HACKNEY PUBS

THE SPOTS WORTH VISITING

Pub on the Park in Hackney

Hackney’s littered with pubs – some might say too many. Three of us live in the area and have spent far too many days and nights stumbling through the good, the bad, and the not-quite-right. We’ve whittled our favourites down to the below, which we use as our personal guide – it includes a mix of the new, the old, craft kings, al fresco drinking, and everything in between.

Enjoy.

FOR OUTDOOR BEVS


The Lord Napier Star

ROOFTOP BEER GARDEN
HACKNEY WICK

Every inch of The Lord Napier Star’s façade is like a tattooed timeline of its past, a kaleidoscope of graffiti and political sass.

The owners didn’t just preserve this skin – they’ve let it seep into the joint’s very bones. You walk in, and it feels like you’re part of something bigger; like you’ve stepped into somewhere that’s seen the grime and grit and come out, pint in hand, smirking at the sunset. A pretty decent life lesson there.

Outside The Lord Napier Star in Hackney

But it’s not about lessons from the past; it’s about the here and now. That’s where the rooftop terrace comes in – and the main reason we’ve included The Star on this list. It’s a beaut spot to catch Hackney Wick in all its glory, especially when the sun gives Victoria Park a cheeky goodnight peck. It’s also got a bar, meaning weary legs don’t have to stretch too far for a refreshing cocktail, beer, wine – you get the idea.

Come for a drink, enjoy the story, stay for the sunset.

Number 90 Bar & Kitchen

BERLIN X HACKNEY
HACKNEY WICK


They say a busy place is a sign of a good place, and Number 90 is always lively.

We’re big fans of its sprawling waterside terrace, replete with benches and its very own barge. In fact, it’s one of our favourite drinking spots in Hackney – the city’s rush feels a world away. It’s got a nod to Berlin whilst remaining unequivocally Hackney.

This Berlin-esque feel carries through inside, where ever-changing murals are splashed from floor to ceiling. It’s a lofty, atmospheric warehouse space that celebrates artistic flair.

The food is still on a journey (it’s a bit hit-and-miss), but they’ve got plenty of beers, cocktails and wine available – and that’s all we need with such a wonder of a drinking spot.


The London Butler tip: Book ahead – it can get very busy.

Pub On The Park

THE CLUE’S IN THE NAME
LONDON FIELDS


Perched back-to-back with London Fields, right behind the station, Pub On The Park is more than just a clever name: it isn’t just about enjoying a pint or two; it’s about the warm barbecue scent drifting over from park-side grills, and the soundtrack of easy-going East London chat.

In the summer, it’s never not busy, with many a happy punter spilling onto its wrap-around wooden terrace and surrounding street. Come winter, you’ll find them huddling around heaters, whiskies and mulled wine in hand, adding a rosy glow to the cold Hackney air.

Inside, we’re talking cosy corners, warm fires and big screens – there’s no missing a big game here. But we’re not here to talk inside and bevs, back to the great outdoors…

Swing by this park-side haven – it’s a slice of Hackney life served with a refreshing side of London Fields.


The London Butler tip: We can’t stress how busy this place gets in summer – don’t rule it out, though, it’s well worth the trip.

FOR CRAFT BEER


CRATE Brewery

CRAFT BEER & CRUSTS
HACKNEY WICK

CRATE Brewery prides itself on not just being a source of quality craft beer, but being a place fuelled by creativity: a place built by local creatives for the creative collective (try saying that after a few). The space, once a print factory and squat, now a leading craft beer bar and pizzeria, has a proper East London vibe about it – it hangs in the air as thick as the scent of fresh hops.

Inside is spacious albeit with a modest amount of seating – this isn’t a problem, though, as the place to be is outside overlooking the canal.

People sitting outside CRATE Brewery in Hackney Wick

We’re here for craft beers, and craft beers are here. Their core range is brewed with partners at Purity Brewing, along with a rotating guest lineup that showcases the best of brewing. Plenty of variety and quality, each with a great story behind them – it’s exactly what you’d expect from a Hackney craft beer pub.

They also serve a wide range of pizzas – from Kashmiri Dahl to sweet potato, stilton, and walnut, these aren’t your ordinary pies. We’ve had mixed experiences on this front but their intriguing flavours always draw us in. But the real attraction is the beer, and the beer is bloody superb.

It doesn’t get much better than craft brews and and canal-side sunshine, and CRATE Brewery has them in abundance.

