1001, Spitalfields  

1001 is a popular bar and café set amongst the old Truman Brewery buildings, in the heart of trendy Brick Lane. You'll find only bottled beers here, but the choice was fine and it was complemented by plenty of snacky food - sandwiches and cakes were in evidence. There's also a cheap BBQ which serves well into the colder months but usually attracts long queues. The outdoor seating is also popular, whatever the weather. At the front is the most café-like section and upstairs is a messily laid out lounge, kitted out with a variety of settees and usually coupled with a DJ in residence; its all very bohemian. To top it off at the back is '1002' - a massive space where live music and other events are held. Choose your night carefully though, as you can hear anything from electronica, indie or jazz, right through to drum and bass. The shine has been taken off recently, however, as it seems 1001 now appears in some tourist guide or other - there are often swathes of young inter-railer types clogging up the place, all seeking some 'Cool Britannia'. The excessive door searches have also sullied the once rather more chilled-out atmosphere.

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