The Gun - Spitalfields - Pub Reviews

The Gun is a storied pub located at 54 Brushfield Street, Spitalfields, London (E1 6AG), just steps from the Old Spitalfields Market and a short stroll from Liverpool Street Station. With 17th-century origins as a tavern for the nearby artillery barracks, this pub has reinvented itself in recent years as a trendy East London hangout. The current building opened in late 2018 as part of a redevelopment, and while it’s a modern space, it still exudes a sense of history through its name and decor. The Gun effortlessly combines old-world East End charm with a sleek, contemporary bar atmosphere, making it a popular destination for both local City workers and visitors exploring Spitalfields. It currently holds a solid 4.1 out of 5 rating from patrons, reflecting a positive reputation for its lively atmosphere, quality food, and friendly service. The pub’s opening hours run from 12:00 PM daily, closing at 11:00 PM Monday–Wednesday, extending to 11:30 PM on Thursday–Saturday, and an earlier 10:00 PM close on Sundays.

Facilities & Entertainment

The Gun offers a cosy-yet-vibrant setting with a focus on socialising and nightlife over traditional pub games. Notably, there is no on-site parking (standard for central London), so public transport or taxis are the best way to arrive. Inside, you won’t find dartboards or pool tables, and big-screen sports are absent – this pub eschews the typical pub games and live sports broadcasts in favour of maintaining a stylish, conversation-friendly ambiance. Instead of sports matches or trivia nights, music is the main entertainment here. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, the pub comes alive with live DJ sets, transforming the atmosphere into a lively East London nightspot. A DJ booth (marked by a neon “keep it real” sign above the bar) springs into action on those nights, pumping out tunes that energise the crowd and give the place a clubby edge. For those who prefer a quieter visit, earlier in the week you’ll find a more relaxed vibe with background music and plenty of space to chat.

While The Gun doesn’t have a beer garden per se, it makes use of its corner location by offering a few outdoor tables along the street (great for people-watching on a nice day). Outdoor seating is limited, however, and the real action is indoors. The interior is thoughtfully divided into different areas (more on that in Atmosphere below), including a dedicated dining section towards the back. There is no dedicated car park or valet, but given the pub’s central location, this is rarely expected. Wi-Fi is available, catering to those who might drop in with a laptop during off-peak hours or just want to share their Instagram shots of the beautiful interior. In summary, The Gun’s “facilities” aren’t about sports or games; they’re about creating a hip, welcoming environment with music and space for conversation. It’s a place equally suited to an after-work pint or starting off a night out in Shoreditch, thanks to its blend of modern bar amenities and classic pub comfort.

Food on Offer

The Gun’s kitchen serves a carefully curated menu that strikes a balance between British pub classics and modern gastronomy. The menu isn’t overly long, but each dish earns its place, focusing on quality over quantity. One standout is undoubtedly the Sunday roast, which has quickly become the calling card of this pub. Every Sunday from noon until mid-afternoon, they dish up what many claim is one of the best Sunday roasts in Spitalfields – a generous plate featuring perfectly roasted meat (or a nut-roast/vegetarian option), crispy yet fluffy roast potatoes, seasonal veggies, and their famous Yorkshire puddings. It’s the kind of hearty, traditional meal that draws a crowd; in fact, the Sunday roasts here are so popular that they often sell out by late afternoon. If you’re planning a Sunday visit specifically for the roast, it’s wise to arrive on the early side or even book ahead if possible, as tables fill up with hungry regulars eager for this weekend treat.

On other days of the week, The Gun offers a solid selection of pub fare with a gourmet twist. Their burgers earn high praise – think juicy patties with quality toppings, served with golden fries, elevating the classic pub burger into something a bit more “gastro”. There’s an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients (the pub proudly sources from top London suppliers), and it shows in dishes like fish and chips (crispy beer-battered fish, using a good craft lager in the batter) or the pie of the day with rich gravy. Alongside the classics, you’ll find a range of small plates and sharing dishes that reflect London’s contemporary food trends. These might include items such as crispy calamari with zesty aioli, gourmet sliders, or more adventurous bites like grilled celeriac tacos and veal-and-date meatballs (a nod to a more eclectic palate, as noted by some food bloggers). Such dishes make The Gun a great spot for a casual evening with friends, where you can order a spread of plates to share over drinks. Vegetarians and vegans will find a few enticing options as well – for instance, a plant-based burger is usually on the menu, and seasonal salads or roasted vegetable dishes often feature, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Food service is available from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily, covering lunch through dinner. Whether you stop in for a midday bite or an evening meal, you can expect well-executed pub cooking that’s a notch above the ordinary. The chefs here seem to understand that pub food should be comforting but not boring. Portions are satisfying (nobody leaves The Gun hungry!), and the presentation has a modern gastropub flair without being pretentious. And don’t forget to check for specials – the kitchen sometimes rolls out seasonal dishes or limited-time specials, especially around holidays or when local produce is at its peak. In short, dining at The Gun offers traditional comfort with contemporary quality. It’s as suitable for a hearty Sunday lunch as it is for nibbling on bar snacks during a night out.

