Tipped

Great place in Aldgate

October 12, 2008

I am a very regular visitor to The Dispensary as it stands head and shoulders above anywhere else in the area. From the friendly welcome by Annie and the front of house crew to the fantastic food from David and the kitchen team. Try the pub menu downstairs for a really good everyday lunch, always with great fresh ingredients, but for a real treat go onto the mezzanine restaurant level to sample really great food at very reasonable prices given the location. A good place to take a client for lunch if you want a non stuffy, buzzing experience in a really quite quirky old building.

Tags: dispensary

An Indispensable Find

February 15, 2008

The Dispensary is truly stunning historical building that has been beautifully restored and turned into a stylish modern gastropub. The original tiles, old wood floors, and a fantastic wrought iron spiral staircase add to the elegance of the space. The dining area is on an open mezzanine overlooking the pub space below with small glass domes set into the ceiling. This is definitely not your average low-ceilinged dark little pub - this is a clean, open, airy space with lots of character. While the food is not quite as amazingly realized yet as the ambiance, the menu is inventive and the portions are very generous for the price. The place could hardly be more charming, but the owners and staff add even a bit more charm by being extremely friendly and gracious hosts and by providing great table service.

With the good food, the beautiful room, friendly atmosphere, and a great bar, The Dispensary feels ready to become a popular hangout - but it is fairly new, so I think a lot of people have yet to pick up on this place. Just steps away from the Leman Street exit from the Aldgate East Tube station, The Dispensary is a great option in the area either for impromptu drinks and some quality pub food, or for a more formal dinner in the dining room.

Tags: gastropub, pub, british cuisine, real ales