Howling Hops

FROM TANK TO GLASS
HACKNEY WICK


They say freshness is king, and what better way to get fresh beer than straight out of the tank? This is the way at Howling Hops, the UK’s first dedicated tank bar.

Wondering what a tank bar is? Picture towering, gleaming steel tanks, brimming with an ever-changing array of flavourful craft beers. Each has a tap attached, meaning no middlemen; no fuss – just a straight shot from tank to glass.

Inside, you’ll find long benches that lend themselves to conversations with strangers – not great if you’re after an intimate drinking sesh, but perfect for getting in the thick of it.

A wide selection of quality craft beers, ales, wines, spirits and soft drinks – though not strictly a pub, it’s one of our favourite spots on this list.


Queen’s Yard, White Post Ln, E9 5EN; Howling Hops
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FOR A CLASSIC BOOZER


The Crown

THE LOCALS’ LOCAL
MARE STREET

Ah, The Crown. A charmer nestled in the heart of Mare Street. This Hackney pub well and truly fits into the classic boozer category. It’s a local’s local.

Think weathered wood, plenty of brickwork, and regulars that’ll chat the night away. It’s not the intimidating type of local, though – you know the kind, the type where conversations stop and all heads turn as you walk in. This is the opposite. Everyone’s welcome.

Signage of The Crown Pub & Guesthouse in Hackney

They’ve got a cracking beer garden too with plenty of booths, stools, heaters and a cover to match. Live sports? On show, of course. To be honest, there isn’t much that isn’t on offer here. You can even sip on what GQ claimed to be one of London’s top 10 pints of Guinness – we’re still deciding on that one.

No frills? Maybe. But The Crown gets a lot right, with ‘proper’ pub ambience, cracking staff, live music and more. And if the night becomes too blurry, their boutique guesthouse is just a stumble away.


418 Mare St, London E8 1HP; The Crown
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Chesham Arms

A LOCAL HERO
HOMERTON


Chesham Arms is the neighbourhood pub Hackney fought tooth and nail to keep. It almost became another soulless apartment block until locals went ‘not on our watch’ and saved it via a community petition. The struggle paid off. Now, inside, you’ll find a blend of British pub nostalgia and London’s penchant for the quirky. Think claret walls, a snug fireplace, Scrabble games, and even a beer garden that’s hailed as one of the best in the area. All in all, a wonderful backdrop for your session.

It’s not just all looks, though. The Chesham Arms prides itself on being a place that doesn’t serve your run-of-the-mill fizzy yellow water, but rather a small range of craft beers, ales and cider in constant rotation. Translation: Stella fans, you’re outta luck. As for food, they don’t serve anything in-house, but you’re encouraged to get a delivery from Yard Sale Pizza and eat inside this much-loved Hackney pub.

Spurstowe Arms

ONE PART TRENDY; ONE PART TRADITIONAL
HACKNEY CENTRAL


Don’t let The Spurstowe Arms’ inconspicuous exterior fool you – inside you’ll find a rather alluring old-school space. Think a large horseshoe bar surrounded by quirky paintings, that add a dash of whimsy to the antiquated wood and church pew seating. It’s kinda old school, kinda new East London. It’s one part trendy; one part traditional. Whatever it is, it’s loved by locals. On that, a word of warning: this place gets busy.

Why do we love it? It does a smooth, non-metallic pint of Guinness. As for the rest of the menu… well, it’s a pub. It’s easier to ask what they don’t do. Although a highlight includes an extensive collection of quality vino.


The London Butler tip: It gets very busy, and we’d recommend only drinking here. Keep a backup from this list in case you want to sit or eat.

The Cock Tavern

THE PLACE FOR ALES
HACKNEY CENTRAL


I’ve got to be honest, it took me way too long to visit The Cock (careful). No rhyme nor reason, it just took a while. In fact, someone got in touch via this article (I’m amazed people read this) and quizzed us on why The Cock Tavern hadn’t been included. Not one to shun responsibility, I went down right away. 

The verdict? This should’ve been on this Hackney pub list ages ago. Mistake made and lesson learned.

As for the pub, this is the place to come to for beer, lots of it. The exterior is adorned with matter of fact statements: “Lots of nice beer.. Proper strong cider…” All true.

Beer-wise, there’s around 24 on tap. So if you don’t find something you like, jeez, I don’t know what to say. We’re talking cask ales, ~6 ciders, local brews, IPAs, crisp lager and the occasional left-field choice. It’s owned by The Howling Hops, after all.

