Latest reviews for Bars & Pubs in Hackney, London, United Kingdom

Dalston Jazz Bar - Steamy late night action by ben1982

ben1982 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:33:20 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7254 9728

The first thing you often see are the steamed up windows as you turn the corner to the dalston jazz bar. Free entry and a late close ensures that this tiny bar is always full to bursting, and although drinks are very pricey, it is a great late night option, although don't go expecting to hear much in the way of jazz - it tends to play a huge variety of stuff, all of which is great to swing limbs to as the rum takes its inevitable effect.The first thing you often see are the steamed up windows as you turn the corner to the dalston jazz bar. Free entry and a late close ensures that this tiny bar is always full to bursting, and although drinks are very pricey, it is a great late night option, although don't go expecting to hear much in the way of jazz - it tends to play a huge variety of stuff, all of which is great to swing limbs to as the rum takes its inevitable effect.

The Nobody Inn - by larakiara

larakiara — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:42:15 +0000

Review by larakiara

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7249 6430

Tags: food, traditional english

Fun bingo pub quizzes on a Sunday, TV's for the footy, friendly bar staff and a nice decor. The only one downside is that it does live up to its name- the majority of the time there's nobody in there!Fun bingo pub quizzes on a Sunday, TV's for the footy, friendly bar staff and a nice decor. The only one downside is that it does live up to its name- the majority of the time there's nobody in there!

Marie Lloyd Bar - Nice theatre bar by richfair

richfair — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:51:15 +0000

Review by richfair

Rating: 3.00

Tags: friendly, mature

This bar is the theatre bar at the Hackney Empire, and it's a nice place to have a drink before or after a show-- one of the nicest places in the immediate area. The drinks are prettym uch what you'd expect from a normal theatre bar and the staff are friendly enough-- with a few real characters working there. I went one night when there was a pub quiz and you cuold tell there were a few regulars. It was a fun night but nothing fantastic.

When it's warm they open all the walls of the bar, which makes it nice and breezy.This bar is the theatre bar at the Hackney Empire, and it's a nice place to have a drink before or after a show-- one of the nicest places in the immediate area. The drinks are prettym uch what you'd expect from a normal theatre bar and the staff are friendly enough-- with a few real characters working there. I went one night when there was a pub quiz and you cuold tell there were a few regulars. It was a fun night but nothing fantastic.

When it's warm they open all the walls of the bar, which makes it nice and breezy.

Cat & Mutton - Twat and mutton by ben1982

ben1982 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:50:35 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7254 5599

Website: http://www.catandmutton.co.uk

Tags: food, trendy, friendly

The pub is alright, the location a dream, yet it is a mecca for those who have something to prove; be it the trousers they wear or the haircuts they sport. Yet as a result it has a certain charm that is difficult to shake off. Maybe I should buy those skinnies after all...The pub is alright, the location a dream, yet it is a mecca for those who have something to prove; be it the trousers they wear or the haircuts they sport. Yet as a result it has a certain charm that is difficult to shake off. Maybe I should buy those skinnies after all...

The Dolphin - the dirty dolphin by ben1982

ben1982 — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:36:29 +0000

Review by ben1982

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8985 3727

Tags: underground, friendly, trendy

This aint the place to impress any sensible kind of date. This is an end of the night hazed-up place to share those conversations that have no point, chat to people you'd normally cross a road to avoid and maybe indulge in the late late night karaoke. And what could be better than that...This aint the place to impress any sensible kind of date. This is an end of the night hazed-up place to share those conversations that have no point, chat to people you'd normally cross a road to avoid and maybe indulge in the late late night karaoke. And what could be better than that...

Royal Inn On The Park - Great for Sunday lunch... by foodbymark

foodbymark — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 22:32:04 +0000

Review by foodbymark

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 8985 3321

Tags: relaxed, friendly, beer garden

The Royal Inn is a regular meeting point for friends around Victoria Park. We only got round to eating there very recently and had a great Sunday lunch. Arriving at 1pm, it was already very busy and fortunately we had already made a reservation so were able to get a table immediately. It was without much deliberation we all chose the roast beef. The portion was huge with food almost falling off the plate. The beef was beautifully roasted, crispy roast potatoes and vegetables that were perfectly cooked.

