The Minories

Built into the arches beneath the Fenchurch Street railway viaduct, The Minories may occupy part of the former Minories station, which closed in 1873. The street itself takes its name from the Minoresses — an order of nuns who established an abbey outside the City walls in 1293. Inside, the vaulted brick ceiling and flagstone floor give it the feel of a crypt that serves lager. It's dark, which works better in winter than summer, but there's a beer garden out back if you need daylight. First station on the route — settle in, because the pace picks up from here.