If you’re around Plaistow Tube station and in need of a good drink, you’re in luck! This East London spot has a few hidden gems when it comes to bars and pubs. From cosy traditional pubs with a local feel to trendy bars with craft brews on tap, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re up for a casual pint or looking to sip on a cocktail, these watering holes near Plaistow are sure to hit the spot.
The Black Lion
Address: 59-61 High Street, Plaistow, London, E13 0AD
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Located just a short walk from Plaistow tube station, The Black Lion is situated in East London.
- What’s the Vibe? This historic pub offers a welcoming, traditional atmosphere with a focus on real ales and a strong community feel. It’s perfect for relaxing with friends, catching live sports, or enjoying casual pub dining.
What’s On Offer:
- Real Ales & Spirits: The Black Lion prides itself on its wide selection of real ales, premium beers, and specialist whiskies, earning recognition in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.
- Event Space: The pub features a function room available for private events like birthdays, business meetings, and music events. There’s also a spacious beer garden and free parking for patrons.
Practical Info:
- When Can You Visit? Open daily from 12 noon to 11 pm (10:30 pm on Sundays).
Victoria Tavern
Address: 28 High Street, Plaistow, E13 0AJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Victoria Tavern is situated in the heart of Plaistow on the High Street, easily accessible from Plaistow Tube Station, just a short walk away. It’s a traditional East End pub nestled in a local area that’s a stone’s throw from West Ham’s football ground, making it a popular spot on match days.
- What’s the Vibe? The Victoria Tavern exudes a classic “local’s pub” atmosphere, reminiscent of an old-school East London boozer. With its unpretentious decor and an L-shaped bar, the pub offers a relaxed environment that caters primarily to local patrons. The interior features a pool table, comfortable seating, and large speakers for the occasional DJ night, and warmth comes from the friendly staff and regulars inside. This is the place to experience a no-nonsense, community-driven atmosphere.
What’s On Offer
- Live Sports & Entertainment: The pub is a well-known haunt for football enthusiasts, particularly on West Ham game days. It boasts multiple screens showing live sports and regularly hosts DJ nights, adding to the lively atmosphere during events. It’s the perfect place to catch a match with a pint of Guinness or John Smith’s.
- Community Vibes & Cosy Comforts: The Victoria Tavern often doubles as a hub for local gatherings. Whether it’s the community spirit on match days, karaoke sessions, or quiet weekday evenings with friendly banter at the pool table, the pub holds a cherished place in the hearts of its regulars. The young staff are noted for their welcoming attitude, and there’s even a small beer garden for those wanting to enjoy a drink outdoors.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Opening hours are consistent throughout the week, with the pub opening its doors at midday and closing around 11:00 PM. On Sundays, it shuts slightly earlier, at 10:30 PM.
The Lamb
Address: 85 Pelly Road, Plaistow, E13 0NL
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Lamb is nestled in Plaistow, a historic district in East London. Conveniently located near Plaistow and Upton Park tube stations, it’s just a short walk from either, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors.
- What’s the Vibe? The Lamb is a lively and friendly pub, known for its vibrant Caribbean atmosphere. Established in the late 19th century, it maintains a unique blend of traditional Victorian charm with a modern touch. Regulars appreciate its welcoming vibe, diversity, and sense of community. The pub is well-known for hosting local events and being a gathering point for people from different backgrounds.
What’s On Offer
- Caribbean Cuisine: One of the standout features of The Lamb is its Jamaican-inspired food menu. The pub offers a selection of hearty and flavourful dishes, perfect for those looking to enjoy authentic Caribbean flavours in a cosy setting.
- Entertainment: The Lamb is a hub for entertainment, regularly hosting live music nights, bingo games, and even featuring pool tables and a domino corner. These events make it a favourite spot for both a relaxing pint and a lively evening out with friends.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Sun-Thurs 18:30-23:00, Fri & Sat 18:30-00:00.
The Lord Stanley
Address: 15 St Mary’s Road, Plaistow, E13 9AE
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Lord Stanley is situated in Plaistow, East London, just a short walk from Plaistow Underground Station, making it easily accessible by public transport. It’s nestled in a quieter, residential part of Newham, offering a local and more laid-back pub experience.
- What’s the Vibe? This pub is known for its warm, welcoming, and unpretentious atmosphere. It caters to the local community, featuring two main rooms: a lively sports room equipped with pool tables and dartboards, and a more relaxed lounge with traditional seating. The venue also holds a reputation for being a former West Ham United fan hub, with memorabilia dotted around the pub, giving it a nostalgic East London feel.
What’s On Offer
- Entertainment & Sports: One of the standout features of The Lord Stanley is its entertainment offerings. It has three pool tables, multiple dartboards, and regularly broadcasts football matches on large projectors, making it a popular spot for sports fans. Weekends often feature live music and karaoke nights, providing a fun and interactive vibe for the locals.
- Community Events: The Lord Stanley frequently hosts events, including live music performances on weekends, which attract a decent crowd. It is open late on Fridays and Saturdays (until 2 AM), creating a lively weekend destination for both drinks and entertainment.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Lord Stanley operates from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM from Monday to Thursday, extending its hours until 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, it opens from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
The Boleyn Tavern
Address: 1 Barking Road, East Ham, E6 1PW
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Boleyn Tavern is a prominent landmark in East Ham, situated on the corner of Green Street and Barking Road. It’s a short walk from Upton Park station, near the former West Ham football ground.
- What’s the Vibe? This historic pub exudes Victorian charm, recently restored to its original splendour. The atmosphere blends the old with the new – grand, elegant interiors evoke a bygone era, while the vibe is relaxed and inviting, with a mix of locals, families, and young professionals. It’s a place for both casual drinks and lively social gatherings, particularly on weekends.
What’s On Offer
- Classic British Fare: The Boleyn Tavern offers a robust menu of traditional British cuisine, with the Sunday roast being a standout, including dishes like Suffolk chicken, slow-cooked pork belly, and West Devon lamb shoulder. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, such as a quinoa and beetroot burger.
- Craft Beers and More: The pub features an impressive selection of drinks, with a strong focus on craft beers from local East London breweries. Beavertown and Tiny Rebel are among the favourites, alongside the pub’s own Boleyn Lager.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Opening hours are Monday to Wednesday from 16:00 to 23:00, Thursday from 12:00 to 23:00, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 to 01:00, and Sunday from 12:00 to 22:00.
Ready to Visit?
If you find yourself near Plaistow Tube Station in East London and fancy a drink, there are several hidden gems worth exploring. The area boasts a mix of traditional pubs and lively bars that cater to all tastes. The Black Lion offers a cosy, community-focused vibe with a great selection of real ales and a welcoming atmosphere, while The Victoria Tavern, with its unpretentious charm, is a popular spot for football fans and locals alike. Whether you’re after a laid-back pint or an evening of entertainment, Plaistow’s pubs provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Share the Love
Why not pop into one of these fantastic local pubs? Try The Black Lion or The Victoria Tavern, and be sure to share this article with your friends. After your visit, don’t forget to leave a review and let others know about your experience!