East London is one of the best places to grab a drink in an old traditional pub thanks to its olde heritage and British cluck. That being said, it's also is known for being killer in the quirky department, so we've also managed to find a few pubs with a slight twist to them. Revellers from all over London and beyond always head East for drinks so why not check out our hand-picked group of pubs in East London and start planning your perfect night out.
Last updated on 13th March 2023
Inspired by Alfred Hitchcock, The Birds is a charming East London hideaway that combines pub and restaurant vibes. With a beer garden, large indoor eating area and plenty of craft beer behind the bar, this Leytonstone spot has everything you need for a trip to your local boozer.
When it comes to a finding a classic East London boozer, The Victoria is oozing with history and has a welcoming atmosphere to boot. Head on down to Mile End for cosy pub lunches, with a unique seafood menu of sustainably-sourced delicacies from English ports.
Perched on a corner of London Fields, this warm and welcoming pub offers a stunning spot to settle in after a walk around Hackney. Serving up fresh pints, a delicious weekday menu and some of the best roasts in East London it's one you won't want to miss.
Situated in the heart of Forest Gate, The Cider House is a great shout for virtually any occasion. Boasting an outdoor space, cosy interior, projector and big screen, the family-run business also whips up unique cocktails and of course...a tonne of delish cider.
For pubs in Stoke Newington, The Jolly Butchers is one of the very best. Think real ales, craft cider and more to wash down a lineup of hearty gastro classics. Better yet, drinks are of a locally brewed leaning and change seasonally.
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 the space is a wonderful pub by the name of People's Park Tavern, which almost matches its neighbour with the history, character and charm that it has stored up.
Looking for a cool pub in Bethnal Green? Royal Oak is certainly at the top of the list. From the stylish, modern interiors and excellent drinks list to the enviable menu of British bites, you can see why this one's so popular.
Located in the heart of Leyton, Mammoth Tap is more than just a plain ol' boozer. This hop-tastic joint is flaunting some of the city's tastiest pours from its small batched selection. If you're getting peckish, there are also regular food trucks that stop closeby.
Armed with a fantastic selection of beers and ales, as well as a kitchen residency that serves up mouthwatering Greek street food, William the Fourth is one of Leyton's top boozers. It also features a gorgeous beer garden and screens for those on the hunt for live sports.
Part pub, part parlour room; this East London gem boasts fresh interiors with classic pub charm. Nestled just opposite Victoria park, it's the perfect location for an ad-hoc alcoholic drink or lazy Sunday session, with plenty of classic British dishes if you feel hungry while you're there.
The Cow is a rustic, traditional pub with a contemporary twist. Decorated with timber features, cute hanging lights and comfy seating, this Stratford gem is ideal for sinking hours into while tucking into quintessential British dishes and classic cocktails.
After Walthamstow pubs? The Bell is just the place to head to, thanks to its live sports screenings, welcoming vibe and range of premium gins, classic cocktails or cask ales to choose from. Whatever you want from your boozer, this venue has it.
Head to Larkshall in East London to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and classic offering of a traditional pub. Found just a stone's throw from Chingford overground station, this relaxed spot is whipping up speciality steaks and Sunday roasts to go with your pints.
Nestled in the heart of Walthamstow, The Dog and Duck has got everything from sourdough pizza and local beers through to a cinema area and quirky cabana huts. From summer outdoor sessions through to cosying up in winter, there's something for everyone at this East London pub.
The Beer House bar in Charterhouse really is a unique spot, offering home-brew sessions, tastings and an incredible selection of brews. With over 150 bottles in the fridge, 12 lines on draught, 2 cask ales and a pour your own beer wall, it's a beer-lovers paradise.
This spacious, friendly pub in East London is one of the coolest in the area. As part of the renowned Strongroom recording studio complex, it comes with a great cultural and creative heritage, with the added extras of mouthwatering burgers, dirty fries and plenty of booze.
A cutesy plot just shy of Shoreditch High Street, The Owl and Pussycat is prime East London pubbing. Not only known for their affordable grub and vintage-inspired interiors, this half-rickety joint boasts a menagerie of London draught beer alongside a petite beer garden.
Beautifully decorated with vintage signs, quaint antiques and vibrant furniture, The Grocer offers East London pub crowds a great spot to unwind in Spitalfields. Complementing the menu of heart dishes and British classics, think delicious steaks, flavoursome pies and fresh fish & chips.
Just a short walk from City Airport, Fox Connaught is one of the best pubs in East London. A hidden gem in the heart E16, the venue boasts a lush outdoor space and some delicious food, alongside 17 comfortable rooms upstairs.
Settle down in this East London boozer for plenty of pub grub, pints and live sport screenings. With beautiful interiors and a private karaoke room to boot, there's something for everyone at The Leyton Star, whether you fancy living it large with a mic in hand or kicking back in a comfy seat.
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 to be enjoyed indoors or alfresco on the terrace space.
The Cat and Mutton is an atmospheric East London pub a stone's throw from London Fields and Broadway Market. With gorgeous old interiors, hearty British food and brilliant real ales and IPAs, this one place that's perfect for everything from Sunday lunch to Saturday sessions.
