look in the way that say, the Intrepid Fox or the Cro-Bar do, everyone knows it and it’s as unpretentious as they come.

There’s a little bit of food served from small catering hatches which put bluntly, looks disgusting (bar the tuna mayo on Mighty White) and the multiple bars dotted around serve up the usual brands of cider and beer. Prices are fair as are entrance fees to club nights and the alternative scene below.

Definitely do come to the World’s End if you like the idea of recreating scenes out of Wayne’s World, but definitely do not bring a date with you, unless they get charmed by snakebite and pukey teens.