Bars & Pubs

It's just a few metres from Old Street, but this no nonsense bar feels miles away from the Shoreditch scene. Decent Thai food (you can eat well for a fiver) keeps things buzzing through the day, and the spacious side room makes an atmospheric spot for watching footie (there's an Arsenal bias); regular jazz nights and a 4am licence at weekends ensure it's rammed after dark too. The bottled beer and spirit selections are solid enough, but if fancy cocktails and gleaming glassware are your prerequisites for fun, you'll miss the point of this place entirely. CW's is all about late-night debauchery, spilling Guinness down your new T-shirt and engaging in friendly banter with the genial owner - an ex-weightlifter.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9