Shoreditch does pubs differently — and that’s exactly why they’re so GOOD.
This is a neighbourhood where you can start the evening with a quiet pint in a candlelit back room and end it squeezed into a buzzing beer garden, somehow deep in conversation with strangers who already feel like friends.
From historic locals that have been pouring pints for centuries to effortlessly cool spots serving natural wine alongside Guinness (because, of course), Shoreditch’s pub scene is layered, lively, and full of personality.
Some feel comforting and familiar, others lean more chaotic-in-the-best-way — but all of them deliver on atmosphere. TBH, it’s one of the few areas in London where you can pub-hop without a plan and still end up somewhere great!
This edit rounds up the very best pubs in Shoreditch — the ones locals actually love, the ones you bring visitors to, and the ones that just get it. Think strong drinks, great vibes, and that intangible energy that makes you want to stay for one more round.
1. The Ten Bells
- Address: 84 Commercial St, London E1 6LY
An East End icon with just enough edge. Sitting opposite Old Spitalfields Market, The Ten Bells manages to feel historic without slipping into tourist-trap territory, which is no small feat. Inside, it’s all dark wood, hand-painted Victorian tiles, and low-lit corners that make you want to linger. I love this one for a proper pint and an unpretentious crowd — it’s a Shoreditch classic for a reason.
2. The Owl & Pussycat
- Address: 34 Redchurch St, London E2 7DP
A Shoreditch staple that’s almost always in full swing. The Owl & Pussycat is best known for its beer garden — both the fairy-lit space out back and the unofficial pavement takeover out front on Redchurch Street. It’s lively, social, and perfect for kicking off a night out, but worth lingering on live music nights when acoustic sets bring a softer, feel-good energy to the space.
3. The Princess of Shoreditch
- Address: 76-78 Paul St, London EC2A 4NE
This is the pub you choose when you want something a little more considered. The Princess of Shoreditch has built a reputation for serious cooking, with Michelin-level talent in the kitchen and a menu that leans into elevated British (with a subtle Italian edge). The roasts are a standout — easily among the best in London — and the drinks list more than holds its own, with thoughtful wines and well-executed cocktails. Ideal for long lunches that quietly stretch into the evening.
4. The Old Blue Last
- Address: 38 Great Eastern St, London EC2A 3ES
A Shoreditch institution with stories to spare. The Old Blue Last is famously no-frills, a little rough around the edges, and best known for its live music nights — the kind that get loud, sweaty, and very fun. It’s spirited, chaotic in the best way, and unapologetically unfussy. Come here for atmosphere over comfort and nights that feel like they could go anywhere.
5. The Crown and Shuttle
- Address: 226 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6PJ
Right on the main stretch but still holding onto its pub identity. Expect solid beers, DJs later in the evening, and a crowd that skews creative and chatty. It’s an easy yes for a spontaneous drink that turns into a late one.
6. The Light Bar
- Address: 233 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6PJ
Set inside an old Victorian power station built in 1893, this place brings a slightly more design-forward feel to the pub scene. Think high ceilings, greenery, and a crowd that’s here for cocktails as much as beer. It’s ideal for early evening drinks that feel a bit more intentional.
7. The Horse and Groom
- Address: 28 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3NZ
Unassuming, reliable, and refreshingly straightforward. This is the kind of pub you end up loving because it doesn’t try too hard — just good drinks, a mixed crowd, and a comfortable buzz that builds as the night goes on.
8. The Macbeth
- Address: 70 Hoxton Street, London N1 6LP
A bit of a curveball in the best way. The Macbeth blends old-school character — think historic murals and richly coloured interiors — with a lively, modern crowd that keeps things feeling current. It’s more than just a pint stop, too: the Portuguese-leaning food menu is genuinely good, the prices are refreshingly reasonable, and the whole place has that rare balance of atmosphere and value.
9. Prince Arthur
- Address: 49 Brunswick Pl, London N1 6EB
Tucked down a tiny alley near Old Street, this is the kind of pub you feel smug for knowing about. The Prince Arthur is cosy, eclectic, and full of character, with mismatched décor, a roaring fire in winter, and a stack of board games that encourages staying put. Drinks are solid across the board, but it really comes alive midweek — especially on Tuesdays, when drag quizzes and live music turn things gloriously chaotic.
10. Old Fountain
- Address: 3 Baldwin St, London EC1V 9NU
A family-run freehouse that quietly excels at everything it does. The Old Fountain is a go-to for great beer (both craft and cask), a strong wine selection, and an impressively deep whisky lineup. Downstairs is lively and social, while the hidden roof terrace upstairs feels like a leafy escape from the street. Sundays are a serious draw, too — the roasts are generous, comforting, and easily among the best in the area.
11. Commercial Tavern
- Address: 142 Commercial St, London E1 6NU
A favourite among Shoreditch’s creative crowd, Commercial Tavern leans fully into its beautifully eccentric side. Spread across two generous floors, the interiors are maximalist in the most charming way — chandeliers, faded wallpaper, mirrors overhead, and just enough chaos to make it feel lived-in rather than curated. The drinks list is long and varied, mixing classic pints with more trend-led options, and the sourdough pizzas are surprisingly good. Come for a casual drink, stay because the vibe’s doing the most — effortlessly.
12. The Culpeper
- Address: 40 Commercial St, London E1 6LP
Part pub, part restaurant, part hotel — and dangerously easy to settle into. The Culpeper is effortlessly handsome, with huge windows, dark wood interiors, and a striking horseshoe bar that anchors the space. Food here goes well beyond standard pub fare, mixing seasonal British plates with more thoughtful, modern touches, and the drinks list is just as strong, from well-made cocktails to excellent natural wines. A place you pop into casually and somehow end up staying all afternoon.
13. The Griffin
- Address: 93 Leonard St, London EC2A 4RD
Cosy, good-natured, and a bit of a cult favourite. The Griffin is all about the beer, with an impressive craft lineup featuring names like Pressure Drop and Cloudwater — plus the rare sighting of Fernet Branca on tap. Weekends are prime time, especially if you’re keen to explore: the pick-your-own beer flights are great value and an easy way to try something new without overthinking it.
14. The Well & Bucket
- Address: 143 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 7DG
Once an oyster house and still rich with Victorian character, The Well & Bucket is all artfully worn-in charm. Expect battered floorboards, original tiling, and a lively ground floor that builds energy as the night goes on. There’s a small courtyard out back and a more intimate cellar bar downstairs if you’re after something low-key. And yes — oysters are still very much on the menu.
15. The Knave of Clubs
- Address: 25 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E1 6HT
A Shoreditch pub with serious credentials. The Knave of Clubs is backed by some of London’s most respected hospitality names, and it shows — from the polished-but-relaxed atmosphere to the food that genuinely delivers. The rotisserie chicken is the star (order it), the drinks list is thoughtful without being fussy, and the location makes it an easy stop before or after dinner nearby. A modern pub done properly, and one that already feels like a classic.
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