Bethnal Green, located just to the east side of Shoreditch, is one of the few areas left in London that has a distinctly trendy vibe mixed with an authentic East End character that's been lost in some places of London.
This charm is most evident in the wonderful, varied pubs and bars around the area. Ranging from glamorous cocktail bars to traditional British pubs, there’s a place for every mood.
We’ve taken a look at seven of the best Bethnal Green pubs that serve up the finest craft beers from all over the world.
Redchurch Brewery
Redchurch Brewery is famous among the residences of Bethnal Green for starting as a single archway brewery, then growing to a thirty-barrel brewhouse, a fully automated bottling and labelling line, and a keg-filling line.
The brewery’s bar is perfect for those looking for superb beer, talented staff and a chilled-out atmosphere. The bar is located on the mezzanine above the brewery itself, so the place often has the delicious aroma of beer-making. What more could a craft-ale lover want?
Mother Kelly’s
Set within Bethnal Green's Paradise Row, Mother Kelly's has one of the best selections of beer in the city. And with its ever-evolving tap menu, you'll never run out of options. With 23 taps to choose from, as well as a fridge stocked full of bottled beers from around the world, even the most ardent beer fan will be satisfied. The New York-inspired tap room also has a brilliant outside area, perfect for the long summer evenings coming up.
If all that delicious beer leaves you feeling a bit peckish, Mother Kelly’s is also well-known for its awesome pub-food including meat boards, pies and olives.
The Sun Tavern
The Sun Tavern was originally established in 1851. Granted, it did close and then reopen in 2014, but we still think that’s pretty impressive. It's renowned for its great music, tasty cocktails and brilliant selection of craft beers. The bar's "local hero" fine ales are sourced from microbreweries within a few miles of Bethnal Green, and there is also a choice of kegged and bottled fine ale, lager and beer.
If this isn't enough, the pub even has an off-licence on the premises, selling bottles of poitin, Irish Whisky and more. So even when the place closes, you can take the party home with you!
The Star of Bethnal Green
The Star of Bethnal Green is a favourite among the younger locals for its quiet and relaxed atmosphere during the day, and its lively DJ and disco nights in the evening. On top of that, it has a brilliant selection of locally sourced beers, an extensive food menu covering every type of burger you could wish for, and some lovely small plates and sharers.
One thing that sets The Star apart from other Bethnal Green pubs is its karaoke booth, so if you enjoy swigging craft beers and singing along to your favourite tunes, it’s the place for you.
Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club
Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club is not what you’d expect from the name. Split into a club and a basement, it’s two places for the price of one. The basement bar – The Workers Arms – offers a rotating array of small-batch unique cask ales, many brewed onsite. There’s tasty food on offer and great daily deals, as well as the famous Workers Arms pub quiz every Wednesday.
The club, on the other hand, is a venue offering amazing shows – from acoustic gigs to drag shows and burlesque nights. Head to this venue for a night out with a difference, and the bar for a welcoming atmosphere and friendly bar staff.
The Kings Arms
The Kings Arms is a Bethnal Green pub that re-opened on a Friday 13th in 2013, but it’s definitely not unlucky for the locals. The place looks immaculate inside and out, and great care has been taken to select the beers on offer. From local beers brewed just around the corner to an extensive collection of international beers, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
The Well and Bucket
The Well and Bucket has an incredible selection of beers. With locally brewed bottles to craft delights from as far and wide as Mexico, Norway, the USA, Iceland and New Zealand, it would take many a long night to work your way through the menu.
If you're peckish and fancy something a little different from the usual pub food on offer, The Well and Bucket has a great selection of oysters and seafood. The bar staff will help you choose the right dishes to beautifully complement your drink.
Enjoying the best Bethnal Green pubs
These are just seven of the brilliant bars around Bethnal Green, but really there are dozens to choose from. So whether you’re after beer, cocktails, gin, whisky or any other type of drink, grab your friends and explore.
Interested in finding more places to eat and drink across London? Take a look at our interactive Tube map.