Just a couple of points are taken off here for the high price of the Sunday lunch and that there are too many kids. I'm not against kids at restaurants but kids running amock in a pub isn't quite right.The Royal Inn is a regular meeting point for friends around Victoria Park. We only got round to eating there very recently and had a great Sunday lunch. Arriving at 1pm, it was already very busy and fortunately we had already made a reservation so were able to get a table immediately. It was without much deliberation we all chose the roast beef. The portion was huge with food almost falling off the plate. The beef was beautifully roasted, crispy roast potatoes and vegetables that were perfectly cooked.

Just a couple of points are taken off here for the high price of the Sunday lunch and that there are too many kids. I'm not against kids at restaurants but kids running amock in a pub isn't quite right.

The Royal Oak - Not too impressed by fairy600

fairy600 — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:07:49 +0000

Review by fairy600

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7729 2220

Tags: independent pub, trendy, excellent pub food

I have been to this pub a couple of times on a Sunday when the Columbia Flower Road Market is on and it is sooooo busy. Extremely hard to find a table and once you've found that you need to get teh chairs! Quite a stressful event. I havent found the staff to be that friendly which certainly didn't help. The food was good - especially the roasts and the portion sizes are very generous. Once we'd finished our meal we were surrounded by eager lunch goers looking to grab our table. Slightly annoying when you are trying to relax and finish your drink. Therefore, if you are after a relaxed quiet lunch this is not really the place to go. I haven't been on a week day so it could be very different.I have been to this pub a couple of times on a Sunday when the Columbia Flower Road Market is on and it is sooooo busy. Extremely hard to find a table and once you've found that you need to get teh chairs! Quite a stressful event. I havent found the staff to be that friendly which certainly didn't help. The food was good - especially the roasts and the portion sizes are very generous. Once we'd finished our meal we were surrounded by eager lunch goers looking to grab our table. Slightly annoying when you are trying to relax and finish your drink. Therefore, if you are after a relaxed quiet lunch this is not really the place to go. I haven't been on a week day so it could be very different.

Pembury Tavern - Nice pub by gregwo

gregwo — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:29:52 +0000

Review by gregwo

Rating: 3.00

Tags: relaxed, standard pub food, friendly

I enjoy the Pembury on a specific kind of occasion. They have an interesting selection of beers that are always nice and an extremely friendly staff who are always up for a chat which is lovely. The food is nice as well-- I can never resist the root vegetable chips!

However is is a bit of an older crowd who goes there-- it's not very lively, but I've had a few meetings there which have been lovely because it's quiet and open with big tables and nice food and drink, so if that's what you're up for, this pub is great!I enjoy the Pembury on a specific kind of occasion. They have an interesting selection of beers that are always nice and an extremely friendly staff who are always up for a chat which is lovely. The food is nice as well-- I can never resist the root vegetable chips!

However is is a bit of an older crowd who goes there-- it's not very lively, but I've had a few meetings there which have been lovely because it's quiet and open with big tables and nice food and drink, so if that's what you're up for, this pub is great!

Dove Free House & Kitchen - Fantastic pub! by gregwo

gregwo — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:24:44 +0000

Review by gregwo

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7275 7617

Tags: relaxed, friendly, excellent pub food

The Dove is a great pub with a relaxed and rustic atmosphere. It's right on Broadway Market, so it's great to pop in for a drink on a Saturday afternoon when the market is on or in the evening. It's always a friendly crowd and there's a huge selection of beers and great guest ales.

My partner and I frequent the restaurant as well-- we seem to have become regulars as the food is so good and the restaurant staff extremely welcoming and friendly. I specificly recommend their selection of burgers and salmon fishcakes. The price is a little higher than cheap pub food, but you're getting good quality for it-- completely worth it. I definitely recommend The Dove!The Dove is a great pub with a relaxed and rustic atmosphere. It's right on Broadway Market, so it's great to pop in for a drink on a Saturday afternoon when the market is on or in the evening. It's always a friendly crowd and there's a huge selection of beers and great guest ales.

My partner and I frequent the restaurant as well-- we seem to have become regulars as the food is so good and the restaurant staff extremely welcoming and friendly. I specificly recommend their selection of burgers and salmon fishcakes. The price is a little higher than cheap pub food, but you're getting good quality for it-- completely worth it. I definitely recommend The Dove!

Passing Clouds - Run by Morons by MGEEK

MGEEK — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:53:18 +0000

Review by MGEEK

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 020 7502 2789

Tags: friendly, reasonably priced, pretentious

I have been to this venue exactly TWO times, and will never grace it's corridors again.

