CityBird's Where To Drink Tonight: The Gable, Moorgate

There's only one place that Chris Tarrant would be found on a Wednesday night – and that's The Gable on Moorgate. (He was paid to be there for a corporate do, natch, but it seems like his kinda place anyway – cheap and cheerful.) 

The pub, part of the Balls Brothers chain, has all the usual bells and whistles of a City pub: two big screens for watching football/Olympics/the Open, champagne breakfasts, and even a Nintendo Wii to let off some steam after work. A major plus point is that the bar is longer than most, so if you find yourself making awkward conversation with that junior in your office while waiting, just sidle further down. 

Happy hour runs from 5pm until 8pm, which means 50% off ALL drink and platters. That basically means dinner and a drink for under a tenner, plus it's within stumbling distance of Abacus for party times later on. Or – stay as you please at The Gable, as it’s open until an eye-watering 3am on Friday nights. 

Things I learned from this stylish City pub – Chris Tarrant still trades off Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, and weirdly people are still quite impressed by him. Oh, and the buffet food it does is pretty decent. 

Other pubs in the area that might tickle your fancy… 

• The Globe, Moorgate – I once lied to a friend and said this was where William Shakespeare used to drink. Not true, it’s just a run-of-the-mill sticky-floored pub with cheap ale that gets proper rowdy on a Thursday.
• The Anthologist, Gresham Street – Quirky, fun and has good tunes. Downside is it’s overpriced.
• All Bar One, Finsbury Pavement – You know what to expect.
• Babble City, London Wall – If you REALLY fancy going out, head to Babble City. Until 7.30pm all cocktails are only £4.50, but pretend to feel very, very bad about yourself.

Got any better suggestions? Let me know below.