Oh, Shoreditch! The land where hip meets history, and the Overground is your gateway to a night of unforgettable fun. If you’re looking to dive into the heart of East London’s vibrant nightlife, you’re in the right place. From quirky pubs that have seen more trends than a vintage shop to bars where the cocktails are as innovative as the local street art, Shoreditch serves it all. Whether you’re after a cosy corner for a quiet pint or a buzzing spot to start your weekend with a bang, the area around Shoreditch Overground station is brimming with options. Let’s explore the best haunts where the nights are long, the drinks are crafty, and the vibes are as eclectic as the clientele.
Queen’s Head Shoreditch
Address: 222 Shoreditch High St, London, E1 6PJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Queen’s Head Shoreditch is strategically positioned at a bustling junction in the heart of Shoreditch, making it easily accessible from Shoreditch High Street station. This venue is nestled within the historic Unicorn House, offering a blend of contemporary and traditional elements in its decor, including traditional furnishings, framed prints, exposed brickwork, and a modern bar area.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub presents a stylish and welcoming atmosphere, with a diverse crowd that includes solo patrons, intimate couples, and larger groups. Its ambiance is further enhanced on Thursday and Saturday evenings with resident DJs, making it a lively spot for a night out.
What’s On Offer
- Varied Beer Selection & Pub Classics: The Queen’s Head shines with its wide array of London craft brews and continental favorites, coupled with a menu that spans from Mediterranean-inspired small plates to classic pub fare like Fish & Chips and Sunday Roasts.
- Live Sports & Music: Catering to sports enthusiasts and music lovers alike, the venue screens live sports, including Premier League, Rugby, and NFL matches. The addition of live DJ sets on Thursdays and Saturdays elevates the entertainment offerings, ensuring there’s always something happening to keep the vibe alive.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Monday to Wednesday from 12:00 to 23:00/00:00, Thursday to Saturday from 12:00 to 00:30, and Sunday from 12:00 to 22:30. The kitchen operates daily until an hour before closing, ensuring you can enjoy their culinary offerings during your visit.
Owl & Pussycat
Address: 34 Redchurch St, Shoreditch, London, E2 7DP
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Owl & Pussycat is nestled on Redchurch Street in the heart of Shoreditch, a vibrant and artistic area known for its lively street art, bustling markets, and eclectic nightlife. This venue is recognised as a central figure in the Shoreditch scene, offering a blend of traditional charm with modern flair.
- What’s the Vibe? This pub exudes a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere, characterised by its gastronomic offerings and unique charm. It’s a cosy retreat for locals and visitors alike, providing a homey feel with its range of beers, seasonal British pub grub, and hidden beer garden gem.
What’s On Offer
- Food & Drink: At the heart of the Owl & Pussycat’s offerings is its commitment to proper pub grub, including arguably the best Sunday Roast experience in East London. The menu is complemented by a selection of beers and cocktails, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience for guests.
- The Jago: The Jago, the upstairs cocktail bar, is famous for its mixology and vibrant atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for enjoying signature cocktails with friends, embodying the essence of Shoreditch’s creative and dynamic spirit.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The pub welcomes guests seven days a week, with opening hours from 11am to midnight or later, depending on the day. Food service is available until late, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the culinary offerings throughout the day and into the evening.
Bull in a China Shop
Address: 196 Shoreditch High St, London, E1 6LG
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Bull in a China Shop is located opposite the iconic Tea Building in Shoreditch, London. This prime location places it in one of London’s most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods, known for its bustling nightlife, vintage shops, and artistic atmosphere.
- What’s the Vibe? The venue offers a unique blend of Japanese Izakaya, Scottish whisky bar ambiance, and the charm of a Midwest America prohibition hide-out. It features a low-lit setting with plush banquettes, whitewashed brick walls, and an eclectic collection of oriental ornaments, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere with a hint of the Orient.
What’s On Offer
- Signature Dishes: The kitchen serves eclectic comfort food from around the world, with signature dishes including crispy belly pork and rotisserie chicken glazed with Nikka whisky & soy.
- Whisky Selection: Their extensive whisky selection boasts over 100 select Japanese and Scotch whiskies, which can be enjoyed as a cocktail or neat in a highball of hand-carved ice.
- Private Events & Whisky Tastings: Bull in a China Shop offers exclusive hire for private events, group whisky tastings, drink packages, and set menus, making it an ideal venue for special occasions or corporate events.