A friend of mine organised a night there, which I did a spot of dj-ing at, and he got nothing by pain and strife from the guy who runs it.

Apparrently the fellow who runs it is very particular about the sort of night he puts on, and the type of people he wants to go. Personally I find that kind of stance a bit annoyingly elitist, but each to their own.

Therefore, my friend ran EVERYTHING by this guy- the type of acts that would be playing, the type of music the dj's would be playing...everything with no problem.

UNTIL the actual night of the event, when the owner basically ran around flapping his arms about everything, going 'this is all wrong, this is all wrong, this isn't the sort of thing we want here at all'!- To which I say- organise your own nights then!

My first hand experience of this, was when I started dj-ing...I hadn't set up the sound system, but the mixer LOOKED like it was going into the red- wasn't a problem, there was no distortion or anything. Until I played a single by Del Shannon- 'move it on over', which is a garage classic, comped on one of the teenage shutdown records- and well known for being an EVERYTHING IN THE RED, distorted and LOUD mix.

This guy, the owner, came running up to me and started shouting in my face, as if I was going to blow things up! I couldn't believe it...

Anyway! Why am I telling you all of this? You're probably reading this because you are interested in a night out there, or something, not because you're putting on a night there.

Well...I think this kind of attitude filters down, and creates a nasty vibe in the place. It DOESN'T seem like the friendly, hippy type venue it so wants to be, because the guy running it is like a crusty version of Basil Fawlty! Then you start to notice other things...you can only buy bottles of beer- at three fifty a pop...a night in this place is going to cost you SERIOUS money if you like a drink.

I'd avoid it at all costs, personally.

Oh, and at the end of the night, when my friends partner wanted to count the takings- would the owner let her step out of the crowd and into the bar area? Would he ever!

A fake hippy venue, run by an angry little man. Don't go there.I have been to this venue exactly TWO times, and will never grace it's corridors again.

A friend of mine organised a night there, which I did a spot of dj-ing at, and he got nothing by pain and strife from the guy who runs it.

Apparrently the fellow who runs it is very particular about the sort of night he puts on, and the type of people he wants to go. Personally I find that kind of stance a bit annoyingly elitist, but each to their own.

Therefore, my friend ran EVERYTHING by this guy- the type of acts that would be playing, the type of music the dj's would be playing...everything with no problem.

UNTIL the actual night of the event, when the owner basically ran around flapping his arms about everything, going 'this is all wrong, this is all wrong, this isn't the sort of thing we want here at all'!- To which I say- organise your own nights then!

My first hand experience of this, was when I started dj-ing...I hadn't set up the sound system, but the mixer LOOKED like it was going into the red- wasn't a problem, there was no distortion or anything. Until I played a single by Del Shannon- 'move it on over', which is a garage classic, comped on one of the teenage shutdown records- and well known for being an EVERYTHING IN THE RED, distorted and LOUD mix.

This guy, the owner, came running up to me and started shouting in my face, as if I was going to blow things up! I couldn't believe it...

Anyway! Why am I telling you all of this? You're probably reading this because you are interested in a night out there, or something, not because you're putting on a night there.

Well...I think this kind of attitude filters down, and creates a nasty vibe in the place. It DOESN'T seem like the friendly, hippy type venue it so wants to be, because the guy running it is like a crusty version of Basil Fawlty! Then you start to notice other things...you can only buy bottles of beer- at three fifty a pop...a night in this place is going to cost you SERIOUS money if you like a drink.

I'd avoid it at all costs, personally.

Oh, and at the end of the night, when my friends partner wanted to count the takings- would the owner let her step out of the crowd and into the bar area? Would he ever!

A fake hippy venue, run by an angry little man. Don't go there.

Ye Olde Axe - Not just a strip club by kellytron

kellytron — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:28:23 +0000

Review by kellytron

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 020 7729 5137

Tags: cool, pub, friendly

Now I am not advocating strip clubs at all, although I am sure the ladies that work here are just top nocth.

What I am giving 5 stars to is the club nights they have post 11.30pm on a Friday and Saturday night.

I was dubious too, but with the Friday night 60's theme and Staurday night Rock-a-billy theme, it is a fairly initimate venue (no pun intended) with a great crowd.

Drink prices are a little steep though: as I imagine strip club prices tend to be.Now I am not advocating strip clubs at all, although I am sure the ladies that work here are just top nocth.