Beers on Tap

Beer aficionados will find The Gun’s taps thoroughly modern and geared toward today’s craft beer trends. While this pub no longer serves cask real ales (a change that may disappoint traditionalists looking for hand-pulled bitter), it compensates with a curated selection of craft beers, lagers, and cider on draught. The focus is on freshness and flavour: an array of keg taps lines the bar, pouring everything from crisp pilsners and popular local brews to hazy IPAs and the occasional seasonal special. On any given visit, you might see a couple of well-known names from the British craft scene – for example, beers from Beavertown or Brixton Brewery (both trendy London breweries) often make an appearance, alongside more widely recognised international lagers like Birra Moretti or Camden Hells. The taps tend to rotate, so there’s usually something new to try if you’re a repeat visitor. This approach keeps things interesting for beer lovers, encouraging guests to sample different styles beyond the standard pub staples.

The quality of the beer is kept high. Even though ales aren’t on offer in cask form, the staff ensure that the keg beers are served at the right temperature and with the proper pour. The pub’s investment in a modern dispensing system is evident – copper beer lines are exposed above the bar (a stylish design touch referencing rifle barrels, in a cheeky nod to The Gun’s name), and there’s even an exposed keg room visible, underlining their commitment to draft beer. The result is that each pint comes out cold, well-carbonated, and flavourful. If you’re not sure which beer to choose, the bartenders are knowledgeable and happy to offer a recommendation based on your preferences – whether you want something light and refreshing, or dark and malty, they’ll point you to the right tap.

Of course, if beer isn’t your drink of choice, The Gun’s bar has you covered with a full range of other libations. There’s a creative cocktail menu featuring reimagined classics (their Old Fashioned with a smoky twist is a hit, as is the seasonal fruit-infused gin concoction we tried on a summer visit). Wine drinkers will find a respectable list of wines by the glass or bottle, and a selection of craft spirits is on hand for those who prefer a simple whisky or a fancy G&T. In particular, the pub’s signature cocktails have gained a following – it’s not uncommon to see expertly mixed Martinis and Negronis being carried to nearby tables in the evening. All in all, when it comes to drinks on tap (and beyond), The Gun provides something for everyone. The lack of real ale is a deliberate trade-off to appeal to a contemporary crowd, but the rich variety of craft beers and quality beverages ensures that most guests – from hop-heads to cocktail sippers – will leave satisfied.

Price Range & Value

By central London standards, The Gun falls into a moderate (££) price range, offering good value given its location and the quality of experience. Prices here are about what you’d expect for the Spitalfields/City area, and importantly, you get what you pay for in terms of portion size and product quality. Pints of beer typically cost around £5–£6 for a standard lager or cider, with some of the more high-octane craft brews or imported options edging up toward £7–£8. These prices are pretty much par for the course in 2025 London, especially in a hip spot so close to the City. If you’re more of a cocktail person, those will run in the ballpark of £9–£12 each, again standard for craft cocktails in this part of town. A glass of house wine is usually in the £6+ range, with bottles available if you’re settling in for a meal.

For food, most main dishes come in between £12–£18. For example, their gourmet cheeseburger (with fries included) is around the mid-teens, and it’s hearty enough to justify the tag – many reviewers comment on its quality-to-price ratio. Fish and chips, likewise, lands near ~£15, pretty fair for a generously sized fillet of fish in central London. Lighter bites and sharing plates can be found for under a tenner each, which means you can mix and match a few without breaking the bank. The famed Sunday roast is on the upper end of the menu (hovering around £18–£20 depending on the choice of meat or the vegetarian option), but considering the amount of food and the evident care put into it, patrons generally feel it’s money well spent. In fact, across various customer reviews, value for money is a recurring positive theme – the consensus is that while The Gun isn’t a “cheap” pub, it’s fair and honest in its pricing. You won’t feel robbed; there’s no sneaky “service charge” for ordering at the bar or anything like that.

