There’s a certain kind of pub you don’t stumble into by accident — the kind that just feels right the second you walk through the door.
And no, it’s not about how many IPAs are on tap or whether the furniture’s vintage or just old. It’s something softer. A mood. A mix of lighting, music, and regulars who seem like they’ve been coming for years.
Hackney has that down. Some pubs here feel like second homes — the kind of places you head to on autopilot.
I’ve lost whole afternoons in back rooms with low ceilings and the smell of roast potatoes hanging in the air. Other times, it’s about grabbing a cold one in the sun, surrounded by dogs and friends and that quiet hum of a Sunday done properly.
So whether you’re chasing a decent pint, good chat, or just somewhere to settle for the night without overthinking it — these Hackney pubs genuinely get it..
1. The Spurstowe Arms
Effortlessly cool without trying too hard. The Spurstowe is the kind of pub you stumble into once and return to for years. Think stripped-back interiors, big windows, and just the right amount of background buzz. It gets busy (and stays that way), especially midweek — but that’s part of the charm.
Address: 68 Greenwood Rd, London, E8 1AB
2. The Chesham Arms, Homerton
Tucked away on a quiet residential street, this is the ultimate “if you know, you know” local. A real log fire, board games, rotating cask ales, and a beer garden that feels like an actual secret — it all adds up to something a little magical, especially in winter.
Address: East London Public House, 15 Mehetabel Rd, London, E9 6DU
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3. The Prince George, Dalston
A proper old-school pub with mismatched furniture, scuffed wood floors and a lively but laid-back crowd. It’s unpretentious, packed on weekends, and loved by locals for a reason. Bonus: the vegetarian pub grub is genuinely excellent.
Address: 40 Parkholme Rd, London, E8 3AG
4. The Marksman, Hackney Road
Polished but still warm, The Marksman is where you go when you want more than just a pint. Their upstairs dining room is award-winning (and beautiful), but even if you’re just here for drinks, the ground floor bar still feels special. Think rich wood panelling, artfully poured Guinness, and brilliant bar snacks.
Address: 254 Hackney Rd, London, E2 7SB
5. The Shakespeare, Stoke Newington
Old-world charm without the self-awareness. This one’s a bit off the main drag, but worth the detour. There’s something deeply comforting about its slightly creaky chairs, red velvet curtains, and dog-friendly vibe. Grab a corner booth and settle in.
Address: 57 Allen Rd, London, N16 8RY
🤓 FUN FACT: Hackney was once home to the first-ever Tesco. It opened in 1929 as a market stall on Well Street, set up by founder Jack Cohen. So yes — while Hackney might now be full of indie bakeries and biodynamic wine shops, its roots include the beginnings of one of Britain’s biggest supermarket empires.
6. The Pembury Tavern, Hackney Downs
Run by the Five Points Brewing Co., this is where beer fans feel immediately at home. There are 22 taps on rotation, including their signature Pale and Railway Porter, plus wood-fired pizzas and enough space for everyone. Expect a buzzy, casual energy that somehow never tips into chaotic.
Address: 90 Amhurst Rd, London, E8 1JH
7. The Clapton Hart, Upper Clapton
This one has range. Midweek, it’s peaceful enough to read with a pint. Weekends, there’s usually a DJ or some sort of low-key event happening. The building itself is a former Victorian hotel with grand windows, faded tiles and a slightly gothic charm — and the beer garden’s huge.
Address: 231 Lower Clapton Rd, Lower Clapton, London, E5 8EG
8. The Red Lion, Hoxton
If you like your pubs with a side of rooftop, this one’s for you. Downstairs, it’s classic East End boozer. Upstairs, there’s a surprisingly lush rooftop terrace made for summer evenings (or those brave enough for a chilly pint with a blanket). It straddles the line between pub and party spot — in the best way.
Address: 41 Hoxton St, London, N1 6NH
9. The Elderfield, Clapton
A real locals’ pub, in the purest sense. There’s no aesthetic agenda, no scene — just warm service, hearty Sunday roasts, and a crowd that feels genuinely neighbourhood-y. If you want to feel like you live in Hackney for the night, come here.
Address: 57 Elderfield Rd, Lower Clapton, London, E5 0LF
10. The Kenton, Homerton
Part Scandi, part classic East End, The Kenton has a slightly eccentric charm. There are fairy lights and candles everywhere, a rotating collection of art on the walls, and some of the friendliest staff in Hackney. Sundays are particularly lovely — expect dogs, roasts, and an atmosphere that feels more like a living room than a pub.
Address: 38 Kenton Rd, London, E9 5BA
11. The Dove, Broadway Market
Cosy, candlelit and packed with Belgian beers, The Dove is perfect when the weather turns grey and you just want to hibernate. It can get crowded (especially during market hours), but if you manage to snag a window seat or a fireside table, you’ll want to stay for hours.
Address: 24-28 Broadway Market, London, E8 4QJ
12. The Virgin Queen
Tucked away on a quiet corner in Haggerston, The Virgin Queen feels like a proper hidden gem. Low ceilings, dark wood, a tiny open kitchen at the back — and some of the best pub food in the area. I’ve had a Sunday roast here that still crosses my mind at inconvenient times. The kind of pub you want to keep secret, but absolutely shouldn’t.
Address: 94 Goldsmiths Row, London, E2 8QY
13. The Spread Eagle
Even if you’re not vegan, the food here hits. The kitchen is run by Club Mexicana, so expect tacos, loaded nachos, and sticky jackfruit wings that don’t need a disclaimer. There’s a great little beer garden out back, the drinks list is playful, and the whole place has this easy, everyone’s-welcome vibe that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
Address: 224 Homerton High St, London, E9 6AS
14. Sebright Arms
This one leans a little rough-around-the-edges — in the best way. It’s loud, often packed, and has a basement gig venue that’s seen everyone from hot-up-and-comers to surprise sets from names-you-know. If you’re after a pub with a bit of bite and zero polish, Sebright’s your place. Great burgers upstairs too.
Address: 31-35 Coate St, London, E2 9AG
15. Pub on the Park
Right on the edge of London Fields, this spot is a summer essential. Big beer garden, lots of tables, and that soft, golden light around 6pm that makes everything feel like a film. In winter, it shifts into cosy mode with open fires and a solid playlist. I’ve ended more than a few long walks here — usually with a crisp pint and friends I didn’t expect to run into.
Address: 19 Martello St, London, E8 3PE
16. Nelson’s Head
You know the type — nothing flashy, no wild gimmicks, just good vibes, solid beer, and a little bit of old-school East End charm. Nelson’s Head sits just off Columbia Road, making it the perfect pre- or post-flower-market spot. Bonus: they’re proudly LGBTQ+ friendly and regularly host drag nights, cabaret and community events.
Address: 32 Horatio St, Bethnal Green, London, E2 7SB
17. The Cock Tavern
If you’re into craft beer but can’t be bothered with the beard-stroking attitude that sometimes comes with it, The Cock is your spot. It’s one of those pubs that feels lived-in — scuffed floors, proper booths, chalkboard menus — and it’s also the taproom for Howling Hops Brewery, so the pints are reliably excellent.
Address: 315 Mare St, London, E8 1EJ
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