Wilton's Music Hall

Great venue. Intimate over two floors, has a bar and seating area and small exhibition about the history of the venue. Nearest tube is London Bridge. Come out facing the river and head left, keep going past the future Chinese Embassy on the right down the side streets, passed The Artful Dodger pub and Jack the Ripper museum. I saw Frances Barber there in a Pet Shop Boys musical, which they attended.

Very old, very quirky, very interesting piece of history here. Easy to find from Aldgate station. Seating was comfortable but very close to your neighbours! The bar served a good choice. Come here just to see this beautiful building and support it.

What a brilliant old building, so much history. We watched The Tiger Lillies on a thrust in front of the stage which meant they were back lit giving it the perfect feel. We were blown away by the show and the building.

As a wedding photographer I get to capture special days at so many venues across London and the UK and Wilton's has to be one of my favourites. The staff are always so wonderfully helpful, the atmosphere is magical and the space itself is enchanting. Weddings at Wilton's always feel so intimate and unique, and couples are fully supported in making the space and day their own. I cannot wait to capture more weddings at this wonderful venue. Highly recommended.

We were excited to discover this gem of a venue when we went to see Patience last night, the funniest Gilbert and Sullivan operetta a Charles Court Opera production! This grade II listed treasure of a building is the only surviving Grand Music Hall in the world, now a charming theatre (and wedding/events) venue full of old charm. Everything about this place is beautiful, the old interior, the old stage, the small bar that serves delicious pre-theatre food, all so romantic and perfect for a date night out!

Excellent venue based in an old Musical hall. Small and intimate no matter where you sit, there is a decent view of the stage. Just off Cable Street, 10 mins walk from Tower Hill station

Wow! Such a beautiful building. Nice vibe. Friendly staff. Watched a very funny one person act there. Performance lasted an hour with no breaks. Would be a perfect venue for an event.

Loved Potted Panto, excellent venue, great character. Good service

I love Wilton's music hall and what they've done with it: This is the oldest music hall in London which over the last few years has been heavily restored. Turning a venue that was once in rack and ruin into a usable and stunningly unique location. It's just an absolutely spectacular, wonderfully warm, listed venue with amazing character. I adore everything about this place, the live music, the shows they put on, how you feel transported to another world, the vibe, the friendly and enthusiastic staff and they also have a fantastic selection of craft beers and do a decent glass of wine. They'll also recently opened an upstairs cocktail bar to coincide with work they've done to repair some of the rooms - converting these from unusable into spaces for performance work, rehearsals, meeting spaces. I recently dropped in with a friend whilst we were in the area, and were met with live music (free of charge) to accompany our drink and catch up. By chance we stood next to the building manager and fell into conversation with him. He pointed out how the local council had built the wall by the venue to be in keeping and with poster spaces, due to their support, described and pointed out the evidence of the old interior, the original features and how they'd decided intentionally to be sensitive to the re-construction, leaving the walls as they found them, to show the history, rather than to reproduce the interior in the image of a previous reincarnation, and thus not masking the signs of building evolution. Absolutely fascinating... They've also published a book about the history of the venue, on sale at the box office. I'd highly recommend a visit - It's one of my favourite haunts in this part of town, very reasonably priced too.

Super charming and unique venue and great shows. We love the bar too. So happy this has reopened post pandemic.

To my mind, Wilton's is of the same ilk as somewhere like the Balham Bowls Club. One of those quirky, unusual places that oozes history and just has an indefinable sense of character. Plus, the crowd are slightly older, which I appreciate now I'm no longer a 20-something. Plenty of beers and a few cocktails upstairs. They do serve food, but don't bother - it's pretty awful. Wilton's host plays and gigs, and what a marvellous venue for it. I've only enjoyed drinks here, and it's on my wishlist to catch a show someday. It's worth the voyage eastwards if only to say you've been to the oldest surviving music hall in the world. It's also a gorgeous, understated venue. Definitely go.

What a great spot for a play and a drink! This is so close to central London it is an easy walk from the Tower tube stop! I love it!

