Bars & Pubs

The name suggests industry, but the Foundry, stuck right in Shoreditch's epicentre, goes for an artfully tatty look. Old school chairs and scruffy sofas sit alongside flickering monitors, chaotic graffiti, weird sculptures and bookshelves full of thrillers. It can seem a little try-hard when empty, but this long-standing bar does the walk to match its boho talk, with regular art, poetry and music events, left-field tunes and right-on beverages (including Pitfield Organic Lager), while the staff are a pretty friendly bunch. On a good evening, it can even feel properly happening - some achievement, given the unforgiving lighting.

Time Out Bars, Pubs & Clubs Guide 2008/9