Best Bars in East London

From Dalston and Shoreditch to Spitalfields and Hoxton, this area houses some of the coolest nightlife joints and trendiest watering holes in the capital. Whether you're looking for a romantic date night spot, a couple of laidback drinks with mates or something a little different, you'll find them in our guide to the best bars in East London.

Last edited by Kiera Chapman

Last updated on 16th June 2025




Dovetail Bar - Clapton

Dovetail Bar is where Clapton's contemporary scene meets a touch of nostalgia. With its chic but comfortable atmosphere, it's the ideal destination for a night out with friends or a casual date night.

Expect expertly crafted cocktails, a wide selection of spirits, and a warm environment that makes every visit feel like home. We've got our eyes on the espresso martini for £11, made with salted espresso, and the spritzes that are available for £8 before 7pm, every day.

The Cocktail Club Old Street

Happy Hour 2025 and 2 other offers

Drawing inspiration from the best house parties, The Cocktail Club Old Street venue has an eclectic mix of decor - from a disco kitchen to a bedroom snug for sipping cocktails in an intimate space and even a games room complete with table football. Topping it off? An expansive open-plan dancefloor and the signature list of cocktails (a bartender's paradise that reflects over 15 years of the brand's expertise in theatrical, house and luxury drinks).

The London Fields

A rustic-looking venue in Hackney, The London Fields has turned a historic Victorian building into a bustling cocktail bar and restaurant. Expect dark wooden furnishings and long bench tables in this cool space.

They serve authentic Italian eats, including handmade wood-fired pizzas and freshly crafted pasta. There's a whole lot to choose from behind the bar as well, and they specialise in gin cocktails.

Dodici Pizze & The Black Horse

Cocktail Hour 6-7pm : 2 for £12 cocktails. and 4 other offers

Dodici Pizze & The Black Horse is a trendy neighbourhood bar in Walthamstow, fronting sleek, modern interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows and lots of luscious greenery. The tiled bar is whipping up everything from local craft beer to seasonal cocktails, and if you visit between 6 and 7pm you can enjoy two cocktails for £10.

There's a delicious Italian menu to choose from as well, specialising in artisan pizzas. Tuck into cheesy slices topped with truffle oil, spicy nduja or anchovies, paired with a fresh burrata salad.

OutPost London

Located near the heart of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Outpost London is a hidden gem offering a combination of great food, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere. Featuring a Garden Room adorned with hanging plants and a cosy Library area, it provides a perfect balance of elegance and comfort.

Whether enjoying a cocktail on the covered terrace with views of the East Bank development or tucking into an Italian-inspired stone-baked pizza, guests are treated to a delightful experience. 

Draughts Hackney

Looking for a little entertainment on your next night out? Then head to Draughts in Hackney, or their sister venue in Waterloo. There are hundreds of cracking board games to choose from here, as well as a shuffleboard table in the Dalston location. Expect multiple different cosy spaces to relax in, including a sunny beer garden, where you can also sip on two for £18 cocktails. Even better? There are scrumptious eats like pulled pork tacos, Beyond Meat cheeseburgers and pizza loaded waffle fries up for grabs too.

Bar 161

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.

La Bibliotheque

Cocktail Masterclass with Afternoon Tea

Nestled somewhere between Dalston, Shoreditch and Islington is La Bibliotheque, a fine dining restaurant and one of the best bars in East London if you're looking for an innovative Japanese drink. The creative cocktail menu 'The Journey' is crafted by Melissa Frangi and includes the likes of ukiyo rice vodka-based tokinoka.

Pretty Decent Victoria Park Taproom

Pretty Decent Victoria Park Taproom is the newest venue from Pretty Decent Beer Co, the East-London based brewery that's whipping up all sorts of lagers, stouts, sours and pale ales. They've got 12 different Czech side-pour taps to choose from, and they even offer £4 pints on Thursdays to showcase their new creations.

For those of you who don't like beer, they've also got low-intervention wines, cocktails, and even slushies. Relax in the cosy front bar, or head to the back for a lively beer hall - complete with long communal tables, foosball, retro arcade games and more.

135 Bar & Lounge

Situated between Stepney and Bethnal Green, 135 Bar & Lounge is a sleek, speakeasy-inspired lounge bar. Styled like its the 1930s, this sultry space promises plush seating, low lighting, vintage furniture and Art Deco interiors - taking you back to the golden age of cocktails.

They use all kinds of premium spirits, liqueurs and fresh ingredients to create their concoctions, with top wines and beers available too. Plus, you can catch live music and resident DJs every weekend - think jazz, blues, disco and soul.

Pineapple Xpress

If you're a rum lover, you're in for a treat. Bringing tropical vibes and jaw-dropping views to the heart of Shoreditch, Pineapple Xpress is a colourful Caribbean haven perfect for your next mate date. Make your way to this lush joint's top floor as the sun sets to sip on expertly crafted demon-water cocktails like the fruity Magnum Punch, the refreshing Lucky Luch and their signature Rum Punch.

Howling Hops Tank Bar

Happy Hour!

Find your way to Howling Hops Tank Bar, tucked away near Queen Elizabeth Park in Hackney Wick. This friendly brewery boasts cool industrial decor and low-hanging lights, making it the ideal spot for enjoying pints.

