Best Pubs in East London

After a classic British pub experience in the city? Step forward The George, a classic boozer offering a warm embrace with its original interiors and comfort food dishes. Step back in time into a venue bedecked with oak-panelled walls and a crafted Victorian ceiling; it’s a nice spot to unwind with a drink or to indulge in a full English roast come Sunday. There’s plenty of plasma and 3D screens for the sport, and the venue can be hired privately.

The Vic’s longstanding reputation for memorable live music nights speaks for itself. Welcoming music fans of all genres through their doors down the years, pop in today and you’ll find an exciting gastropub vibe is to be enjoyed by the same token. The music plays on, but there’s also a fine choice of classic cocktails, locally brewed beers, rotating menus in the kitchen and a friendly atmosphere.

Hidden amidst the Victorian terraces of Coborn Road, this prized pub is one of the gems in the Young’s crown. A characterful, charming pub with great service and a lovely atmosphere, there’s freshly prepared pub classic food on the menu and a drinks line-up showcasing award-winning cask ales, craft beers and wines from around the world. Shuffle in for a few drinks after work or come by for a roast the weekends, it’s a friendly boozer for any occasion.

This East London boozer is a punter playground of great beers, foods and entertainment set across 2 floors of cosy wooden comforts. Decked out with mish-mashed furniture sets from retro inspired living rooms, The Star of Bethnal Green is a traditional pub for leisurely daytime drinking or extended evening affairs. 

A beer haven with craft labels like Pressure Drop, Truman’s, Camden Brewery, 5 Points Brewery and Brooklyn Brewery all gracing the bar. Second to this, the Jackdaw and Star serves up some good, hearty nosh with the folks behind Sugarshack in the kitchen plating up mighty smoked meats, classic pub grub dishes and some lovely dessert offerings. 

A hidden gem in Whitechapel, Leman Street Tavern is one of the most surprisingly sophisticated pubs in East London. Primed for gastro meals and whisky lovers, Leman is ideal for laid back drinks and private hire parties aplenty. 

Three Compasses is a charming pub in Dalston that doesn't conform to what you'd typically expect from a popular pub in zone two. It isn't a super-chic hipster parade with a microbrewery and a room for stroking cats; it takes a much more simple approach - focusing on serving up some of the best burgers in London, pouring the finest ales, offering a plethora of board games, and boasts some of the friendliest bar folk around. 

A cutesy plot just shy of Shoreditch High Street, The Owl and Pussycat is prime East London pubbing. Not only known for their affordable pub grub and cutesy, vintage inspired interiors, this half-rickety joint boasts a menagerie of London draught beer alongside a petite beer garden. 

There aren't many pubs in London quite so as historic as the iconic Ten Bells in Spitalfields. This prized East London boozer has been around since the 18th century, and even has ties to the gruesome tales of Jack the Ripper - but don't let that put you off; head over for delicious craft beers, select spirits and punchy cocktails in their secret upstairs den. 

Beautifully decorated with vintage signs, quaint antiques and vibrant furniture, The Grocer offers East London's exhausted crowds a great spot to unwind and escape the bustle of the capital. Complementing the menu of heart dishes and British classics - think delicious steaks, flavoursome pies and fresh fish & chips - the bar is stock full of all your favourite beverages. From ice-cold craft beer to the finest international spirits available, you definitely won't be disappointed by this Spitalfields watering hole. 

A Hackney hangout oozing 90s stylings, old school furniture with a shabby-chic decor. This traditional British pub plot is an East End punter pleaser with it's rough 'n' ready interior, glorious grub and ample beer selection. Sit back with a pint in the large garden terrace or even hire out one of the rooms for a private party experience in an authentic London boozer. 

The Prince of Wales in Clapton is an elegant pub that rests elegantly on the bank of the River Lea. With a serene colour tone running through the entire venue, a cosy fire place and quaint antiques spread across the entire venue, it offers East London's locals an easy going atmosphere to unwind and recharge in. Come the summer month, the pub's riverside tables and various outdoor seating areas come to life, attracting guests from across London who are all looking for a lazy way to spend their hot weekends.

Established in 1729, The Cat and Mutton is an atmospheric East London boozer a stone's throw from London Fields and Broadway Market. With gorgeous old interiors, hearty British pub food and brilliant real ales and IPAs, this one place that's perfect for everything from Sunday lunch to a Saturday session.

Any East Londoner with any self respect will know that Victoria Park is a true treasure. They'll also know that on the edge of Victoria Park is the wonderful People's Park Tavern, which almost matches the park with the amount of history, character and charm that it has stored up. Make a trip to this pub for great food, home brewed ales and the best beer garden you'll find for miles.

Sitting just shy of Liverpool Street, those of you that fancy a traditional pub in East London should look no farther than the unequivocally British, Dirty Dicks. Brimming with gastro bites and draught beers in a wood clad setting, this haunt is ideal for lazy nights out.  

Part pub, part parlour room; this East end gem boasts fresh as a daisy décor with classic pub charm. Nestled just opposite Victoria park, it's the perfect location for an ad-hoc alcoholic drink or lazy Sunday session. Traditional pub grub with a twist is their chosen cuisine, and boy do they do it well! 

Headed far enough to enjoy the spoils of a drink in the Isle of Dogs? Then we've just the hardy, British name for you. Join The George for those all important casual pints as they come at their guests with a community friendly space, informal pub plates and more.

When it comes to a classic, East London boozer, not only does The Victoria have the history, it has atmosphere to boot. Head on down for cosy lunches, craft beer, a cocktail bar and plenty more. 

Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock, The Birds is a charming East London boozer that combines pub and restaurant. With a beer garden, large indoor eating area and plenty of craft beer, this Leytonstone spot has everything you need for a trip to your local.

Wondering what makes Hand of Glory one of the best pubs in East London? Not only known for their gin selection, craft beer and whopping plates, Hand Of Glory is quirky as them come thanks to folk, witchcraft and artsy led interiors.

In a very special location next to The Olympic Park, The Cow is a rustic, traditional pub with a contemporary twist. Providing safe haven to dedicated shoppers and locals alike, it's easy to while away the hours in this great place. Decorated with timber features, cute hanging lights and fun little tea-towel style chair backs; this is a classic place with a twist. Serving excellent craft beers and pub grub, this is one not to miss!