East London is one of the best places to grab a drink in an old traditional pub thanks to its olde heritage and British cluck. That being said, it's also is known for being killer in the quirky department, so we've also managed to find a few pubs with a slight twist to them. Revellers from all over London and beyond always head East for drinks so why not check out our hand-picked group of pubs in East London and start planning your perfect night out.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 16th December 2024
Situated in the heart of Forest Gate, The Cider House is a great shout for virtually any occasion. Boasting an outdoor space, cosy interior, projector and big screen, the family-run business also whips up unique cocktails and of course...a tonne of delish cider.
Experience a slice of London's history at The Gun in Spitalfields. The former home to King Henry VIII's weapons practice oozes a historic charm yet contemporary feel with its extensive collection of craft brews, industrial features and trendy East London crowd.
Located in the heart of Leyton, Mammoth Tap is more than just a plain ol' boozer. This hop-tastic joint is flaunting some of the city's tastiest pours from its small batched selection. If you're getting peckish, there are also regular food trucks that stop closeby.
If you're looking for a cosy pub to enjoy a good chinwag at, make way for Three Colts Tavern. Found a short walk from Bethnal Green tube station, this modern boozer boasts delicious cocktails alongside beer and ale, with weekly DJ nights and live music sessions too.
The Cherry E3 is a party pub that's impossible to miss. Step inside and you'll be greeted by the quirky decor - think motorcycles hanging on the walls and colourful fairy-lit branches over the bar. Not only is it an Instagram-worthy spot, but it's also a go-to for some seriously tasty sourdough pizzas served daily.
But wait, there's more: The Cherry E3 hosts epic drag shows, and lively quiz nights, and has a karaoke room ready to be booked, powered by Lucky Voice, so gather your mates for a sing-off.
The Cow is a rustic, traditional pub with a contemporary twist. Decorated with timber features, cute hanging lights and comfy seating, this Stratford gem is ideal for sinking hours into while tucking into quintessential British dishes and classic cocktails.
Step into the Wapping Tavern, a unique pub nestled in a restored old spice factory. This cosy spot is not just a place to grab a drink, but a hub of entertainment with a variety of activities, including pool, shuffleboard, table tennis, foosball, and arcade games. With 17 TVs and projectors, it's your go-to for all things sports. And when you're thirsty, choose from a wide selection of craft and international beers, cocktails, and a great wine list.
A historic boozer set across two floors, The Old Blue Last is one of the coolest independent venues in all of London. They've hosted some seriously iconic names over the years and serve affordable drinks in a stylish atmosphere with brick exteriors, roaring fireplaces, and dim lighting.
This spacious, friendly pub in East London is one of the coolest in the area. As part of the renowned Strongroom recording studio complex, it comes with a great cultural and creative heritage, with the added extras of mouthwatering burgers, dirty fries and plenty of booze.
In the heart of Clapton, you'll find one of the best pubs in East London, The Crooked Billet E5. Not only does it have a warming, vibrant atmosphere but it also dishes up cracking grub. Its Sunday roasts are one to look out for, with an excellent pumpkin, spinach and mushroom Wellington as its veggie option.
Any East Londoner with any self respect will know that Victoria Park is a true treasure. They'll also know that on the edge of the space is a wonderful pub by the name of People's Park Tavern, which almost matches its neighbour with the history, character and charm that it has stored up.
After Walthamstow pubs? The Bell is just the place to head to, thanks to its live sports screenings, welcoming vibe and range of premium gins, classic cocktails or cask ales to choose from. Whatever you want from your boozer, this venue has it.
The Star of the East can be found on Commercial Road only moments away from Docklands. It's a 19th-century pub that oozes charm and comes equipped with a secret garden, perfect for snuggling up in. Furnishing with wooden fixtures and pendant lighting, it's a pretty spot and its function rooms retain their original features.
Venture down for a weekend brunch, a cold beer or a delicious dinner for two. On the menu? Chicken wings with your choice of sauce, buffalo chicken burgers, Caesar salads and sourdough pizzas.
