The Ten Bells pub in East London is on the corner of Commercial Street and Fournier Street in Spitalfields. It is perhaps the most famous pub in Jack the Ripper history, as this is where two of his victims: Annie Chapman and Mary Kelly drank.
Many still visit due to this morbid past, but luckily the Ten Bells are still a good East End boozer today.
Name
The Ten Bells has gone by other names, and has been in other nearby locations, since the mid-18th century, but has been here since Victorian times after the road widened and the land was turned over to the local Truman Brewery as compensation.
The pub’s name comes from the sound of church bells in front of the imposing Christ Church, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, who had studied and worked with Sir Christopher Wren.
Victorian decor
In 1973, English Heritage decided that the building should be preserved, and it is now a Grade II listed building. Much of the building’s Victorian charm has been preserved.
The Victorian mosaic, from floor to ceiling, is particularly admired. There is a blue and white floral pattern on two walls and a painted mural called Spitalfields in Ye Olden Time that features a pair of aristocrats visiting a Weaver store to buy silk, weaving with a popular industry in this area. The mural was added in the late 19th century by the signing of WB Simpson and Sons.
In 2010, a second mural was added upstairs called Spitalfields in Modern Times, painted by artist Ian Harper. This new mural features 21st century Spitalfields and its scenes and characters, such as the artists Gilbert and George.
The ground floor bar was also moved to the center of the room to reduce waiting time before being served.
The ten bells for today
In addition to tourists interested in the Ripper connection, the pub is popular with Londoners. It draws a mixed crowd, from proper city workers to hipsters looking to be seen in Shoreditch and everyone else.
Downstairs can get crowded, and drinkers usually spill onto the sidewalks. Take the stairs and you will find more comfortable seats with good angles for the people looking at the streets below.
Beyond the tile work on the list and villainous history is a solid and respected pub with a good range of quality ales and ales, plus wines and cocktails.
How to visit the ten bells
The ten bells
84 Commercial Street
London E1 6LY
On the corner of Fournier Street and Commercial Street, opposite Old Spitalfields Market.
Nearest Tube Stations: Liverpool Street / Aldgate East
Phone: 020 7366 1721
