Hoop and Grapes, Aldgate High Street
I came to the Hoop and Grapes late on a Tuesday evening, the week before Christmas, hoping to get food more than anything else.
The pub was busy, but in a good way. It felt lively without being uncomfortable. We quickly realised we would not get a table in the main bar area, but luckily there is a separate dining room at the back with a few spare tables.
I am not usually a fan of dedicated dining areas in pubs, but I also understand that they are often what keeps places like this going. In this case, it was easy to forgive.
First impressions
When you walk in, the familiar Nicholson’s plaque shines up from the floor and you pass straight through the old timbered entrance.
The building is genuinely beautiful. There is exposed wood everywhere, and it constantly reminds you that you are standing inside a very old structure. It feels historic in a way that cannot be faked.
Service and drinks
A very jolly bartender helped us find a table and later delivered our drinks with the same cheerful enthusiasm.
I ordered a Guinness, which was perfectly fine, but I could not help feeling a little disappointed when I noticed they also had Hobgoblin Ruby on tap. It is my favourite beer when it comes in a can, and I would have happily chosen it if I had spotted it sooner.
Food
The food was excellent.
I went for a burger, which arrived absolutely enormous. It was the kind of burger that could only be eaten once it had been taken apart. Messy, filling, and exactly what I wanted at that point in the evening.
Verdict
There is a slight corporate feel to the Hoop and Grapes, but that is largely down to its City location.
To its credit, the pub does a good job of holding on to its character. The history of the building, the atmosphere inside, and the general warmth of the place still come through clearly.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
A historic pub that balances charm, crowds, and practicality well.
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