The Best Bars and Pubs Near Upton Park Tube

The Best Bars and Pubs Near Upton Park Tube

Looking for a great pint or cocktail near Upton Park Tube? You’re in luck! This lively East London area is home to a variety of local gems, from cosy traditional pubs to trendy bars. Whether you’re after a post-match pint or a chilled evening with mates, Upton Park’s got a spot for every vibe. So, let’s explore the best watering holes just a stone’s throw from the station!

The Boleyn Tavern

Address: 1 Barking Road, East Ham, London, E6 1PW

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? The Boleyn Tavern is situated at the corner of Green Street and Barking Road in East Ham, East London. It’s a prominent historical pub, located near the former West Ham United football ground, making it a local landmark with a rich connection to the area’s football culture.
  • What’s the Vibe? The Boleyn Tavern boasts a majestic Victorian design, blending its historic charm with modern amenities. Recently restored, it maintains its classic grandeur with dark wood, stained glass skylights, and traditional Victorian features like wooden partitions. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and steeped in East London history, offering a friendly space for both locals and visitors alike.

What’s On Offer

  • Victorian Heritage & Stunning Interior: The pub has undergone a meticulous £1.5 million restoration, preserving its original Victorian aesthetic. It features intricate wood and glass partitions, a grand skylight, and stunning period details throughout. This attention to detail makes the Boleyn Tavern a standout example of late Victorian pub architecture.
  • Food & Drink: The Boleyn Tavern offers a well-curated selection of cask ales, including local and craft brews, as well as classic British pub fare. The former billiard room has been transformed into a dining space, offering traditional British dishes served under a magnificent stained glass canopy, making it a key dining destination in the area​.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit?
    • Monday to Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    • Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
    • Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
    • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM

The Boleyn Tavern

The Lamb

Address: 85 Pelly Road, London, E13 0NL

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? The Lamb is located in the heart of Plaistow, East London, on Pelly Road. It’s a short walk from local attractions and accessible by nearby West Ham and Plaistow stations.
  • What’s the Vibe? This pub boasts a warm and vibrant atmosphere with a blend of traditional and modern décor. Established in 1869, it retains its Victorian charm while offering a welcoming space for both locals and newcomers. The Lamb is well-known for its friendly environment and diverse crowd, often serving as a hub for community events and gatherings.

What’s On Offer

  • Live Music & Entertainment: One of the standout features of The Lamb is its regular live music events, offering performances from local and international talent. There are also themed evenings such as bingo nights, sports screenings, and domino games, which attract a lively and sociable crowd.
  • Traditional Pub Grub: The Lamb offers a classic pub menu with hearty dishes. You can expect favourites like burgers, steaks, and vegan options, made with locally sourced ingredients. Its Jamaican-inspired dishes also provide a unique twist, making the food a popular attraction in its own right.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit? The Lamb is open from Tuesday to Sunday, typically from 18:30 to midnight. It remains closed on Mondays.

The Lamb

The Black Lion

Address: 59-61 High St, Plaistow, E13 0AD

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? The Black Lion is situated on the High Street in Plaistow, just a short walk from Plaistow Underground Station.
  • What’s the Vibe? As one of the oldest pubs in the area, The Black Lion exudes historic charm. With its traditional wood panelling, beams, and heritage features, the pub has a welcoming, old-world feel. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, popular among both locals and football fans looking to catch a match in a cosy setting.

What’s On Offer

  • CAMRA-Approved Ales & Whiskies: The Black Lion is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and offers a fine selection of real ales, premium beers, wines, and specialist whiskies. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a connoisseur of cask ales, the pub’s range is highly regarded for its quality and variety.
  • Live Sports: Known as a great spot for sports enthusiasts, The Black Lion regularly screens live sporting events, particularly football. It’s an ideal venue to enjoy a match with friends over a pint.
  • Function Room: The pub also has a function room that can be hired for private events such as birthdays, business functions, and music events.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit? The pub is open from Monday to Saturday, 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM. Food is served Monday to Friday, with two meal slots from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM

The Black Lion

Victoria Tavern

Address: 28 High Street, Plaistow, E13 0AJ

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? Victoria Tavern is located on High Street in the Plaistow area of East London, a short distance from key transport links like Plaistow and Upton Park stations. It’s positioned in a bustling yet community-oriented part of Newham, making it a convenient spot for locals and visitors alike.
  • What’s the Vibe? The pub is well-known for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere. It offers a cosy, traditional pub setting, popular with both locals and visitors, especially during West Ham football games. The décor is simple, and it’s appreciated for its unpretentious and welcoming vibe.

