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 Lauren Cole

Last updated on 23rd July 2024




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.

Renegade Urban Winery

Situated in Walthamstow, Renegade Urban Winery is a relaxed and welcoming bar that features casual outdoor space, a mezzanine for dining and tours of the winery below. Enjoy some of the best local vino as you look out over the wetlands, wile munching seasonal eats and charcuterie boards.

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.

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.

Mercato Ilford

MM ÂŁ5 Lunch Deal

The latest in the group's collection, Mercato Ilford has transformed a car park to create the area's first sustainable food market. This vibrant destination offers an inclusive, social atmosphere for the local community, flaunting 15 independent artisanal traders from all over the world. They host a number of brilliant events and workshops here as well, or just head down for after-work drinks, casual lunches and more.

The Alchemist London - Old Street

Enjoy a celebratory bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne on arrival for £75!

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.

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.

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.

The Cocktail Club Old Street

Happy Hour and 3 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).

La Bibliotheque

Bottomless brunch ÂŁ65 per person and 2 other offers

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.

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.