The lasting legacy of the 2012 Olympics is that London has now been left with a bloomin' lovely new public park. If you're looking to go exploring, you'll need somewhere to stop for a bite to eat and a refreshing drink, so here you can find a run down of the best bars to quench your thirst near the Olympic Park. There are many pubs within walking distance of the park and there are plenty more as you venture further into East London, so here's a selection of the best ones.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 19th May 2025
The Cow in Westfield Stratford, is a modern and welcoming gastro-pub and bar. It boasts stunning views of the Olympic park and is a great place for some food and a drink. With plenty of comfy sofas and bright decor, this is perfect pit stop. There is also a great selection of craft beers, lagers, ales and wines sourced from all corners of the globe.
The Leyton Star is just a short walk from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, serving up a private karaoke room and an outdoor terrace to boot. To top it off? Fine wines, craft beers and cocktails are all on the menu at this gorgeous spot.
Hackney's Lord Napier & Star is near to Olympic Park, fronting unique street graffiti art on its exterior, alongside cosy booths, a courtyard space and a rooftop terrace. Better yet, there's DJs come the weekends and plenty of Thai food from Krapow.
Head to Montfichet Road in Stratford or Covent Garden where you'll find Bat & Ball, a buzzing activity bar equipped with ping pong, pool, interactive darts and a private UV karaoke booth. Spread over two floors, it's a modern haunt that offers heaps of entertainment and is ideal for group nights out. Catch a DJ set on Friday or Saturday and come anytime to devour some delicious bites, such as Neapolitan pizzas and loaded nachos, plus house cocktails like the gin-based Lady Luck.
Located in the heart of Hackney Wick, Beer Merchants Tap is a superb boozer to frequent if you and your pals are looking for a chilled ambience and a huge selection of brews to choose from. Plus, you can also check out its pretty outside garden.
Boasting a welcoming atmosphere and a great view, then check out Riverside East in Stratford, found inside the park itself. This colourful two-storey venue features a bright, lively restaurant and bar, as well as a rooftop terrace upstairs.
There are delicious cocktails up for grabs here, as well as a tasty food menu that changes seasonally. They use sustainable ingredients to create everything from Buffalo chicken wings to dirty garlic bread - yum.
All Star Lanes in Westfield, Stratford is a big hit across London, amongst bowlers and drinkers alike. Featuring 14 state of the art bowling lanes, a mouth-watering selection of food, and some delicious cocktails, All Star Lanes is a great place to hang out after a visit to the Olympic Park and is well worth a visit for something a little different.
The Langthorne in Stratford centre, is a British pub serving up happily affordable classic pub dishes such as fish and chips, bangers and mash and a good old burger. To drink they have a range of cask ales, as well as lagers and wines all at very reasonable prices. This is a great choice for a bar near the Olympic Park.
Boasting a canalside beer garden right in the heart of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, The Lock Inn is one lovely spot to settle down for a drink or a bite to eat. Think burgers, pizzas and piled-high Sunday roasts, all washed down with cocktails and local craft beer.
For anyone looking for a unique spot to unwind or host an event in East London, Outpost London is the place to be. Situated within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this elegant venue combines a chic design with a relaxed atmosphere.
The interior features a Garden Room, perfect for enjoying a cocktail among hanging plants, and a Library area, ideal for more intimate moments. Outpost offers Italian-inspired stone-baked pizzas, vegan and vegetarian options, and a variety of sides, making it an ideal spot for dining and socialising.
It's one of East London's coolest spots and enjoys views over the Olympic Park, Roof East used to be a carpark but has now been transformed into a hot drinking spot. Available for private hire, this is the perfect place for a summer shindig.
