Paradise Row's railway arches, in walking distance of Victoria park and well connected to the rest of East London; but it's not just all that that Bethnal Green boasts. From working men's clubs and hidden cocktail bars, to romantic wine spots, we've come up with a guide to the best Bethnal Green bars you need to check out.
Hidden below The MacSmith's repair shop, The Natural Philosopher is all low lights, old school art and rich leather seating. It's the perfect place to escape the city, catch up with friends after work or add a touch of elegance to your next date night.
Its whisky list is the stuff of local legend, covering 24 bottles each chosen for their creativity and character. If that's not your thing, there's craft beer, classic cocktails and plenty more reasons to pull up a pew.
Offering a delicious array of Venezuelan-inspired cocktails, this friendly bar and restaurant in Bethnal Green is a go-to for authentic arepas, moreish rice bowls and an enticing drinks list, including a Caracas Old Fashioned and a rum-laced Arepito Sour.
Casual drinks in Bethnal Green with a pub twang? Let The Star be your guide. A great and laid-back haunt to grab a pint, try out a pub quiz or enjoy a meal in the heart of East London, stick around for one after work and find yourself leaving after three or four more.
Their food menu comes courtesy of Peck Peck, who have won multiple Wing Fest awards. They serve everything from hot honey wings to jerk chicken burgers and four cheese macaroni.
Head down to The Solo Bistro & Cocktail Bar, a well-kept secret nestled just a stone's throw from the vibrant neighbourhood of Bethnal Green. Settle down on their cosy rooftop terrace and indulge in a diverse selection of wines, craft beers, and classic cocktails such as espresso martinis, cosmopolitans, and tropical pina coladas.
Places to drink near Bethnal Green? The Crown is coming in strong with a combo of delicious food, craft booze and beautiful outdoor seating. Grab a spot on the rooftop snug or out the front of the Victoria Park pub and enjoy a variety of real ales and spirits as you tuck into seasonal dishes.
Inspired by the glamourous speakeasies of the 1930s, 135 Bar & Lounge is a cocktail-focused destination on Cambridge Heath Road. It provides a sophisticated atmosphere that's ideal for intimate drinks, with a cracking choice of premium spirits, liqueurs and fresh ingredients going into their drinks.
Expect vintage furniture, low lighting and Art Deco touches, with plush seating to relax in. What's more, weekends promise live music from local and international artists, alongside resident DJs playing the very best of jazz, blues, disco and soul.
A cool neighbourhood bar that serves both unique cocktails and London's largest selection of Irish whiskey, The Sun Tavern welcomes guests throughout the week. The stylish interiors are inspired by New York, featuring dark decor and brickwork that dates back to the 1850s.
Sip a pistachio and matcha-flavoured Joyride or the apricot and mezcal-based Pressure Drop, while grooving to live music or DJ sets. Peckish? They've also got a small plates menu, featuring the likes of whipped feta and hummus.
Nestled underneath the railway arches, Umbrella Cider House is a cool bar that acts as a taproom from Umbrella London's brewery next door. They serve some of the finest cider in the city, alongside alcoholic ginger beer and cocktails for under a tenner.
This is a cosy space filled with laid-back, minimalist decor, boasting an outdoor seating area too. There are free dartboards and pool tables on the entertainment front, and they regularly hosts events like comedy nights and pub quizzes.