Headed far enough to enjoy the spoils of a drink in the Isle of Dogs? Then we've just the hardy, British name for you. Join The George for those all important casual pints as they come at their guests with a community friendly space, informal pub plates and more.
Brewhouse & Kitchen Hoxton is a cool East London pub nestled in three railway arches near the train station. As well as their own beer, the bar features over 70 brews, an enviable gin range, large spirit list and vast wine selection with the perfect menu of international bites to pair.
For some of the freshest beer that East London has to offer, head to 40ft Brewery in Dalston. These guys are slinging out thirst-quenching lagers, robust stouts and lots of unique craft beers, all created from the finest local ingredients and made using traditional and sustainable methods. Whether you're sipping pints inside the welcoming venue or soaking up the sun in their pretty garden, this place does not disappoint.
Perched on a corner of London Fields, this warm and welcoming pub offers a stunning spot to settle in after a walk around Hackney. Serving up fresh pints, a delicious weekday menu and some of the best roasts in East London it's one you won't want to miss.
Settle down in this East London boozer for plenty of pub grub, pints and live sport screenings. With beautiful interiors and a private karaoke room to boot, there's something for everyone at The Leyton Star, whether you fancy living it large with a mic in hand or kicking back in a comfy seat.
Situated in the lively heart of Haggerston, the Duke of York is a fun boozer with a rich history, staking its place as one of the oldest pubs in the area. Not only has it got super cosy interiors, but you can also soak up the sun on their terrace with a pint of craft beer in hand. Make sure to visit on a Sunday to try out one of their legendary roasts, but there's everything from chicken satay skewers to plant-based burgers up for grabs all week long as well.
Get yourself a pub that does both, AKA: The Pembury Tavern. Achieving top marks for its cosy vibes and incredible food, this place is hard to beat no matter what day of the week it is. Expect award-winning New York-inspired Neapolitan pizzas perfectly paired with craft beer from local brewing company Five Points. Toppings include double pepperoni, chilli honey and pink pickled onions – made better with one of their amazing crust dips.
For pubs in Stoke Newington, The Jolly Butchers is one of the very best. Think real ales, craft cider and more to wash down a lineup of hearty gastro classics. Better yet, drinks are of a locally brewed leaning and change seasonally.
With a gorgeous constellations theme and lots of fun and games, The Heathcote and Star is a great Leyton boozer. Along with food from various London pop-ups, this brilliant East London pub has table tennis, ping pong and an amazing selection of beer.
If you're looking for a top notch boozer in Homerton, The Adam & Eve have you covered. Not only do they boast a quirky interior with random artworks all over the walls, but also a pretty garden and a delicious menu of Greek food from kitchen residents Essi - whipping up everything from lamb chops to sardines with Cypriot butter beans or smoked aubergine.
The Cat and Mutton is an atmospheric East London pub a stone's throw from London Fields and Broadway Market. With gorgeous old interiors, hearty British food and brilliant real ales and IPAs, this one place that's perfect for everything from Sunday lunch to Saturday sessions.
Whether you fancy freshly pulled pints, full-bodied glasses of wine or cracking cocktails, O'Neill's in Leytonstone is a fantastic shout. Enjoy slinging back drinks and munching on comfort eats while checking out live music events and its gorgeous garden space.
Wondering what makes this one of the best pubs in East London? Not only known for their gin selection, craft beer and whopping plates, Hand Of Glory is quirky as them come thanks to folk, witchcraft and artsy led interiors that make for an unforgettable experience.
Just a short walk from City Airport, Fox Connaught is one of the best pubs in East London. A hidden gem in the heart E16, the venue boasts a lush outdoor space and some delicious food, alongside 17 comfortable rooms upstairs.
One of the best pubs in East London offering traditional pub grub at a reasonable price is The Sportsman. Located only a two minute stroll from Stratford, catch live games shown across HD screens and enjoy a proper pint along with scrumptious fish and chips.