Portions are satisfying and the quality high, so most guests leave feeling they’ve gotten their pound’s worth. Given the ambiance and prime location, some might even say prices lean on the reasonable side. You might find slightly cheaper pints in a no-frills pub farther out in the East End, but at The Gun you’re also paying for the atmosphere, the historic-meets-modern setting, and the often lively entertainment. There’s a sense that this pub delivers on what it promises, making a visit here feel like a solid investment in a good time. In summary, expect mid-range London pub pricing, and rest assured that both the pints and plates here earn their price tag with quality.

Customer Service

Customer service at The Gun is frequently praised as warm and welcoming, adding to the pub’s community feel. This establishment may look stylish and hip, but it hasn’t lost the friendly touch that defines a good British pub. Walking in the door, you’ll often be greeted by a smile from the staff behind the bar. The team here is a mix of seasoned bartenders and enthusiastic servers, and many have been around since the pub’s reopening, indicating a stable crew that knows its regulars. Patrons often note in reviews that the staff are attentive and efficient – for instance, drink orders are taken and fulfilled promptly during quieter times, and the staff are quick to clear empty glasses or check if you need anything else. There’s a genuine, down-to-earth vibe in how they interact; they’ll crack a joke with you or happily chat about the different beers on tap if it’s not too busy. If you look unsure about what to order, don’t be surprised if a bartender asks a couple of questions about your tastes and then offers a small sample of a beer to help you decide. It’s that kind of place.

That said, The Gun can get very busy during peak hours, and during those times the service, while still friendly, can become understandably stretched. On Thursdays and Fridays after the work crowd pours in, or when the DJ is playing to a packed house on a Saturday night, you might wait a little longer to get a drink or for your food to arrive. A few customer reviews mention that when the bar is three-deep in patrons, it can be a bit of a challenge to catch a bartender’s attention, and food orders from the kitchen might take a bit more time when the venue is full. However, this is pretty much expected when a pub is popular – it’s more a sign of success than a service flaw. Even in these hectic moments, the staff do their best to keep things moving efficiently. They tend to work in a coordinated rhythm, and you’ll often see a manager type floating around helping to deliver food or manage the floor when it’s jammed. Importantly, the courteous and positive attitude doesn’t falter even when they’re busy; you’ll still get a “thanks for waiting” and a grin when your pint is handed over.

If you happen to visit during a quieter afternoon, you might even get some extra hospitality – the staff might tell you a bit about the pub’s history (they’re proud of The Gun’s heritage), or inquire how you found the place. It’s clear that management emphasises customer care: even small details like promptly wiping down a vacated table or checking in after you’ve had a few bites of your meal go a long way. Summing up, the service at The Gun is professional yet personable. They manage to uphold the charm of a local pub where staff remember you, all while handling the fast-paced demands of a trendy bar. A tiny tip: if you’re planning a large group visit or have a special request, it might be worth calling ahead – the management here is accommodating and will try to reserve space or arrange details to make your experience smooth. Overall, expect to be well looked after at The Gun, with just a bit of patience needed during those frenetic peak periods.

Events & Special Nights

True to its positioning as a modern social hub, The Gun leans into nightlife events rather than traditional pub quizzes or bingo nights. The headline attractions are the DJ nights on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Each of these evenings, a DJ takes to the decks (often starting around 6:30–7:00 PM on Thursdays and slightly later on Saturdays) and fills the pub with an eclectic mix of music. The vibe is upbeat – think along the lines of trendy bar/club tunes spanning funk, soul, house, and throwback hits, depending on the night. These DJ sessions have become a big draw, effectively turning The Gun into a late-night destination for those looking to dance or simply enjoy the music with friends. In fact, the pub has hosted some notable names on the DJ circuit; one regular guest DJ, we learned, has even played sets in Ibiza clubs, bringing a slice of that party atmosphere to Spitalfields. The result is that Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at The Gun feel like a mini nightlife experience – the lights get lower, the music gets louder, and the crowd gets denser. It’s a popular choice for groups celebrating birthdays or colleagues toasting the week’s end. If you’re coming specifically for the DJ/nightlife, expect the energy to ramp up as the evening progresses, and note that it can get quite crowded (with a small makeshift dance floor area forming near the bar when the beats really kick in).

