Best Bars in East London

Fun East London bars? Barrio has got to be one of the most entertaining party spots and a brilliant place to let your hair down whilst enjoying delicious cocktails. With South American-themed drinks and colourful furnishings, this hangout's a strong shout for an after-work drink or two.  

If outdoor bars in East London are what you're after, then La Terraza certainly fits the bill. Whipping up jugs of sangria and cocktails, alongside an extensive choice of wine or beers, this spot has everything you need to wash down your tapas.

As well as being famed for its live music programme that stretches back three decades, this Dalston boozer also pours up delicious cocktails, local craft beer and global wines. The Victoria's kitchen hosts pop-up chefs so there's always something fresh and exciting to keep hunger at bay.

This East London bar is a Brick Lane favourite, boasting a wide array of cocktails, beers and wines, as well as a large alfresco terrace space. Enjoy some alfresco boozing during the day before listening to talented DJs spin a soundtrack of indie, hip hop and retro classics. 

Laden with ping pong tables and offering lush cocktails, SINK is where music and good times come together. If table tennis isn't your thing, why not take things up a notch with a game of beer pong? They also play host to fantastic live music gigs and events that'll blow you away.

With a sophisticated interior and two beautiful outdoor spaces, Devonshire Terrace is one of the best places to drink in East London. The wine menu is the main attraction with a huge selection to choose from, whilst the chic decor will make any night or day feel exclusive.

Can't decide what to eat? Head to one of the best restaurants in Canary Wharf and get ready to chow down on scrumptious sushi, tacos, fried chicken and dumplings while also leaving room for a few drinks at its two fully-stocked bars on-site.

Arguably East London's best rooftop, Skylight is open all year round, offering panoramic views over the city's skyline. Come for alfresco games and a laidback atmosphere during the summer or check out their ice rink come winter.

A boozer with entertainment, London Shuffle is whipping up handmade pizzas, craft brews and shuffleboard fun. Sorting out your evening from start to finish, the venue has a number of tables and lanes both indoors and outside.

Head over to Liverpool Street where this unique cocktail spot is fronting a massive range of quality mixes for you to enjoy. And if you're looking to get more hands-on with your drinks? They've also got a fun and phenomenal masterclass.

Fancy an evening of delicious tipples? Situated in London Fields, Bar 161 is a supreme spot for cocktails - think blood orange margaritas, espresso martinis and classic negronis. Plus the venue provides an intimate ambience - fab for first dates.

Start your evening with a professionally mixed imbibe here, before dancing your way through the night. Loves Company is definitely no shrinking violet, with weird and wonderful decorations and excellent music that's anything but tame.

When it comes to East London joints, Colours Hoxton is a top choice. Whether you're popping in for £5 cocktails from 5pm to 9pm between Wednesday and Friday or, heading to one of the bottomless brunches and live music gigs, this impressive venue is sure to hit the spot.

Situated a hop, skip and a jump away from Monument, Dirty Martini is a subterranean cocktail bar oozing style. Come after work when there's some great drinks deals to snap up, pop in later to get the night started with some tipples or stay till close bopping to top hits.

Trapeze is a popular choice for nights out in Shoreditch, with quirky decor and popping tunes to keep you dancing till the early hours. On the ground floor, you'll find a creative cocktail list and impressive circus performances, while downstairs you'll encounter some of the finest DJs every weekend.

The Hoxton Seven is a cracking late-night bar with a lively air and some fruity drinks to boot. Slink downstairs to the basement where DJs set the vibe with classic dance tunes to get the party started or head over earlier and hit up their happy hour.

A hands-on immersive cocktail experience, Hackney Funhouse's ABQ event will see you creating some of the finest molecular concoctions around. Suit up in your hazmat and take to your own RV where you'll be cooking up seriously spectacular creations.

A fun pop-up bar in East London, Brick Lane Tap Room is one of the best places to find yourself this summer. Rock up to their Spitalfields haunt and you'll find craft pints aplenty and a menu of delicious New York-inspired eats.

Hidden behind an actual working Mac repair shop, this unique London cocktail bar is one of the city's most unique hidden watering holes. Specialising in herbal elements and foraged ingredients, it's a stunning place for those looking for a more unusual sipping experience.

Get on down to Mercato Metropolitano - Wood Wharf to enjoy a fabulous selection of tasty tipples by the river. What's up for grabs? Heady, sustainable cocktails and lip-smacking craft beers, which you can enjoy alongside a diverse range of street food.

Make your way to East London for tasty bevvies and non-stop tunes at Lucky Voice Liverpool Street. This crackin' venue has a boatload of karaoke rooms, alongside live DJ sets. And to quench your thirst? There are lip-smacking cocktails at the bar (that can be delivered to your booth too).