Howl at the Moon is all sorts of cute, from the pews that make up the seating area through to the eclectic decor and foliage dotted around the venue. The food is top notch too, with affordable burgers and salads, all washed down by a pint of locally-brewed beer.
The Prince of Wales is an elegant pub that rests elegantly on the bank of the River Lea in Clapton. During the summer months, this East London pub is a haven for waterside cocktail sipping, while the hearty Sunday roast and menu of pub classics is ideal for when temperatures drop.
The Draft House Seething in Tower Hill is a cool and contemporary East London pub with industrial style interiors, wooden interiors and colourful leather. What makes this place even better? The collection of world beers, local London brews and hearty American-style plates.
A hidden gem in Whitechapel, Leman Street Tavern is one of the most surprisingly sophisticated pubs in East London. Primed for gastro meals and whisky lovers, this place is ideal for laid back after work drinks, group hangouts and private hire parties aplenty.
East London boozer The Star of Bethnal Green is a cut above the rest, thanks to striking interiors and a lineup of super fun events to enjoy. From drinks festivals and tastings to DJ sets and karaoke, its got you covered for every kind of night.
Part pub, part parlour room; this East London gem boasts fresh interiors with classic pub charm. Nestled just opposite Victoria park, it's the perfect location for an ad-hoc alcoholic drink or lazy Sunday session, with plenty of classic British dishes if you feel hungry while you're there.
With a unique street graffiti art exterior and cool artwork, Lord Napier & Star is definitely a spot to visit in East London. Boasting an epic food menu, along with a large roof terrace, plenty of seating space over two floors, this is great for chilled drinks with mates or events alike.
Looking for a family-run pub with amazing food? That's where The Angel Of Bow comes in, with a venue that's been around since 1938. This independent boozer boasts roaring fireplaces, lots of greenery and all kinds of trinkets hanging on the walls. They prepare a whopping 98% of food on site, ranging from buffalo chicken burgers to bavette steak or vegan sausages and mash - washed down by craft beer from local East London breweries.
Located in Moorgate, Singer Tavern is the perfect spot for after-work drinks and gastro eats, as well as creative concoctions in their basement cocktail bar courtesy of 5CC. Immerse yourself in their contemporary wooden interiors, complete with plants, hanging lights and colourful tiled walls, while you sip refreshing pints and tuck into the likes of smash burgers and butternut squash tagliatelle.
When it comes to a finding a classic East London boozer, The Victoria is oozing with history and has a welcoming atmosphere to boot. Head on down to Mile End for cosy pub lunches, with a unique seafood menu of sustainably-sourced delicacies from English ports.
A Hackney hangout oozing 90s stylings, old school furniture with a shabby-chic decor. This traditional British pub plot is an East End punter pleaser with it's rough 'n' ready interior, glorious grub and ample beer selection to be enjoyed indoors or alfresco on the terrace space.
When it comes to Walthamstow pubs, The Goose has to be right up there for traditional vibes, live sports and a beer garden complete with its own mini bar. Not only can you expect to tuck into mix 'n' match small plates, burgers, grill dishes and British classics, but there's plenty of affordable drinks besides.
The Windjammer is only moments from Pontoon Dock, offering white glossy tiles, dangling plants and a bright, modern space to dine in or enjoy a crisp pint of beer. Head to this lofty and luscious space to tuck into an array of food, such as creamy burrata, dirty fries and crispy calamari, or meet your friends on a Sunday here for a hearty roast.
A cutesy plot just shy of Shoreditch High Street, The Owl and Pussycat is prime East London pubbing. Not only known for their affordable grub and vintage-inspired interiors, this half-rickety joint boasts a menagerie of London draught beer alongside a petite beer garden.
Looking for a brew-tiful time in Isle of Dogs? Pepper Street Tavern is a cosy East London pub boasting epic views of Millwall Dock. As for entertainment, they've got 16 screens to watch sports, plus a game room filled with arcade games, pool, and foosball. With 20 taps of craft brews, cider, lager, and delicious New York-style pizzas on offer, you'll never go hungry here.
