The Ten Bells is a stalwart of Spitalfields.
It’s stood firmly on the corner of Commercial Street since the late 1800s, shouldering Christ Church and Old Spitalfields Market. And it has something of a storied past – two victims of Jack the Ripper were supposedly last seen at The Ten Bells, and it’s even rumoured that he stalked the place himself.
Despite its tangled history, the pub has a certain charm. From the outside, you’ll see the original frontage, with a decorative wrought-iron door flanked by marble columns. The outside of the Grade II listed building has a slightly sombre look about it, painted all over in dark green, but it doesn’t take away from its appeal as a sun trap. Once inside, you can really appreciate the pub’s Victorian heritage, which was restored in December 2010. The candlelit main bar on the ground floor remains largely unchanged, complete with its original tiles depicting scenes from the nearby market. It even has that pleasing pub smell of cork and yeast, like the inside a barrel.
The central island bar is as you’d expect; lined with draught taps and clad with dark wood that makes it feel particularly cosy during colder months. To quench your thirst there are plenty of beers to choose from, a sizeable wine list and more cocktails than you can shake a stick at.
On the first floor, there’s a cocktail bar that can double up as an event space for 60 people. It has views over the market and is decorated with a more modern twist to downstairs, complete with neon artwork. And upstairs on the second floor is the Parlour, decorated to feel more like a living room and ideal for smaller gatherings.
In essence, it’s a tried-and-true 170-year old boozer.
A night here will go down in history.
NOTE: The Ten Bells is open daily from noon. You can find out more, and book, HERE.
The Ten Bells | 84 Commercial Street, London, E1 6LY
Looking for something a bit less casual? Take a look at our favourite Shoreditch bars.