I was lucky enough to attend a KT Tunstall gig here as she launched her last album and was impressed. It looks as if it is awaiting demolition, in fact we weren't sure we had the right place at first, but it is more than capable of hosting a top night. Wilton's oozes history and according to the website it is the world's oldest surviving grand music hall. The decor appears to be left exactly as it was whenever it was functioning full time and the run down tired look is actually part of its charm and character. It feels like you have broken into an abandoned auditorium and that you are experiencing something a little special and off the radar. The old wooden balcony may creak a bit but there's no chance of falling through. The stone walls are impressive too. It reminds me of the entrance to the Dragon's Den. Sadly Theo and the gang weren't there to give me any money so I had to settle with buying a drink instead. The staff here were very friendly and enthusiastic about the place and I can see why. The stage is quite low down and there weren't any barriers creating a void between you and the act. In fact people were practically on the stage. The acoustics were awesome too which really enhanced the acoustic songs which were performed that night. I loved my visit to Wilton's and if the opportunity to visit again arises I shall jump at the chance to go.

My favorite place to grab a pint in London, and I often think about how old buildings like this would have toppled in a Californian earthquake a long while ago. An old ale joint from the mid-1700s, it's now the world's oldest music hall. Summer is a great time to hang out here since the sunshine is still golden right after work, and it's honestly nice to pop a squat outside Wilton's to drink in Graces Alley. Not that the tables inside aren't somehow perfectly rustic, and all the hipster paraphernalia that seems to come out of a box fits in well here. The stairs look like they'll collapse soon, and there are little goblets of flowers on the tables. Beers are standard central-London prices, but they serve up some nice brews, especially from Kernel from just south of the river. Highly recommend the citra IPA for a good hoppy kick in the teeth as the sun goes down. Random, but Wilton's has such nice-smelling soap in its bathrooms. That's all.

Make sure you leave enough time to find the hidden treasure that is Wilton's Music Hall. As even a Londoner born and bred like me had no idea of its existence or location before now. And tucked away as it is, down an alley off an East End backstreet, you might want to take an A-Z with you! But it really is worth the effort, and I was astonished to discover such a magnificent and historic venue. Stripped back to its bare bones of original floorboards and peeling plaster, it has the aura of decaying grandeur and faded glamour. And so it recently provided the perfect setting for The Marriage of Figaro by Vignette Productions. This delightful opera was performed beautifully by the cast and orchestra. And it was undoubtedly the best operatic event I've ever been to. I'll definitely be paying a return visit to the charming Wilton's.

I too will give my BRAVO to the great Wilton's Music Hall. It is tucked away in a little alley near Tower Hill, which is an area I rarely would have reason to visit. So finding it was a bit of a challenge (hence a missing star in the rating). Once there, I felt like I was walking into a piece of music hall history. The staff was dressed in vintage clothing, the walls were dotted with deteriorating decor, and the amenities were minimal. I really felt like I had stepped back in time - or on a movie set! I agree with many of the sentiments above - especially about the sound if you're on the same side of the orchestra (switch sides!) and how amazing the space itself is. They seem to have a lot going on, and much of it is free or inexpensive. I would definitely visit again and bring a camera!

Very old. Very interesting. I think this will be a new fav. I like these old haunts around London. The city seems to be building at a rate that is almost stripping the history and character away, so lovely to see a gem like this. This is a merge of many homes to create this music and bar venue. I like it. The ambiance is chill, the staff friendly yet not intrusive and the patrons are relaxed. You may not be able to see every bit of the structure because some areas are off limits for H&S reasons but that takes nothing away from the historic charm of this building. Get in there for a £7 cocktail and enjoy!

Beautiful old fashioned music hall, recently refurbished Im told. Came here for a Swing Patrol dance night (which was great and has a lesson included in the ticket price before the dance starts...everybody swing!) but there seems to be an extensive monthly events list, which includes silent movies and cockney sing-a-longs to old music hall classics. I highly recommend going here if you want to see a proper gem of London. Even if it's just for a drink or two at the bar upstairs.