Aside from the regular DJ nights, The Gun’s event calendar sprinkles in a few other specials. Although they don’t run a weekly quiz or karaoke, they do sometimes host one-off themed events or parties. For example, the pub has offered cocktail masterclasses – fun interactive sessions where small groups can learn to mix cocktails with one of the pub’s bartenders, perfect for corporate team outings or hen parties. They’ve also embraced seasonal festivities: during the Christmas season, The Gun often puts on a festive décor and may host an ugly sweater party or speciality cocktail night. Given its proximity to the City, the pub is available for private hires too, so occasionally the venue might be closed for a corporate event or wedding reception (always check their social media or website if you’re planning a visit, just to be sure it’s open to the public that day).

It’s worth mentioning that while daily sports aren’t a fixture, major sports events could be aired if there’s high demand – for instance, a World Cup England match or the Wimbledon final might prompt the management to set up a projector or use the TVs (the pub does have screens, but they’re usually off or displaying ambient visuals). However, this is not a sports bar by nature, so sports viewings are the exception rather than the rule, and the focus remains on music and mingling. Lastly, the pub’s theatre heritage (from its historic namesake) isn’t really in play in its current form – unlike some pubs, there isn’t a theatre or regular comedy night happening here. Instead, The Gun carves out its identity with a contemporary, energetic social calendar. The lack of structured weekly events is actually part of the appeal: you can generally walk in on any given night and find either a chilled-out gathering or a full-on party, depending on the day, without needing a specific “event” to draw you. It keeps the atmosphere spontaneous and organic. Keep an eye on The Gun’s Instagram or website for announcements of any special events (like themed DJ nights or holiday parties), but otherwise know that if it’s Thu-Sat, there will be a DJ, and if it’s Sunday, that glorious roast is event enough!

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Step inside The Gun and you’ll find an atmosphere that captures East London pub charm with a modern twist. The decor thoughtfully mixes old and new: exposed brick walls, dark wooden flooring, and a few reclaimed vintage pieces nod to the pub’s centuries-old heritage, while stylish lighting fixtures and contemporary art pieces add a fresh vibe. One striking feature is a tall indoor tree planted near the centre of the main room – an unusual and memorable touch that brings a bit of nature indoors (and makes for a fun conversation piece as well as an Instagrammable sight!). Scattered around are also touches of the pub’s identity: you might notice metal surfaces with faux “shrapnel” marks or bullet motifs subtly referencing The Gun’s name and its artillery-ground history, all done in a chic, design-led way. The layout is clever: the main bar area is open and convivial, great for standing with a pint among a crowd of friends or strangers, while towards the back there’s a semi-separated dining section. This section features plush, fringe-lined sofas and soft furnishings, giving a slightly more relaxed, loungey feel for those who are sitting down to eat or on a laid-back date. Above, a beautiful skylight runs down the centre of the pub’s ceiling, which during daytime fills the space with natural light (so lunchtime visits feel bright and airy), and by night, the skylight along with well-placed lamps give a gentle glow that complements the energy from the music. Music is an ever-present backdrop – upbeat but at a sensible volume on weekdays, then louder and club-like during DJ nights. On a typical evening, the sound of glasses clinking and happy chatter fills the air, giving The Gun a buzzy, animated ambiance without tipping into chaotic (except perhaps late on a packed Saturday, when it’s lively by design).

The clientele at The Gun is as diverse and dynamic as the decor. Come in at lunchtime or just after work, and you’ll rub shoulders with local professionals from the City unwinding over pints or casual business lunch meetings taking advantage of the tasty menu. Later in the evening, especially Thursday onwards, you’ll notice a younger crowd - twenty- and thirty-somethings who flock here for the music and scene, alongside long-time East Londoners who have adopted The Gun as their neighbourhood local. Thanks to the pub’s historical roots and its modern incarnation, you might find tourists and history buffs stopping in too, curious to experience a pub that’s been around (in one form or another) for hundreds of years. Despite the stylish makeover, The Gun manages to maintain a relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe. Dress code is casual; you’ll see everything from suits to trainers. The lively atmosphere fosters socialising: don’t be surprised if you end up striking up a conversation with folks at the next table or sharing a laugh at the bar – it has that friendly London pub spirit. However, be prepared: when the DJs spin on weekends, the pub gets crowded and energetic – expect a tight squeeze at the bar and a lot of people standing (and maybe dancing) in any open floor space. If you prefer it calm, those times might not be for you, but many revel in the almost club-like camaraderie those nights offer. Earlier in the week or on Sundays, the vibe is much more laid-back, where you can actually hear your companions talk and enjoy the pub’s character without straining your voice.

