The Old Blue Last

Owned and operated by über-cool magazine Vice this corner venue was in the not too distant past a traditional East End boozer, complete with lock-in curtains and a sixtysomething dreamer belting out Sinatra standards in the corner. Heaven knows what former regulars would make of the place now. After a major refurbishment early in 2010, it's now much less scruffy and dilapidated, with vastly increased floor space, a whole new lounge area, longer bar, better sound system and (mercifully) new toilets. The upstairs room is where the cultish, groovily attired live action (much of it free) happens, including occasional 'secret' gigs (word invariably leaks out) from high-profile bands.