The Cock was recently named CAMRA’s East London branch’s cider pub of the year. Not normally one for cider, when in Rome and all that – genuinely delicious. Crisp, strong and very drinkable. I left with rosy cheeks – always a good sign. 

If it’s not clear, I’m a big fan. It’s an uncomplicated pub. It feels like a local’s spot despite being on the high street, and you get what you see. Unpretentious service, great beer and a bloody good time. 

And if you’re a fan of pickled eggs, my god, this place is going to blow your wee mind – I’ll let you discover that side of The Cock on your own.


The London Butler tip: No food menu here. Beer on the other hand… I’ve been told they also put on some great live jazz and band sessions.

FOR THE MODERN DRINKER


The Gun

FOOD THAT HITS THE SPOT
HOMERTON

For all the uproar about East Londonification of all things good and proper, now and then it comes up with something special.

Born in the 1860s; reborn in 2014, The Gun was a once-raggedy boozer in need of some loving. It’s since had a good dose of TLC and reinvented itself as one of the most popular pubs in Hackney.

Its Edwardian bones have been tastefully reimagined, and pay homage to its humble beginnings. Think vintage Whitbread exterior signage and a subtle use of interior neon lighting. A modern boozer tipping its hat to a bygone era, if you will. Very East London – the good kind, mind you.

Signage of The Gun pub in Hackney

Unsurprisingly, they’re not pouring typical ales. No, no, it’s all about indie brews, artisan spirits, and carefully-selected wines. Peckish? Ling Ling’s upstairs restaurant is a banging Chinese/Vietnamese spot that gets it oh-so-right. We’re big fans. They’ve even got a rooftop terrace, complete with heaters because, you know, England.

Community spirit? Check. Anti-racism street parties? Check. Incredible food? Hell yeah.


The London Butler tip: Real ale fans, you might need to adjust your sights to another pub on this list.

The Kenton

FRIENDLY & A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT
HOMERTON


The Kenton is instantly recognisable. A head turner, for sure. In part down to its Victorian-style architecture; but largely because of the yellow paint. Sounds like I’m having a go but hear me out…

I mention the paint as it sets the tone for what’s to come – an eclectic pub with some actual soul running through its veins (I’m not a fan of describing places as eclectic, but it’s the best word I can think of and I mean it in the best possible way). The point is, it’s different, and not the kind of East London different where everything is actually the same.

The Kenton describes itself as Hackney’s Scandi pub, and there’s subtle and not-so subtle nods to the owner’s Norwegian heritage (spot the moosehead). This British and Scandi combo results in a brilliant selection of fresh, crisp lager and pilsners, Bavarian beers, along with a few cask ales. They even serve frozen margs – a perfect companion to their spacious beer garden.

The one thing that struck me was how welcoming everyone was. I felt as if I was wanted there, rather than just being another punter. This is what a pub should feel like. An art that’s sadly being lost. 

I feel I’m about to waffle so I’ll get to the point: The Kenton is a super friendly pub that offers something a little different to the homogenous East London pub scene. It’s a place with personality, characters, and more importantly, a fantastic selection of booze.


The London Butler tip: There are plenty of areas to book if you’re in a bigger group, along with a neat little beer garden. They’ve also got a karaoke room – I’ll leave someone else to review that.


130 Cadogan Terrace, E9 5HP; The Kenton
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SPECIAL SHOUTOUT


The Auld Shillelagh

A SLICE OF IRELAND
STOKE NEWINGTON

Though a little further out than these Hackney pubs, we couldn’t not give a massive shoutout to one of our favourites: The Auld Shillelagh. The Irish Times crowned it “the most authentic pub in the world outside Ireland”, and London’s Irish community holds it dear to their hearts.

From the outside, it looks like a pint-sized charmer, but it stretches back to a beer garden that catches most of the sun throughout the day. Inside, there’s live Irish music, sports on the big screens, and plenty of good craic.

Exterior of The Auld Shillelagh in Stoke Newington

As for the Guinness, we’re convinced it’s one of the best pints in the entire city.


105 Stoke Newington Church St, N16 0UD; The Auld Shillelagh
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Let us know if you’ve visited any of these Hackney pubs and/or if we’ve missed something out!

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After more tips? We’ve got guides to the best Hackney cafés and brunch spots. If you’re after something healthier, we’ve also curated the team’s favourite gyms in the area, as well as the best spots for a massage.

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