Practical Info
Lounge Bohemia
Address: 1e Great Eastern St, London, EC2A 3EJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Lounge Bohemia is a hidden gem located in Shoreditch, London, discreetly tucked beneath a kebab shop, making it one of the city’s most secretive bars. The nearest station is Shoreditch High Street, making it easily accessible yet mystically hidden in plain sight.
- What’s the Vibe? The venue boasts an audaciously retro décor inspired by life in communist Prague, with a cosy atmosphere that includes squashy armchairs and intriguing Eastern European chic. The owner, Paul Tvaroh, draws heavily on his Czech heritage to influence the bar’s unique aesthetic, creating an inviting and warm environment that feels like a step into another world.
What’s On Offer
- Molecular Mixology: Lounge Bohemia is renowned for its molecular mixology, offering an array of drinks that challenge the conventional, including cocktails served in lightbulbs, toothpaste tubes, and even gummy bears flavored like fizzy bellinis. The drinks menu features both wildly innovative creations and classic cocktails, catering to a wide range of tastes.
- Czech-Inspired Menu & Ambiance: Reflecting the owner’s heritage, the bar not only specialises in creative cocktails but also offers a selection of Czech beers, contributing to the authentically Eastern European vibe of the venue. The décor elements sourced from the owner’s grandmother’s living room add to the authenticity and charm of the experience.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Lounge Bohemia operates Monday to Saturday from 6 pm to midnight, and on Sundays from 6 pm to 11 pm. Note that visits are by appointment only, emphasising the venue’s exclusive and clandestine nature.
For a unique cocktail experience that blends Eastern European charm with modern mixology in a cosy, hidden setting, Lounge Bohemia is a must-visit destination in London.
The Edge Bar
Address: 23-24 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6PG
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Situated in the heart of Shoreditch, The Edge Bar offers an accessible and vibrant location for those exploring London’s dynamic nightlife. The venue is just a short walk from the Shoreditch High Street station, placing it within easy reach for both locals and visitors alike.
- What’s the Vibe? The Edge Bar boasts a modern and stylish ambiance, characterised by a cozy indoor and outdoor space perfect for friends, wanderers, and adventurers to come together. Since its opening in 2015, it has cultivated a welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy unique drinks and food options in a comfortable setting.
What’s On Offer
- Exceptional Service & Tropical Cocktails: The Edge Bar is renowned for its exceptional service, with experienced bartenders and kitchen staff dedicated to ensuring guests have a fantastic experience. They offer a wide range of drinks, including refreshing lagers and tropical cocktails, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
- Seasonal & Delicious Food Menus: The food menu at The Edge Bar is as compelling as its drinks selection, featuring a variety of dishes that cater to all tastes, including vegetarian, vegan, and meat options. From burgers and pizzas to wraps and salads, each dish is crafted with fresh ingredients to complement the bar’s drink offerings perfectly.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Edge Bar welcomes guests throughout the week, with opening hours from 12 PM to 12 AM from Monday to Wednesday, and extending until 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
This detailed overview highlights The Edge Bar as a standout venue in Shoreditch, offering a unique blend of exceptional drinks, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere for all who visit. Whether you’re planning a casual outing with friends or a special celebration, The Edge Bar promises an unforgettable experience.
Ready to Visit?
Shoreditch, a vibrant heart of East London’s nightlife, is a melting pot of history and modernity, offering an eclectic mix of bars and pubs for every taste. From the Queen’s Head Shoreditch, known for its varied beer selection and pub classics, to the innovative mixology at Lounge Bohemia, hidden beneath a kebab shop, the area around Shoreditch Overground station caters to those seeking both traditional British pubs and unique cocktail experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for the cosy, welcoming vibe of the Owl & Pussycat or the unique Japanese Izakaya meets Scottish whisky bar atmosphere of Bull in a China Shop, Shoreditch has something to offer for every palate and preference.
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Why not dive into the heart of East London’s eclectic nightlife by trying one of Shoreditch’s renowned bars? Whether you’re drawn to the traditional charm of the Queen’s Head or the secretive, innovative cocktails at Lounge Bohemia, there’s an experience waiting to be had. Share this article with friends, and don’t forget to leave a review of your adventures in Shoreditch. Your insights could help others discover their new favourite spot in this vibrant London locale.