What I am giving 5 stars to is the club nights they have post 11.30pm on a Friday and Saturday night.

I was dubious too, but with the Friday night 60's theme and Staurday night Rock-a-billy theme, it is a fairly initimate venue (no pun intended) with a great crowd.

Drink prices are a little steep though: as I imagine strip club prices tend to be.

The Macbeth - The Macbeth by miffy

miffy — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 23:02:23 +0000

Review by miffy

Rating: 3.00

Phone: 020 7739 5095

Tags: live music, independent pub, cool

Funny how the other two reviews are so differnt, I've never seen this pub with a sports crowd but it is certainly one of the trendier pubs of hoxton. A variety of live music from rock to electro to indie. Xerox teens host a night there "the parlour" every month I think and many bands play there regularly, past bands include: good shoes, xerox teens, cazals. Reasonable drink prices and friendly people. Only issue with it is the council estate opposite who aren't always into drunken hoxton heroes. Funny how the other two reviews are so differnt, I've never seen this pub with a sports crowd but it is certainly one of the trendier pubs of hoxton. A variety of live music from rock to electro to indie. Xerox teens host a night there "the parlour" every month I think and many bands play there regularly, past bands include: good shoes, xerox teens, cazals. Reasonable drink prices and friendly people. Only issue with it is the council estate opposite who aren't always into drunken hoxton heroes.

The Nelsons Head - Great cosy pub by savagepink

savagepink — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 13:03:59 +0000

Review by savagepink

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7739 6054

Tags: pub unique

We stumbled across the Nelson's Head by accident. A cosy corner pub on an unassuming side street (between Hackney Road and Columbia Road), the decor is charming -- all dark blues, cinema seats around the walls, big wooden tables and lots of candles, with a great nautical twist. Very friendly staff and a good selection of beers. Dog friendly too -- there were some charming Jack Russells there when we visited.

The Nelson's doesn't do food - but (this is so cool) they have all the local delivery menus, and will give you crockery and cutlery, candles and napkins -- the works. Sit down, have your meal delivered, and someone else does the washing up. Genius!!

Highly recommended.We stumbled across the Nelson's Head by accident. A cosy corner pub on an unassuming side street (between Hackney Road and Columbia Road), the decor is charming -- all dark blues, cinema seats around the walls, big wooden tables and lots of candles, with a great nautical twist. Very friendly staff and a good selection of beers. Dog friendly too -- there were some charming Jack Russells there when we visited.

The Nelson's doesn't do food - but (this is so cool) they have all the local delivery menus, and will give you crockery and cutlery, candles and napkins -- the works. Sit down, have your meal delivered, and someone else does the washing up. Genius!!

Highly recommended.

Biddle Bros - Best bar in Hackney by tamlyn

tamlyn — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:23:34 +0000

Review by tamlyn

Rating: 5.00This lively bar has a nice relaxed atmosphere and is populated with a stylish but unpretentious mix of local residents. Most nights feature a band or DJ and it can get quite loud and crowded so perhaps not the best place for a first date but definitely worth checking out for any other occasion! The bar also has a resident Scottish Terrier who can often be found sitting outside befriending passers by.This lively bar has a nice relaxed atmosphere and is populated with a stylish but unpretentious mix of local residents. Most nights feature a band or DJ and it can get quite loud and crowded so perhaps not the best place for a first date but definitely worth checking out for any other occasion! The bar also has a resident Scottish Terrier who can often be found sitting outside befriending passers by.

The Approach Tavern - by claire_w

claire_w — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 15:26:34 +0000

Review by claire_w

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 8980 2321

Tags: relaxed, friendly, food

Great pub, decent food - perfect for quick drinks and all dayers...Great pub, decent food - perfect for quick drinks and all dayers...

The Marksman - A proper boozer by mundek

mundek — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 11:56:46 +0000

Review by mundek

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 020 7739 7393

Tags: friendly, pool, east end

A proper East London boozer. No fancy bar or theme pub pretensions here, just a place to enjoy a pint. Not sure if the do food, but the have a jukebox, pool and a lot of regulars. Can get quite rowdy if England/West Ham/Arsenal are playing, but not really threatening. A good local pub.A proper East London boozer. No fancy bar or theme pub pretensions here, just a place to enjoy a pint. Not sure if the do food, but the have a jukebox, pool and a lot of regulars. Can get quite rowdy if England/West Ham/Arsenal are playing, but not really threatening. A good local pub.