Wilton's Music Hall should be on anybody's London bucket list. The staff are great, the hall itself is beautiful and the swing night was really well organised, with a lesson at 7pm and competitions later in the evening. For those who don't want to dance, the balcony overlooking the hall has excellent views. There are also a couple of bars with loads of serving space and, more importantly, an excellent range of gin and other cocktails, plus plenty of beer and wine. Fantastic!

Something tells me writing this review will turn me into a hated and hunted woman by artists, historians and musicians alike...but....I celebrated my New Years here, and it was mostly tragicomic. (Comic for my own appreciation of its hilarity). This space is rich with history, as one of the oldest surviving music halls. Its interior is both magical and in severe disrepair. This place needs money and lots of it and evidently New Years is the perfect place to pinch £75 from bohemian - seeking, Fiona Shaw - loving (however morose the Wasteland might appear as a New Years starter), SCHMUCKS. I can say this because I, too, yes, I am one of the schmucky suckers. In brief, I missed Ms. Fiona, largely because our hostess failed to tell us to make our way to the theatre rather than make our way to the bar and then became obstinate about us entering after a minute past door closing. Was shoved and pushed around in a derelict waiting area where drinks were not included . Finally seated in the threatre for the second part of the evening. Our 'food offering' included store-bought stale pork pies, hummus, carrots, cheese and a sad lonesome cupcake just for midnight. Crowd - a motley mix of Delia, geriatrics, hipsters, Surrey schoolgirls playing bohemian and us, 'schmucks' . Performances - oddball. I say this largely because they included Charlie Chaplin stripping down to pasties (this over my full plate of pork pies), and a trans-gender magician, whose mic cut out halfway between number guessing and object finding. Drinks - one very warm and very rationed bottle of Sainsbury's finest sparkling split for all of us 10 schmucks at midnight. If you want this place to live beyond it's rubble, just donate anonymously. If you are seeking absurd / bohemian over NYE 2011, tie a bow around your head, read T.S. Elliot to your lover in an abandoned derelict warehouse and share a pork pie - you'll be wealthier and wiser in the coming year.

I don't want to overuse the cliché 'hidden gem', but Wilton's Music Hall should be the definition of the term in London. Nestled between various council estates in the Tower hamlets area, it appears Wilton's was neglected for decades before being recently revived. Originally an Ale house in 1743, it was elaborately converted in the 1850's and is currently the world's oldest surviving music Hall. There are usually an interesting line up of theatre, music, comedy, cinema and cabaret and each time i got to there is a diverse range of people there from hipsters to old pensioners which is a testament to its broad appeal. Both the upstairs and downstairs bars are normally quite busy even during the week. This is one of those places you don't want to become too popular so you can keep it all to yourself!

Having moved into the area, Wilton's is one of the locals, it is one of those places you love about London, walk down a random street and there's an old music hall there. It has a small bar, nice vintage seating and does performances all the time of many different types. The only thing I'd say was it gets busy really quickly and has ran out of beer on tap a few times during busy periods, but other than that, it is well worth a visit

Wiltons Music Theatre is a very old interesting building with its old brick work, crumbling walls, old beams, etc. The theatre is quite small but has a very intimate feel the seats though are quite uncomfortable though. I went along and saw a English opera The Depraved Appetite of Tarrare the Freak with the story played out with puppets. Spoiler alert It is based on a true story of a freak who eats things from pocket watchs to living animals who gets signed up to be a soldier. His assignment was to take a secret document over the enemy lines in his stomach but he gets caught by Germans. The secret documents are eventually retrieved by the Germans when Tarrare poops it out. Unfortunately he was used by the soldiers and terribly message revealed along the lines that be was a freak and would never be trusted with a secret document. The Germans never kill him in end as they find it amusing for him to stay alive and live with his freakness. A two headed lady from the freak show that he came from comes to collect him as she loves him but alas the two headed woman gets shot by one of the Germans. He returns back to England feeling very used and emotionally upset and seeks a doctor to help him with his hungar problem but alas this also ends in disaster and he ends up eating a child that he befriends who died from eating his precious fork that his two headed girlfriend gave him. He ate the child as of his weird Hungary and also to recover his girlfriend. He then goes under the knife by the surgeon as he said the fork was killing him and he ended up dying in the table. The story as bizarre as it was is true and this made me want to hear the story right to either end which I am pleased I did and I will be reading up about this odd man I'm more detail in the next few days. The singing was great and the puppetry even though the puppets all looked ghoulish like dying zombies/skeletons it was done very well. I highly recommend to anyone that loves horror type stories, true stories, opera and puppetry.