Wander up or down Kingsland Road and you'll soon stumble upon this centuries-old boozer and its welcoming charm. The Crown and Castle is the perfect place to hit up for a craft beer, whisky or even a cocktail like a negroni thanks to its talented bar staff on hand with a passion for mixology. It also makes a great haunt to bring your mates to watch sports, as its walls are scattered with glossy TVs showing all the latest fixtures.
Head over to Walthamstow High Street and you'll find one of the best pubs in East London. The Chequers fronts an epic array of craft beers from home and abroad, as well as an ever-changing cocktail menu and a selection of tasty pizzas and bar snacks.
If you're looking for a new local, head to this east London pub where you'll be greeted with cosy leather sofas, a warming atmosphere and an inviting menu. Serving up Middle Eastern-inspired from Slow Fire London, Sunday roasts and thirst-quenching drinks, you'll be well fed and watered.
Sitting just shy of Liverpool Street, those of you that fancy a traditional pub in East London should look no farther than the unequivocally British, Dirty Dicks. Brimming with gastro bites and draught beers in a wood clad setting, this haunt is ideal for lazy nights out.
Head to Larkshall in East London to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and classic offering of a traditional pub. Found just a stone's throw from Chingford overground station, this relaxed spot is whipping up speciality steaks and Sunday roasts to go with your pints.
Boasting exposed brick interiors, craft beer brewed on site and TV screens for all the live sporting action, Queen's Head in Shoreditch is a top choice of East London boozers. As well as their collection of signature cocktails, these guys offer tasty eats like flat-iron steak, plant-based burgers and sumptuous Sunday roasts.
Beautifully decorated with vintage signs, quaint antiques and vibrant furniture, The Grocer offers East London pub crowds a great spot to unwind in Spitalfields. Complementing the menu of heart dishes and British classics, think delicious steaks, flavoursome pies and fresh fish & chips.
The Bunch of Grapes on Lime Street is a cosy pub that boasts award-winning pies and classy interiors. You'll find wooden furnishings galore here, as well as dangling chandeliers and rich, burgundy-coloured ceilings. It's a fabulous place to visit for a bit of hearty grub, such as baked macaroni cheese, or chicken and truffled oyster mushroom pie washed down with a crisp pint.
Among shabby-chic interiors and altered portraits, you'll find a renovated bar that oozes charm in the heart of Shoreditch. Well And Bucket also offers a secluded secret garden to hide away in with a pint of larger, craft beer or one of its signature Bondi margaritas. It's home to some scrumptious Sunday roasts and bloody marys, as well as a tempting oyster happy hour on weekdays from 5pm 'til 6pm, where you can bag them for £2 a pop.
Looking for a cool pub in Bethnal Green? Royal Oak is certainly at the top of the list. From the stylish, modern interiors and excellent drinks list to the enviable menu of British bites, you can see why this one's so popular.
Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock, The Birds is a charming East London hideaway that combines pub and restaurant vibes. With a beer garden, large indoor eating area and plenty of craft beer behind the bar, this Leytonstone spot has everything you need for a trip to your local boozer.
The Vic's longstanding reputation for live music speaks for itself. Welcoming music fans of all genres through their doors down the years, the pub today fronts an exciting gastropub vibe with classic cocktails, locally brewed beers, rotating menus in the kitchen and chilled-out ambiance.
Balls Brothers Austin Friars is an extensive East London pub, ideal for business meetings, informal office parties or meals out with friends. When it comes to the menu, expect an extensive wine list from across the globe alongside a menu of light bites to complement the drinks.
Hidden amidst the Victorian terraces of Coborn Road, this prized East London pub is a charming haunt for any occasion. Swing by to explore the classic pub food on the menu and a drinks line-up showcasing award-winning cask ales, craft beers and wines from around the world.