Going from bright and colourful art-clad walls to broody low-lit nooks, Dream Bags Jaguar Shoes has a regularly changing interior. Cool decor is paired with unusual serves, seasonal cocktails and a buzzy atmosphere that only intensifies come the weekend when the party moves downstairs.

Named as one of the world's best cocktail bars, Coupette is a haven for all things French. With a menu of unique libations, such as maple Americanos and Champagne pina coladas, this watering hole in Bethnal Green screams European elegance. 

Don't get us wrong: Ruby's may not be easy to find or get into, but those that do are in for a treat. Set on Stoke Newington Road, this romantic bar is ideal for an intimate evening with your boo. Expect skillfully crafted cocktails and speakeasy vibes.

Charming drinkers with giant maypoles, wicker masks and brass icons galore, Hand Of Glory is serving up something a little different. Plonk yourself at a table and prepare for a feast; there's a rotating menu of culinary delights and plenty of ciders, craft beers and home-infused gins.

Searching for delightful places to drink in East London? Head to PIVO for pints of beer from small breweries in Prague as well as traditional Czech dishes if you get a bit peckish - we mean meatball gratins and confit duck legs.

Situated close to Dalston Junction station is Farr's School of Dancing, a quirky bar perfect for a few tipples after work or for a first date. Head to the spot and check out its cinema seating on the first floor or check out its swish cocktail bar in the basement.

Situated on Macclesfield Road in Shoreditch, NHow London is an East gem that's sure to impress. Venture inside the quirky venue, where you'll be able to enjoy lip-smackin' bevvies, followed by some mouthwatering plates of British and Italian-inspired grub.

Nestled within Wapping, The Turks Head is a charming historic pub boasting a stylish outdoor seating area. Head to this East London gem for a few brews or tuck into a menu of French and English-inspired scran.

Situated within the best-loved Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch, NAMI Bar is the ideal stop-off for those of you seeking a top-notch East boozer. Grab your pals to make your way inside, where you'll be met with walls covered in wacky street art, alongside plenty of Asian food and drink.

Not only does Nightjar concoct some of the most theatrical cocktails around, but they're also one of the best speakeasies in London. Grab a table in the glamorous setting and enjoy a memorable evening of unique libations made using ingredients such as savoury sand and banana bread beer. 

Looking for the best places to drink in East London? Head to Shoreditch where you'll find Hijingo, a wacky and wonderful bar and bingo club. Tokyo Nights-inspired, this spot will wow you with its impressive video, music, lights and sound offerings.

Located smack bang in the middle of Shoreditch's social hub and the streets of Bethnal Green, The Cocktail Club is your go-to for a unique sip. Choose between quirky creations like rose petal martinis and jam jar daiquiris before sitting back and taking in the sultry environment until the party starts.

Searching for East London boozers? Quaint and stylish, The Long Lane is ideal for business meetings, cute date nights and quick lunches. Munch on small plates of burrata and pork belly while sipping on their array of signature cocktails.

This urban oasis is easily one of the best places to drink in East London, offering a heated and covered garden that also happens to welcome pets. When it comes to entertainment? Expect sports fixtures on the big screen, rounds of pool and live DJs when the weekend rolls around.

One of the best watering whole on this side of the city, East London Liquor Company not only has a cool, converted warehouse location, but also an outdoor terrace too. Better yet, the distillery bar stirs up a load of whisky and gin cocktails.

Situated in Pan Pacific London on Liverpool Street, Silverleaf is a luxury East spot worth visiting. Head inside for bespoke concoctions which are inspired by symbols, major ingredients and are also clarified to have a pretty transparent presentation. Need we say more?

Searching for haunts in Shoreditch? The Macbeth is coming in hot with delicious tipples - think espresso martinis, yuzu margaritas and ginger brambles, alongside scrumptious bar snacks. Plus, the spot boasts sleek decor, complete with leather booths and nods to Shakespeare.

Found in the Pan Pacific London hotel on Liverpool Street, Ginger Lily is a gorgeous Singaporean-style speakeasy touting sultry interiors. To top it off? There's also a crackin' selection of food and drink. Including a Wilson, boasting pineapple rum, coconut and citrus. 

When it comes to rooftop bars in East London, Pergola on The Wharf is one of our favourites. Make your way through the idyllic gardens above Crossrail Place to uncover the gorgeous venue, where Friday DJ nights, bottomless brunches and cocktails await.

A cosy candlelit pub downstairs and a secret cocktail den upstairs: The Ten Bells is a traditional London boozer with a twist. Retire to a Chesterfield sofa and sink a few craft pints or venture to the first floor for a heady old fashioned in suave surroundings. 