With ten massive tanks pouring a diverse lineup of beers right from their on-site brewery, you'll want to gather your pals in the spacious beer hall or the outdoor garden. Plus, savour the flavours of Latin fusion cuisine from La Cunbia, featuring tempting dishes like fries topped with pico de gallo.

Signature Brew Blackhorse Road

Core for 4 Tuesdays and 2 other offers

Signature Brew on Blackhorse Road is one of Walthamstow's finest bars - part of the Blackhorse Beer Mile. The industrial space also boasts an expansive outdoor area, and they host live music and resident DJs on a regular basis.

Choose from 12 lines of freshly brewed beer, or sample some local spirits and wines instead. What's more, 7 Bone Burgers are serving up juicy beef, chicken or plant-based patties, paired with wings and dirty fries.

Leyton Calling

East London tiki bar Leyton Calling is hidden away in the archways of Leyton Midland Station. The space is decked out in a 70's tropical Americana style, with cane furniture, hanging fishing nets and woven lanterns.

The drinks menu is similarly themed, from the Dutty Banana to an Espresso Mar-Tiki, and lime marmalade and prickly pear-flavoured margarita.

Cottons Bar

Sip N Tell Bar is a vibrant watering hole, nestled in the heart of Old Street. Here, guests are invited to indulge in eclectic quenchers that artfully meld the conventional with the extraordinary. Emanating an ambience reminiscent of a tropical haven, the bar serves innovative libations that redefine the boundaries of traditional mixology, featuring cocktails like Velvet Punch and Exotic Clear Colada.

Riverside East

If you're looking for somewhere to drink with a great view, then check out Riverside East in Stratford, situated inside the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This two-storey venue features a bright, colourful restaurant and bar, as well as a rooftop terrace upstairs.

Look out over the Thames while sipping cocktails, and be sure to sample their food menus too. These change seasonally, using sustainable ingredients to create everything from Buffalo chicken wings to dirty garlic bread.

Number 90

At No90, the music is just as much a part of the experience as the food and drinks. Whether it's live bands, DJ sets, themed parties, or eclectic events like bingo nights and film screenings, this venue is always buzzing with energy.

The three spaces - No90 Bar, No90 Hideout, and No90 Live - are each fitted with state-of-the-art sound systems, meaning every performance hits just right. If you're looking for a spot where the music, the people, and the atmosphere are always on point, No90 is your go-to for unforgettable nights in Hackney Wick.

The Natural Philosopher

Two for £16 on selected classics 6-8pm and 1 other offer

For a truly unique cocktail experience, The Natural Philosopher stands out from the crowd. This Hackney hideaway, run by award-winning bartender Josh Powell, has been crafting innovative, nature-inspired cocktails since 2019.

Using foraged ingredients and a monthly changing menu, the bar guarantees a new adventure with every visit. The setting? A cosy, plant-filled Victorian lounge, hidden behind an unassuming Mac Repair shop. Whether you're after a quirky date night, a chilled happy hour (6pm 'til 8pm, two for £16), or a private event space, this East London gem delivers charm, creativity, and serious cocktail craftsmanship.

The Book Club

2-4-1 WEDNESDAYS! and 2 other offers

Nestled in the heart of Shoreditch, The Book Club is a quintessential East London bar that fuses gritty charm with a playful spirit. Housed in a reimagined Victorian warehouse, this two-floor venue offers everything from cocktail-fuelled socialising to down-and-dirty basement club nights. 

Perfect for spontaneous weeknights or full-blown weekends, The Book Club represents everything people love about East London: creativity, character, and a bit of chaos.

The Victoria

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.

Swift Shoreditch

Swift Shoreditch is a popular cocktail bar located on Great Eastern Street sporting pretty European interiors and banquette seating. Open until midnight towards the end of the week, it's the perfect spot in town for a bespoke tipple or date night. Enjoy a signature rhubarb and custard tipple or its own Irish coffee, or venture into the extensive wine and beer lists.

The 1 Bar

The 1 Bar is a cool cocktail bar balancing vibrancy and cosiness from its City of London location near Liverpool Street. Home to live music and everything from fine wine to beers, it's still the venue's cocktails that shine - including The Encore (an orange marmalade-flavoured tequila mix) and the Spotlight Solace (featuring Teeling whiskey, pineapple, mango and bitters).

The Alchemist London - Bevis Marks

The Alchemist in Shoreditch is where theatrical cocktails meet industrial-chic vibes, creating an unforgettable drinking and dining experience. Nestled in one of London's most creative districts, this sleek venue is a haven for those who crave a touch of magic with their night out.

From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by an atmospheric blend of moody lighting, metallic accents, and an alchemy-inspired aesthetic that feels both edgy and enchanting. The bar's mixologists are true artisans, crafting molecular cocktails that fizz, smoke, and sparkle, turning every drink into a mini spectacle.

Signature Brew Haggerston

Found just a stone's throw from Regent's Canal, Signature Brew Haggerston is a top-notch taproom and live music venue that knows how to host a great night out. They've welcomed bands and artists like Mastodon, Alt-J, Mogwai and Frank Turner in the past, with regular quizzes and comedy performances taking place here too. They brew their very own pilsners, IPAs and more on site, which can be enjoyed in their exposed brick interiors or outdoors in their spacious beer garden.