An absolute gem this, and it doesn't look like it'll be around for long. Hopefully, they'll be able to come up with something. But from the outside, it looks like the building's in danger of immanent collapse. Wilton's Music Hall is the oldest and last surviving grand music hall. And it's still going. At the moment, they've got the Royal Shakespear Company doing a show on there which is pretty big. It's totally unauspicious, just tucked off this little alleyway. And looking like something out of renaissance Florence, this place is an absolute find. I still haven't seen any shows there. But just wandering around, savouring the history and the state of the place is fairly joyous of its own accord. I imagine the accoustics are sublime, and perfect for a venue of its capacity and decor. So, I'm already looking forward to getting the chance to go to a production. I strongly recommend that you chase up the website, and see what's on that tickles your fancy!

Difficulty in pin-pointing its location aside - I asked a rather flustered man carrying furniture into a nearby flat in desperation, before spotting the signpost 3 metres further down the road - I thought this place was brilliant. Perfectly attired bar staff make lovely - and strong - cocktails (I had a sweet Manhattan, stirred not shaken, and it was perfect), there are nooks and crannies galore, exposed brickwork, random fairy lights (or I might have imaged them, it was that sort of place).... Just a nice place to enjoy good drinks with friends. I went on a Friday night and it was surprisingly empty - a lot of people were stood outside on account of the weather, but it had just the right amount of atmosphere. Would definitely visit again. That Manhattan was £7, which is the best value I've seen for a long time, cocktails-wise!

Wilton's is an amazing place - not only because it's the oldest surviving (and still operating) music hall in the world but also because it's such a hidden treasure! There's an eclectic selection of entertainment on offer, from the world-renowned Kreutzer quartet and monthly (free!) cinema nights, through traditional east end singsongs and musical extravaganzas courtesy of modern day vaudevillians such at Tiny Wallop. Part of the attraction is the actual building, there's something very magical about the atmosphere, it's more than the faded murals and the fairy lights. The Mahogany bar is open every night except Sunday for the rest of the summer and it's lovely to sit outside catching the last of the evening sun (well, when we get any) after work. Check out the history of Wilton's poster - an amazing example of modern typography by New North Press - in the bar too.

This really is London's hidden gem. I went here to see The Marriage of Figaro this weekend. I just couldn't get over how amazing the space was. It is absolutely brilliant. I don't even want to describe it, you just have to see it for yourself. (Though Emilia up above gives a lovely description!)

Wilton's is a tangible piece of magic. The world's last surviving grand music hall tucked away in a pedestrian alley near Aldgate East, the venue has been in existence in one form or another for 285 years. Its Mahogany Bar was built in 1725 and has always been (and still is today) a public house. The actual hall itself dates from the 1850s and is, simply put, marvelous. I love how the folks behind this grade II* listed building preserve the building without tarting it up (or dumbing it down) for contemporary tastes. That said they've got their work cut out for them! The building is semi-derelict. Only 60% of the space is safe and in use. In its present condition Wilton's is extremely vulnerable to vandalism and further decay and sadly, at the current rate of decay the building will cease to be accessible in the next three years. Wilton's only has half a roof, walls are crumbling and floors have fallen in. So, that means you best get over there soon to take in all its grandeur and you best visit the Wilton's website to see how you can help save this truest of London gems! http://www.wiltons.org.uk/ Any excuse to visit Wilton's is a good one! Go (and take me with you)!