Head over to Walthamstow High Street and you'll find one of the best pubs in East London. The Chequers fronts an epic array of craft beers from home and abroad, as well as an ever-changing cocktail menu and a selection of tasty pizzas and bar snacks.
Brewhouse & Kitchen Hoxton is a cool East London pub nestled in three railway arches near the train station. As well as their own beer, the bar features over 70 brews, an enviable gin range, large spirit list and vast wine selection with the perfect menu of international bites to pair.
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.
With cosy Sunday roasts and beaut bottomless brunches on offer, Birdcage is a fantastic watering hole. This Stoke Newington spot has scrumptious fare, alongside fab classic cocktails. We recommend trying their espresso martinis or brambles.
If you're looking for a cosy pub to enjoy a good chinwag at, make way for Three Colts Tavern. Found a short walk from Bethnal Green tube station, this modern boozer boasts delicious cocktails alongside beer and ale, with weekly DJ nights and live music sessions too.
There aren't many pubs in East London as historic as the iconic Ten Bells in Spitalfields. This prized boozer has been around since the 18th century and even has ties to the tales of Jack the Ripper, but don't let that put you off; head over for delicious craft beers, spirits and cocktails.
Howl at the Moon is all sorts of cute, from the pews that make up the seating area through to the eclectic decor and foliage dotted around the venue. The food is top notch too, with affordable burgers and salads, all washed down by a pint of locally-brewed beer.
The Prince of Wales is an elegant pub that rests elegantly on the bank of the River Lea in Clapton. During the summer months, this East London pub is a haven for waterside cocktail sipping, while the hearty Sunday roast and menu of pub classics is ideal for when temperatures drop.
Hidden amidst the Victorian terraces of Coborn Road, this prized East London pub is a charming haunt for any occasion. Swing by to explore the classic pub food on the menu and a drinks line-up showcasing award-winning cask ales, craft beers and wines from around the world.
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.
Experience a slice of London's history at The Gun in Spitalfields. The former home to King Henry VIII's weapons practice oozes a historic charm yet contemporary feel with its extensive collection of craft brews, industrial features and trendy East London crowd.
With a unique street graffiti art exterior and cool artwork, Lord Napier & Star is definitely a spot to visit in East London. Boasting an epic food menu, along with a large roof terrace, plenty of seating space over two floors, this is great for chilled drinks with mates or events alike.
The Draft House Seething in Tower Hill is a cool and contemporary East London pub with industrial style interiors, wooden interiors and colourful leather. What makes this place even better? The collection of world beers, local London brews and hearty American-style plates.
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, this place is ideal for laid back after work drinks, group hangouts and private hire parties aplenty.
Boasting cask ales and various spirits, The Old George is a classic boozer in Bethnal Green. Sip on a drink or two, while getting stuck into a menu filled with tacos, stone-baked pizzas, sharing platters and bacon burgers.
Wondering what makes this 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 that make for an unforgettable experience.
If you're looking for a top notch boozer in Homerton, The Adam & Eve have you covered. Not only do they boast a quirky interior with random artworks all over the walls, but also a pretty garden and a delicious menu of Thai street food.
The Vic's longstanding reputation for live music speaks for itself. Welcoming music fans of all genres through their doors down the years, the pub today fronts an exciting gastropub vibe with classic cocktails, locally brewed beers, rotating menus in the kitchen and chilled-out ambiance.
While East London certainly isn't short of seriously cool pubs, The Spark House is honestly one of the best. From the sun-soaked rooftop terrace and mega menu of mouthwatering munch to the unique digital light artworks and excellent roster of electronic DJs, you can see why.
Balls Brothers Austin Friars is an extensive East London pub, ideal for business meetings, informal office parties or meals out with friends. When it comes to the menu, expect an extensive wine list from across the globe alongside a menu of light bites to complement the drinks.
If you're looking for a new local, head to this east London pub where you'll be greeted with cosy leather sofas, a warming atmosphere and an inviting menu. Serving up Middle Eastern-inspired from Slow Fire London, Sunday roasts and thirst-quenching drinks, you'll be well fed and watered.
If you're after top-notch boozer whipping up pints and gyozas, then be sure to visit Hackney Tap on Mare Street. Not only is this gorgeous venue fronting 19th-century interiors with parquet floors, but it also has a crackin' beer garden for those summertime sips.
Whether you fancy freshly pulled pints, full-bodied glasses of wine or cracking cocktails, O'Neill's in Leytonstone is a fantastic shout. Enjoy slinging back drinks and munching on comfort eats while checking out live music events and its gorgeous garden space.
East London boozer The Star of Bethnal Green is a cut above the rest, thanks to striking interiors and a lineup of super fun events to enjoy. From drinks festivals and tastings to DJ sets and karaoke, its got you covered for every kind of night.
One of the best pubs near Victoria Park, The Lauriston promises a stunning selection of drinks and eats every day of the week. Tuck into tasty pizzas and Italian sharing boards, washed down with local craft beers and affordable cocktails from their collection of classics.