Join Moonshine Saloon for an evening of liquor smuggling and cocktail swigging at their immersive Liverpool Street bar. Set in the Wild West, the experience will see you donning cowboy hats and meeting shady characters.

Undoubtedly one of the best bars in East London, Callooh Callay is an experimental cocktail haunt. Boasting renowned signature tipples, a great atmosphere and a gorgeous secret room, this beauty is perfect for a date night.

Apples and Pears is a cocktail bar in East London that merges relaxed evenings with raucous club nights. Along with various live music performances during the week, the hangout also plays a range of funk, soul and old school hip hop songs.

Nestled at the top of Hackney Road, the Looking Glass Cocktail Club is a secret watering hole boasting vintage decor, Victorian opulence and expertly mixed libations. Step behind an actual mirror for regularly changing tipples and an evening you won't forget.

Jin Bo Law is one of Aldgate's prettiest bars, both inside and out. Located on the 14th floor of Dorsett City Hotel, the sky-high stunner has a summer-perfect roof terrace, bright and colourful interiors and an all-too-drinkable cocktail list.

One of the best bars in East London, this unique offering in the heart of The City promises is a slap-up selection of craft beers and fine wines, alongside tasty pub grub and a large, heated beer garden.

Trafik is up there for places to drink and dance in London. Music is at the heart of this late-night bar, touting a turbo sound system and a line-up of DJs spinning underground hits pretty much every night of the week. 

Where to drink in East London? On the corner of Hoxton Square, Gigi's is a popular choice, bringing you a winning combination of eating, drinking and dancing. A top spot for a night out with friends, this one's known for hosting big names such as Kraftwerk and Little Mix.

Out of the best bars in Shoreditch, Roxanne is one of our favourites. This cool spot combines speakeasy vibes with laid-back hip hop culture, including vintage velvet sofas, original wood floors, vinyl and DJs on weekends.

This East London bar is dedicated to Hollywood legend Steve McQueen and packs three rather impressive punches - a restaurant, bar and club. That is not all. Q Shoreditch is also the home of live music and popular comedy nights.

The Shoreditch is on the front line of East London's bustling entertainment and cultural scene. Based across two floors, the lounge bar transforms into a full-frontal party as the night goes on, complete with disco bangers and dance hits.

A classy place to drink around East London, Aviary is an impressive rooftop bar. Take your pick from a vast selection of Champagne, spirits and cocktails before taking in the jaw-dropping panoramic views from this heated terrace on the 10th floor.

Showcasing brilliant quiz nights and a beaut beer garden, Hackney Church Brew Co is a great shout. The venue flaunts a list of 6 classic brews, alongside scrumptious Indian food from Masterchef star, Aaron Thomas - think goat curry and tikka masala.

For those looking for a cool bar in East London, be sure to head to The Alchemist on Old Street or in Canary Wharf. This much-loved chain not only offers some of the most epic drinks in the city with their molecular mixology, but they also have a great space to catch up with friends.

From Waterloo to Shoreditch, Tonight Josephine is painting the town pink. You'll find Insta-worthy interiors, pretty cocktails and a high octane vibe to take you from after-work drinks to midnight antics at the weekend.

When it comes to cheap drinks in East London, you can't beat Simmons. The kitsch Liverpool Street boozer has award-winning happy hours that'll have you sipping on £2.50 G&Ts and bottles of beer from 4pm to 6pm everyday, except Saturday.

Lizard Lounge Cocktails & Kitchen is an East London watering hole worth remembering. Not only do they have two fantastic bars that whip up the most refreshing bevvies, but they also have vinyl DJs on the decks until 1am on a Thursday, and 'til 2am on a Friday or Saturday.

This Walthamstow taproom is serving up some of the best craft beer in East London. Exale pride themselves on producing nothing but quality pints, and you can find 10 taps of the stuff at their wetlands-adjacent HQ, alongside cocktails, DJs and live tasting events throughout the year.

Housed in a former bank by Spitalfields Market, The Bar Downstairs shakes up some of East London's coolest cocktails. Created by the team behind Blixen and Three Sheets, this basement treasure trove is a haven for those after curious sips and achingly stylish interiors.

With a speakeasy style, plush velvet furnishings and an exciting cocktail menu, Casa Blue is fantastic multifaceted pub. Whether you're in need of somewhere for a catch-up or a fun night out, this place has got you sorted.

Fancy an evening with sky-high sips? Head to Dalston Roofpark for a fabulous rooftop bar, complete with cocktails and food from BEER + BURGER. If that wasn't enough, you can check out their wonderful events, which range from bottomless brunches to DJ sets.

Located in Clapton, A Slice of Blue is a great shout when it comes to restaurant bars. Not only can you sip on delish cocktails such as dry martinis and margaritas, but you'll get to chomp on some seriously sumptuous oven-baked pizzas.