The Bell

The City isn’t known for its pubs so when you find one that stands out from the crowd it makes the discovery all the sweeter. Theatre, vinyl-only nights and a giant bear head mounted on the wall? The Bell has all that and more.

Located on Middlesex Street just around the corner from the old Petticoat Lane Market, in its own words, the Bell is ‘more than just a City pub’. Spacious and Victorian, a swinging chandelier dangles above the large bar and a selection of battered sofas provides comfortable seating. You can also find a games room in the basement and spare rooms on the first floor, which can be hired out for various private events and, oh yes, theatre.

The Bell hosts plays from a theatre company affiliated with the pub and other entertainment includes regular DJs and occasional live performances. While all this may not be breaking any boundaries were it a little further east, its location on the edge of The City means that those after-workers who want more than wine bars and expense accounts have a soulful boozer that they can call their own.

There is a good selection of bar snacks (try the spicy sausages) and revolving cask ales alongside the likes of Red Stripe and Peroni on draught. Those who appreciate the history that London pubs like these come with, will be interested to know that The Bell is on the Ripper trail and some still say that the building is haunted to this day.

So, a combination of murderous history, theatre, music and real ale and in the heart of The Square Mile – how could you not pay The Bell a visit?