This is a great little tucked away place. By tucked away, I mean you'll get lost trying to find your way here. I did, and my phone has GPS. But when you arrive, your greeted by friendly folk, a lovely bar selling tasty food and wonderful wonderful cabaret. I've got a bit bored of cabaret venues recently (Bethnal Green Working Mens? I'm looking at you). Wilton's really push the boat out. Opera, bands, acrobats. I don't think you could predict what you were going to see here from one day to the next. And that's what I love about this place. Just go and treat yourself to this wonderful little tiny venue. Meet lovely people and dance until your feet are hurty. Then stroll across Tower Bridge on the way home - such an amazing view. Great place. I'll be back. A lot.

Using a printed off map and directions, GPS on my phone, the kindness of strangers and (mainly) my natural sense of good direction I was able to find the tucked away gem that is Wilton's. (There were also a few signs so it wasn't actually that hard - although crossing that Cycle superhighway takes some nerves...) Anyway, once there I was blown away by the crumbling facade and vintage feel to the place. Inside, with old tunes on the gramaphone I felt like I had been transported into Vichy France and half expected Rene to come bumbling out from the side room followed by a dishevelled Yvette. It is magical, like nowhere else in London and as mentioned elsewhere here, in need of work and very much as endangered as a building gets. We went to see The Coral play here and found the main music hall to be just as intoxicating as the bar - although the sound was noticeably far better from the balcony upstairs. What a unique venue to see something like this.

If Venice morphed with a Nick Cave song, you might end up with Wilton's Music Hall. The building's historic integrity cannot be faulted, altho' the same could not be said of its structural integrity. An ornate doorway, and entrance hall paved with enormous flag stones, lead into a bar staffed by bowler-hatted waiters with a vaudeville air about them. However, you might want to wear a hard hat yourself, in case the dangerously bowed ceiling caves in. The night I went, many people in the audience had dressed up to see the opera - the Marriage of Figaro. The dress code veered more towards burlesque than dinner jackets, altho' both would have looked very good against the incredibly restrained - and sexy - 19th century schmaltz. The production itself was impressive, with a touring company of both seasoned and newly professional singers. All were fantastic - and good actors. The set design was inspired, and worked well with the venue itself. A nice touch was the serving of champagne to everyone in the audience during a necessary scene change in the middle of the second half. So we got to toast the happy couples - and ourselves, for being so clever as to find ourselves there. This is a great place to come to share the bonhomie of a life well-lived, to support a marvellous community site. Wilton's will not survive much longer without support (it's got mine) and the loss of this artistic jewel would be a very sad one for East London.

WOW, all I can say is WOW. Al-right I can say a little more. What a fantastic venue!!! Saw 10 Plagues with Marc Almond and was blown away by the whole experience. One of the best things I have seen in ages.

We visited the Wiltons Music Hall and did the history tour! It is a really interesting building the exposed brickwork and woodbeams (not to mention the supporting pillars holding the building up) and has a long history. You wouldn't really know this was there if you didn't know to look for this place.. in fact, if you walked past it in the street, you would think it was a building waiting to be knocked down! It is a special place and we thoroughly recommend a visit. In the meantime, we made a video of our visit if you would like a taste of what you'll be seeing: Video link: http://youtu.be/Cr_yU2TgTwI

Beautiful venue, lovely old music hall with old paintings. Great range of productions with concerts, theatre and opera. Only warning I would give is that the rows aren't banked, so you could struggle to see nearer the back, even though the stage is raised.

Beautiful theatre within this old building, oldest one of its kind in London. Bar downstairs offers beer and wine and upstairs a nice range of spirits and cocktails. Recently refurbished the selection of events, from film screenings to gigs, makes Wilton's a must in East London and Cable Street.

A very interesting old place. It was built as a musichall in the mid 19th century and fell in to disuse and disrepair within 50 years. It looks like someone has knocked off any plaster likely to fall on you, swept up and that's it. With it's faded 19th century paint and bare brickwork, yet with most all the original features intact, it feels like you are drinking in somewhere that has been condemned. Somehow though, it charms and beguiles. The patrons are 18-80 and seem much more upmarket than the surrounding area, some are discovering it for the first time, some have been coming here a long time. Whether you are here for the show or just here to soak up all that history in the bar, I'm sure you will love it. I will be making a point of going back.