What’s On Offer

  • Live Sports: One of Victoria Tavern’s standout features is its focus on live sports, particularly football. As it is close to West Ham’s home ground, the pub tends to draw in football fans, creating a lively atmosphere on match days. You can also expect to catch other sports, as the pub has screens dedicated to various events.
  • Outdoor BBQ & Pub Food: The pub is also celebrated for its BBQ offerings, which are a hit during the warmer months. Run by friendly staff, the outdoor food is a great addition to the usual pub fare, making Victoria Tavern a solid choice for anyone craving freshly grilled meals in a relaxed environment.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit?
    • Monday to Saturday: 11:00 – 22:00
    • Sunday: 12:00 – 22:00

Victoria Tavern

The Overdraft Tavern

Address: 202 High Street North, East Ham, E6 2JA

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? The Overdraft Tavern is located on High Street North in East Ham, a bustling part of east London. It’s conveniently positioned just a short walk from the East Ham Underground station, making it easily accessible by public transport.
  • What’s the Vibe? This local pub offers a casual and low-key atmosphere. While it may not be the trendiest spot, it has its charm with a traditional pub layout. The decor is simple, and the venue includes basic seating and a pool table for some casual entertainment. It’s a popular spot with regulars, giving it a friendly, community feel.

What’s On Offer

  • Sports and Entertainment: One of the highlights of The Overdraft Tavern is its sports coverage. The venue features large screens showing live football and other popular sports, which draws in locals who are looking for a relaxed spot to catch a match.
  • Drinks Selection: The pub offers a standard selection of beers and ciders, but with a unique twist – they serve Kingfisher beer, a rare find outside of Indian restaurants. The drinks are reasonably priced, making it a good option for those seeking an affordable pint in London.

Practical Info

  • When Can You Visit? The Overdraft Tavern is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays, with extended hours until 1:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, the pub closes slightly earlier at 10:30 PM.

The Overdraft Tavern

Ready to Visit?

Upton Park and its surrounding areas in East London offer a great mix of traditional pubs and lively bars, perfect for a relaxed evening out or a post-football pint. The Boleyn Tavern, with its beautifully restored Victorian architecture and hearty British fare, is a standout choice for both history enthusiasts and pub lovers. Alternatively, The Lamb in Plaistow combines live music and community events with a warm, traditional vibe, making it a popular spot for locals and newcomers alike.

Share the Love

Why not visit The Boleyn Tavern or The Lamb next time you’re in the area? Share this guide with your friends and don’t forget to leave a review once you’ve experienced these charming East London spots!

