The Golden Heart
110 Commercial Street Shoreditch London E1 6LZ
On the face of it the Golden Heart is a standard pub wrapped around a corner on the edge of Commercial Street and opposite the new Spitalfields Market. But the place has history, not to mention contacts to the art world that include Gilbert and George and Tracy Emin. The pub itself is owned by Sandra Esquilant, who has run the place for over 30 years and thus seen the comings and goings and good time and bad times of the area. Today it is frequented by a mixture of working locals from all walks of Shoreditch life, and has a quaint, snug and rather reassuring feel. Space is slightly at a premium, but the atmosphere is lively, arty and fun. It has a jukebox, and footie on the TV, although the folk whom come here really do so mainly to talk as well as drink – which is really what every pub should be about. Makes a refreshing change to the large bars in the area full of loud-mouthed city traders.