The oldest music hall in the UK, Wilton's is such a treasure. I like the fact it's in a state of disrepair and just hope it doesn't crumble away. You can see a show here and imagine you're back in the Victorian era, it's oozing with character. And the bar (which is now open Mon-Fri) is worth going to alone. I just love everything about it.

Having coming here a couple of times a year over the last few years, this was the first time since the restoration has been completed, what an amazing job they have done. New rooms have been opened up and there is lots to explore. A new bar is now opened upstairs since my last visit and the upstairs feels like a new venue. The bar downstairs is just as great as ever and the staff are very friendly and helpful. We came to see a performance of The Sting, not the best of plays and is easily forgettable but will be back to enjoy many more evenings at the Wilton Music Hall, don't miss out visit soon.

An absolutely beautiful venue! The bare plaster walls and distressed elegance of it's interior are the closest we Londoners will get to the incredible venues in Berlin. The staff are lovely, the programming is excellent and the setting is as atmospheric as you could possibly wish for. THE best music venue in London and probably the UK!!!

An utterly unique, brilliant throwback to the halcyon days of music hall. Yes, it's lost any sense of authenticity it may have had, but the bar staff dress the part, cast members from plays often burst out on to the street in character and it serves one of my favourite whiskies. Great all year round, but particularly in the extremes of summer when you can sit/stand outside till late or in the dead of winter, when the ancient decor warms the cockles. The kind of place that could only flourish in London.

Totally falling apart and off the beaten track, this place should be quirky, charming and fun, but when we recently saw the Wasteland at Wilton's, the crowd (of mainly grannies) control was horrific. Space is incredibly limited in the restaurant/bar area, and people were keen to get to their seats, so they began to gather around the entrance to the theatre. They did not let people into the theatre until the show was about to begin, with the effect of people pushing and shoving to get down the narrow corridor to the theatre where one woman was ripping tickets. It was a complete shambles, and nearly ruined the experience. Fortunately, Fiona Shaw is brilliant, and she saved the evening with her superb rendition of the Wasteland. Proceed with caution when going to a show at Wilton's.

Wiltons music hall never disappoints! It's such a lovely venue! Theatre in the main room was good and drinks after even better :)

I had the pleasure and good fortune of seeing the Marriage of Figaro at a Qype event this past weekend. I cannot believe I never knew about this place before. Wilton's Music Hall is a gem and I cannot wait to return. I was transported to another time and could imagine this Music Hall through the years. It has a beautiful and evocative bar (The Mahogany) that I hope to return to even if I'm not there to attend a performance. It serves food too. The hall itself has decent acoustics and a floor that sloped enough that one can see from anywhere. In addition to floor seating, there is an upstairs gallery that looked good too. The orchestra for the opera was top notch as were each of the singers. These guys were all professionals and highly talented, so there's no need to suspect that just because you're not in the West End, you're not going to hear fine sounds. Subtitles were conveniently provided above the stage as well as projected to the sides of the gallery balcony, so one could see them no matter where one was sitting. In addition to opera, Wilton's Music Hall shows films, presents classical music concerts, burlesque and other performances. What a wonderful place! And, should you be familiar with Amato's Opera on the Bower in NYC (yes, I know it closed), you will be reminded of it, albeit Wilton's is on a much grander and professional scale (no homeless playing part in the chorus here). And, The Mahogany feels like Sonny's in Red Hook with fewer hipsters.

A fantastic space with loads of history and an exciting, perpetually interesting programme, mainly opera and musical performances (burlesque, concerts etc). The venue is marvellous but hopefully the production you see is good enough to distract you from staring at your surroundings to focus instead on the stageThe programming sees surprisingly high-tech productions sit comfortably alongside the peeling aged decor and it's a very London-ish thing to witness: an atmospheric, grand old historic building hosting a whole load of digital hocus-pocus with majesty, benevolence and elegance. The bar is lovely, with a piano, low seats and lighting that makes the place look as if gas-lit. The gin is, appropriately, Hendricks and the staff look like they might take a turn on stage when not pouring wine. Only one criticism that spoils the experience a little: there are ill-placed box office desks on entering the building and lack of signage means there are sometimes confused huddles of people trying to collect tickets, or trying get into the auditorium because they already have tickets or wanting to buy on the spot. Better direction of the crowds and clearer instructions for what to queue for, where to go etc would make entrances and exits far smoother.