In terms of comfort and accessibility, The Gun fares well given its modern rebuild. Accessibility was clearly considered in the design: the entrance is essentially step-free, allowing easy entry for wheelchairs, prams, or those who might have mobility issues. The interior floor plan on the ground level is mostly open and on one level, which means moving around is straightforward (when it’s not jam-packed with people, of course). The tables and seating are arranged with enough space in between to navigate, especially in the dining area. There is a disabled-access restroom on the ground floor, which is a plus in a city where many historic pubs have only tight upstairs bathrooms. During busy times, the crowd density can make movement a bit challenging – navigating through a sea of patrons with drinks in hand requires some patience and the typical “excuse me” polite nudges, but that’s true of most popular pubs. If you need assistance, staff members are approachable and would help (for instance, carrying a drink to a table if someone has mobility needs). For those with hearing sensitivities, note that on DJ nights the volume is high; at quieter times, the noise level is moderate and comfortable.

Though there’s no dedicated parking, the pub’s location is superbly served by public transport, and taxis are readily available on Bishopsgate a block away. Liverpool Street Station (with multiple Tube lines, national rail, and buses) is about a 3-minute walk, making The Gun extremely easy to reach from anywhere in London. As for other conveniences, the pub is dog-friendly – you’ll occasionally see a well-behaved dog sitting by its owner’s feet, especially during daytime hours (the staff often have a water bowl handy for furry visitors). Families with children are welcome in the day as well; during weekend daytime you might see a couple of kids tagging along for the roast (though it’s not a large venue, so prams might be tricky when it’s full). The overall cleanliness and upkeep of the pub are commendable: despite the heavy foot traffic, the surfaces and glassware are clean, and even late at night the staff do sweeps to collect empties and tidy up. In summary, the atmosphere at The Gun is one of convivial energy set in a stylish space, and it manages to be fairly accessible to all. Whether you’re drawn by its historic pedigree or its contemporary cool, you’ll likely feel right at home as soon as you step inside.

Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated in the heart of Spitalfields, The Gun enjoys a prime location that offers plenty to see and do before or after your pub visit. The pub’s address (54 Brushfield Street) places it directly across from the Old Spitalfields Market – in fact, you can step out of The Gun and be browsing the market’s stalls in under a minute. Old Spitalfields Market is a bustling destination in its own right, featuring fashion boutiques, street food vendors, and antique stalls, and it’s open daily. This means you could easily make The Gun your lunch stop while shopping, or pop in for a pint after haggling over vintage wares at the market. Just around the corner is Brick Lane, famed for its curry houses, street art, and the Sunday Upmarket; it’s about a 5-10 minute walk from The Gun’s doorstep. If you’re touring Brick Lane’s vibrant scene, The Gun makes for a convenient and authentic British pub break along the way.

For those coming by public transport, the pub could not be much easier to reach. Liverpool Street Station (one of London’s major transport hubs, served by the Central, Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City, and Circle Underground lines, as well as national rail and the Elizabeth Line) is a mere 2-3 minute walk west of The Gun. Simply exit towards Bishopsgate, walk past the shiny office towers and into the charming Spitalfields streets, and you’ll find the pub tucked on the corner near the market. Several bus routes also run along Bishopsgate and Shoreditch High Street, connecting you to areas like London Bridge, King’s Cross, and Waterloo. If you’re visiting the Tower of London or Tower Bridge, a 15-minute bus ride or a short hop on the tube from Tower Hill will get you to The Gun for a refreshing ale afterward. The location is also fantastic for those staying in East London or the City; whether you’re based in Shoreditch, Whitechapel, or near St. Paul’s, you’re not far from Spitalfields.

In the immediate vicinity of The Gun, you’ll find a mix of historic and modern attractions. Directly behind the pub is the newly redeveloped London Fruit & Wool Exchange building (of which The Gun is effectively a part) – an interesting piece of architecture where old meets new, worth a glance for history buffs. A short walk north takes you to Brushfield Street’s array of boutique shops and cafes, plus the notable Ten Bells pub (another historic pub notorious for its connections to the Jack the Ripper story). For art lovers, the Whitechapel Gallery is about 10 minutes by foot to the east, showcasing contemporary art exhibitions. Foodies have innumerable options: from the famous beigel (bagel) shops of Brick Lane, to upscale dining at Spitalfields restaurants (like Hawksmoor steakhouse or Dishoom for Indian cuisine) all within a brief walk. Also nearby is Dennis Severs’ House, an immersive “still-life drama” museum on Folgate Street that recreates the life of a Huguenot silk-weaver family in the 18th century – a hidden gem for a dose of history and art.

