Bars & Pubs

This cavernous bar-club is owned by the same people as the Rhythm Factory on Whitechapel Road (see p178), which explains the quality of the nights put on in the ground-floor room - Upset the Rhythm, in particular, stands out as one of the capital's best indie showcases. The upstairs bar is roomy and entirely lacking in trendy decor pretensions - a fine break from the weirdo art installation and beheaded Barbie doll norm round these parts. Bag a sofa, a Guinness and a plate of decent-value Thai food before heading for a rummage on Brick Lane or back to your desk in the City.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9