I love Wiltons, despite it's flaws (get more outside seating in summer!!!!), mostly because it instantly feels like you've found something very special every time you walk in there. I've heard people slag it off because it never seems to get done up, even with thousands poured into it's restoration... bollocks! it's the distressed look that makes it wonderful, and I don't care if you judge me for using distressed look in a sentence.

Wilton's is a historical gem and one of the most beautiful places in London for a drink. It is currently being refurbished so only part of the building is accessible at present but it is worth popping in just to see the incredible music hall where they put on regular events such as ping pong tournaments and swing classes. The drinks aren't cheap but it's worth it for the atmosphere. It can be quite tricky to find but it's surprising location only adds to it's charm.

the place is a wonder, like no where else, sign up to email mailing list to find out about events, it's pretty ad hoc but so worth it. see http://www.myspace.com/wiltonmusichall david gray is there today have his mug shot taken OR become a friend on facebook for the occasional special offer or follow on twitter

This is one my most favourite building in town. There is so much history and interesting stories that you can learn, it is absolutely unbelievable

Graces Alley doesn't exist. Well, not according to Google anyway, or at least GoogleMaps. And as a girl who relies solely on her iPhone to the extent that I refuse to download IOS6 simply because I can't bear to lose my beloved app, this is troublesome. So, you may end up like me, wandering around Aldgate on a freezing night wondering how long until you get raped/mugged/murdered (this is Jack the Ripper's stomping ground, after all), but then accidentally take a hopeful turn down a small road, and then an alley, and suddenly: lights. Fairy lights. A few people stand around smoking outside battered, heavy wooden doors, huddled against the crumbling brickwork. Step closer and music swells . . . the pulsing sound of a swing band within . . . push open the doors . . . a breath of warm air . . . and you have arrived. Wilton's is a collection of 250-year-old houses which have been knocked together to form the bar and entrance to a wonderful space which was originally a music hall (and remains the oldest one in London) but is now used for plays and performances of any and all natures. It's sprawling and wonderful and quite literally falling apart before your very eyes, with holes in the wall and railway struts holding up the corridor. Unfortunately the very dilapidated nature which makes it so charming and popular has also served to be its (temporary) undoing, since large chunks have been rendered unsafe for use and you're liable to wander around a corner and find a section boarded up to the general public. But this is what makes it so phenomenally atmospheric. You also know full well that back in the day, this would have been heart of London's slums and (as one friend cheerfully pointed out), each little nook and cranny probably housed an entire Victorian family busy dying of consumption. Nice. Visit on a Tuesday and the front bar will be filled to capacity with a big band playing tunes from the 1920s-50s and clientele of varying ages embracing the music, all dolled up and taking their footwork supremely seriously, but not quite so pretentiously as their brethren further east. Everyone's welcome to have a go, but you're unlikely to find space (so just stand in the corner, if you possibly can, and see if you can stop your feet tapping and your hips shimmying - you can't - I guarantee it). You'll be packed against people, but everyone is remarkably friendly there. And the great thing is that it's a fantastic place to grab a drink too, since the cocktails are divine. Expensive (£7-£12) but divine; concocted with such dreamy and exotic ingredients as pine syrup and butternut squash liqueur, with names containing Fezziwig and Morocco and garnished with cubes of cheese and miniature scrolls of terrible poetry (honestly). They change seasonally and if you go to the bar upstairs (hidden behind a velvet curtain; check out the hundreds of dusty Hendricks bottles adorning the rickety stairs) then you can have a chat with the barman who is extremely knowledgeable, not only about the drinks but the place's history. Fact: Spike Milligan squatted there once and spent his time making a film about a very bad poet called McGonogal. And this little titbit of information just tipped the balance from four stars to five. Well done that barman.

good publicity and service very prompt 5 stars