Despite being so central, The Gun’s corner of Spitalfields has a surprisingly neighbourhood feel thanks to the market and surrounding heritage buildings. The street outside can be lively with office workers on weekdays and tourists on weekends, but it’s not on a major road, so it retains some quaintness amid the activity. Do note that parking for cars is scarce (and mostly restricted) in this area, so driving is not recommended – but if you must, there are a few paid parking garages in the broader Shoreditch area. Cyclists will find bike racks around the market, and there’s a Santander cycle hire station nearby for convenient bike rental. In sum, The Gun’s location is one of its strengths: it’s highly accessible and surrounded by a rich array of East London attractions. Whether you plan to make it a quick stop or the central part of your outing, you’ll have plenty of options to explore around it. It’s an ideal rendezvous point as well, given that it’s so easy to find (just tell your friends “meet me at The Gun by Spitalfields Market!”). The combination of a top-notch pub and the vibrant neighbourhood atmosphere of Spitalfields means you can easily spend an entire day and evening in the area without running out of things to do.

Overall Impression

The Gun in Spitalfields manages to seamlessly blend historic pub charm with the buzz of modern East London nightlife, creating a memorable experience that stands out even in a city full of great pubs. Overall, my impression is that The Gun is a pub that knows exactly what it wants to be – and delivers on it. It has the soul of a local East End pub (a heritage stretching back over 300 years) but the look and energy of a contemporary bar that can hold its own among London’s trendiest spots. This unique combination means you might come for a sense of history – to say you had a pint in a place that once watered 17th-century soldiers – but you’ll stay for the excellent craft beers, delicious food, and vibrant atmosphere. In many ways, The Gun mirrors the evolution of Spitalfields itself: rooted in history, yet constantly reinventing itself to stay fresh and exciting.

There are many high points to highlight. The food is genuinely good – that Sunday roast alone is worth a detour, and having quality pub grub through the week is a big plus in an area where many bars are drink-only. The drink selection is broad and contemporary, catering to beer lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Service is friendly, which gives The Gun a welcoming touch that could easily have been lost in a makeover, but thankfully wasn’t. And then there’s the ambiance: on a mid-week evening it’s comfortably busy and chatty – a great place to relax – while on a weekend night it can feel electric and festive. Few pubs can offer both those faces and do them well. The interior design deserves praise too; it’s visually interesting (who can forget that indoor tree and the skylight?) and comfortable at the same time. Location convenience is another bonus, making it simple to include The Gun in any East London outing.

No place is perfect, so let’s consider a couple of minor quibbles. If you’re a die-hard real ale fan or after a quiet, old-fashioned pint in a sepia-toned tavern, The Gun’s craft-keg and DJ combo might not scratch that itch – it’s certainly more modern bar than traditional alehouse now. Some patrons who remember the “old” Gun or who come expecting a CAMRA-style experience might be a bit let down by the absence of cask ales and the presence of loud music. Additionally, the popularity of the pub means it can get very crowded at peak times, which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (or pint of beer). On a packed Saturday, you might find it standing-room only, and holding a long conversation could be difficult over the sound of music and merriment. However, these points are really a matter of personal preference. It’s hard to fault The Gun for being popular – that’s a testament to its success. And on the flip side, if you are looking for a lively night out, those “cons” turn into pros.

The Gun is a fantastic addition to London’s pub scene that honours its past while embracing the present. It offers something for a wide range of patrons: a solid meal and casual pint for the traditional pub-goer, or a spirited atmosphere and creative cocktails for the modern bar-hopper. It’s the kind of place where you can start your evening with a relaxed dinner and end it dancing near the bar as the DJ plays your favourite song – all under the same roof. That versatility, combined with genuine quality in what they serve and how they treat people, is what makes The Gun special. I’d highly recommend this pub to anyone visiting the Spitalfields area, as well as to Londoners looking for a new local haunt that doesn’t feel like a cookie-cutter chain. Whether you’re there to soak in the history, indulge in a top-notch Sunday roast, or party into the night, The Gun aims to please – and from my experience, it hits the mark on all fronts.