Hackney isn’t short on character, and its bar scene proves it. This part of East London has a habit of turning old garages into cocktail dens, rooftops into sun-soaked drinking spots, and basements into candlelit gems.
And yet — none of it feels forced. That’s the magic.
Here, a night out doesn’t need to be meticulously planned. You pick a starting point, let the evening stretch out, and follow the music, the mood, or the scent of fresh sourdough pizza and mezcal in the air! Some bars feel like best-kept secrets. Others are standing-room-only by 9pm.
But all of them? Worth your time.
So, if you’re wondering where to go when the lights dim and the drinks start flowing — these are the 10 best bars in Hackney to start (and possibly end) your night.
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1. Behind This Wall
Basement bar energy, but make it beautifully curated.
Tucked discreetly below street level on Mare Street, Behind This Wall feels like your design-savvy friend’s living room — if that friend also happened to mix some of the best cocktails in East London. Expect house infusions, vinyl-only playlists, and a drinks menu that leans experimental without ever being gimmicky. Date night, sorted.
Address: Basement, 411 Mare Street, London, E8 1H
2. Satan’s Whiskers
Decadent, a little chaotic, and absolutely iconic.
This Bethnal Green stalwart has built a loyal following on word-of-mouth alone. Think dark wood, hip-hop beats, animal skulls, and perfectly balanced negronis. The bartenders here are true pros — they’ll remember your drink, shake it like muscle memory, and serve it with just the right amount of flair.
Address: Satan’s Whiskers, 343 Cambridge Heath Rd, London, E2 9RA
3. Three Sheets
Minimalist setting, maximum flavour.
On first glance, it’s almost too subtle — a narrow, unassuming space on Kingsland Road with soft lighting and pared-back interiors. But Three Sheets is where cocktail lovers go. The drinks are clever, balanced, and beautifully executed. It’s the sort of place that proves you don’t need bells and whistles to impress, just serious skill and sharp instincts.
Address: 510b Kingsland Rd, London, E8 4AB
4. Netil360
The rooftop everyone ends up at — and for good reason.
A little scrappy, a lot of fun. Netil360 has skyline views, communal tables, craft beers, and a carefree charm that just works. Come for golden hour and stay as the sky turns inky — there’s usually music playing, the drinks are cold, and the crowd is that perfect mix of creatives, locals, and in-the-know visitors.
Address: Netil House, 1 Westgate St, London, E8 3RL
5. The Natural Philosopher
A speakeasy hidden in a Mac repair shop.
Yes, really. It’s dimly lit, intimate, and slightly surreal — in the best way. The seating is mismatched, the bartenders are friendly, and the cocktails are inventive without being overdone. It’s the sort of bar that feels like a secret you want to keep, but can’t help sharing.
Address: inside The Macsmiths, 489 Hackney Rd, London, E2 9ED
6. Blondies
Heavy‑metal dive bar energy—raw, loud, unforgettable.
A cult favourite in Clapton, Blondies nails that gritty, underground feel with ease. You’ll find heavy riffs pumping, sweaty mosh pits sparking under low lights, and a crowd that couldn’t care less about curated cool. With metal‑themed interiors (including steeped-in-character graffiti and skull art) and a DIY attitude, Blondies isn’t polished—but it’s pure, unfiltered fun.
Address: 205A Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton, London, E5 8EG
7. Moth Club
Not a bar in the traditional sense — but the vibe is too good to skip.
Glittery ceilings, ex-military club interiors, and a wildly eclectic event calendar. Come for live music, stay for the retro disco nights. Drinks are affordable, the crowd is always up for it, and there’s a charming chaos that makes every visit feel like a story waiting to happen.
Address: Valette St, London, E9 6NU
8. Equal Parts
Listening‑bar chic meets cocktail precision.
Tucked on Hackney Road, Equal Parts delivers carefully crafted cocktails in a moody, mid‑century‑inspired space. Think Edward Hopper reverie—dark woods, moody lighting, and a soundtrack you actually want to linger on. Their cocktail menu splits between perfectly balanced “Equal Parts” classics and more adventurous signature innovations featuring mezcal, calvados, and savoury twists.
Address: 245 Hackney Rd, London, E2 8NA
9. Crate Brewery
Industrial charm, canalside energy, and wood-fired pizza to seal the deal.
Set inside a converted print factory right on the Hackney Wick canal, Crate offers more than just craft beer — it’s a whole scene. Expect long tables, crowds spilling onto the waterfront, and that blissed-out, golden-hour kind of buzz. Their house-brewed beers range from crisp lagers to bold IPAs, and the wood-fired pizza is low-key iconic. Come for one drink, stay till the fairy lights switch on.
Address: Unit 7 Queen’s Yard, London, E9 5EN
10. Helgi’s
Dark, mystical, and full of personality — a true original.
There’s no bar in Hackney quite like Helgi’s. Inspired by Norse mythology and occult aesthetics, it’s a small, dimly lit cocktail bar where tarot readings and psych-rock playlists feel perfectly at home. The cocktails are as moody as the interiors — rich, spiced, a little bit unexpected. It’s one for after-dark, small groups, and open minds.
Address: 177 Mare St, London, E8 3RH
11. Goldie Saloon
Intimate, playful, and seriously design-savvy.
Tucked on Morning Lane, Goldie Saloon is an LGBTQ-friendly, low-lit, elegant little saloon with Art Deco curves, golden accents, and a cocktail list that knows exactly what it’s doing. Expect clever twists on classics, unexpected infusions, and bar staff who somehow always nail the balance between friendly and cool. A favourite for dates or solo visits with a book.
Address: 10 Andre St, Lower Clapton, London, E8 2AA
12. Doña
Feminine energy, mezcal magic, and live music that actually hits.
Hidden behind a crimson curtain in Stoke Newington, Doña is a mezcal bar that doubles as a celebration of female and non-binary creatives. Think velvet seating, candlelight, and a lineup of live performances — from poetry to soul to DJ sets that ease into the early hours. Their mezcal cocktails are bold and beautifully balanced, often laced with spice, citrus, or smoke.
Address: 92 Stoke Newington High St, London, N16 7NY
Planning a night in Hackney? A few things to know:
– Start early: Some bars don’t take bookings, and the good seats tend to go quickly.
– Group-friendly? Not always: Many spots are small and intimate — ideal for two, trickier for ten.
– Don’t over-plan: Pick two or three spots, leave room for the unexpected. Hackney rewards spontaneity.
– Most places open late — but double check. Some close earlier midweek than you might expect.
