Bethnal Green Working Men's Club

Billing itself as a real East End working men's club since 1953, this establishment stages "regular social events each week; from racy, cultural or refined to mostly wild, unhinged good-times" — somewhat removed from the spirit of 1953, one feels, but who's complaining. Events specialise in inventive, category-defying, underground-sympathetic cabaret and are sporadic, so check the website. Basement pub is open Wednesday to Sunday 6pm—11pm. This is the former home of Sink the Pink and now home to Lady Olé [see entry]. Tube station: Bethnal Green. Overground: Shoreditch High Street.