Vicky Simmance

Meet Vicky Simmance – The Founder Behind barguide.london Since arriving in London from Birmingham in 2005, Vicky Simmance has immersed herself in the capital’s vibrant pub and bar scene with unmatched passion. What began as a personal journey of discovery has evolved into barguide.london - a go-to digital resource for anyone seeking exceptional drinking spots across the city. Falling in Love with London, One Pub at a Time Vicky’s love affair with London started the moment she stepped off the train. Bright-eyed and newly graduated, she was drawn to the capital by its energy and endless possibilities. It wasn’t long before she realised that her favourite way to explore the city was through its pubs and bars. Each venue told a different story, and each neighbourhood offered a new personality to discover. Her first home in Ealing was a gentle introduction to London life. The North Star pub became her regular haunt - a lively, welcoming place where she’d meet friends after work and soak in the local character. It was here that Vicky first realised how much a great pub could shape her social life and sense of belonging. A Journey Through London’s Neighbourhoods As the years passed, Vicky’s journey through London saw her live in every corner of the city, each move opening the door to new favourites and unforgettable moments. In Tooting, she experienced a different pace and vibe. Living with friends brought laughter and late nights, often centred around The Selkirk. Its spacious beer garden was a summer favourite, ideal for relaxed evenings with good company. Canada Water offered something altogether different - a quieter lifestyle with stunning riverside views. Just down the road was The Mayflower, a historic pub rich in atmosphere. Its low ceilings and flickering candlelight created an intimacy that contrasted beautifully with the modern buzz of the rest of the city. After a year spent living and working in New York, Vicky returned to London with fresh eyes. Settling in Clapham Common, she quickly rediscovered the capital’s charm. The Avalon became her local of choice - spacious, stylish and perfect for both casual catch-ups and lively nights out. Her time in Limehouse brought even more variety. The Grapes, co-owned by Sir Ian McKellen, became a favourite thanks to its waterside setting and timeless charm. Then came Angel in North London, where The Old Queen’s Head provided a party atmosphere and a perfect spot for letting loose with friends. In Marble Arch, she found herself drawn to The Portman - a refined yet welcoming pub that became a regular meeting point for friends in the area. Eventually, Vicky returned to East London for good, with venues like The Gun near Canary Wharf, The Oiler Bar on Royal Victoria Dock, and The Windjammer in Royal Wharf becoming treasured favourites. Now based in Blackheath with her husband and their two dogs, Vicky is enjoying a slower pace of life while still making time for exploration. Though she’s still choosing her favourite local, walks through Greenwich Park often end at The Plume of Feathers - Greenwich’s oldest pub and a firm family favourite. From Personal Passion to Public Platform With so many experiences and venues under her belt, Vicky realised she had something worth sharing. Friends would often ask her for bar recommendations, knowing she had a knack for picking just the right place for any mood or moment. That idea - of helping others find the perfect spot - sparked the creation of barguide.london. The site is a carefully curated guide to the best of London’s pubs and bars, born from Vicky’s lived experience rather than a checklist of trends. It’s designed to cut through the noise and help people find the right setting, whether they’re planning a big night out, a quiet drink after work, or a date somewhere new. Why barguide.london Is Different In a city packed with options, choosing the right bar can be overwhelming. Too many guides focus on what’s trendy rather than what’s actually enjoyable. Vicky saw a gap: a place for honest, personal recommendations grounded in real knowledge of what makes a night out memorable. barguide.london isn’t about following the crowd - it’s about helping people find their own kind of perfect. It’s especially designed for people like the site’s regular users: busy professionals in their 30s and 40s who want their leisure time to count. They’re looking for quality, character and atmosphere - and that’s exactly what the guide delivers. Built for Busy Londoners Like many of the site’s readers, Vicky understands what it’s like to juggle a busy career, an active social life and the desire to unwind. Time is precious, and the last thing anyone wants is to waste it on a mediocre night out. That’s why barguide.london is clear, concise and trustworthy - no gimmicks, just genuinely good suggestions. Whether someone is hunting for a dog-friendly Sunday spot, a hidden cocktail bar, or a networking-friendly wine bar after work, the guide helps them cut through the clutter and get straight to the good stuff. It’s quick to use and built to inspire confidence, whether you're booking ahead or heading out last-minute. Real Knowledge. Real Recommendations. Everything on barguide.london is based on personal experience, both from Vicky and her trusted pub companions. They've visited the venues, tasted the drinks, and felt the atmosphere. There’s no second-hand content or filler here - just genuine recommendations from Vicky et al. who know London’s bar scene inside and out. Vicky also understands the value of variety. The site includes both hidden gems and well-loved institutions, showcasing the full spectrum of what the city has to offer. There’s room for traditional pubs with a story to tell, as well as sleek cocktail bars with creative flair. No matter your taste or mood, there’s something for everyone. A Love Letter to London’s Social Life At its heart, barguide.london is a celebration of London’s rich social scene - the moments, the places, and the people that make this city so special. It’s a tribute to the laughter-filled nights, the spontaneous meet-ups, and the unforgettable celebrations that take place in the pubs and bars that dot every postcode. For Vicky, it’s about more than just drinks. It’s about connection. Every recommendation comes with a story, every venue with a memory. That’s what she hopes to pass on to readers - a sense of discovery, of excitement, and of finding the right place to belong. The Story Continues Vicky’s journey through London is still unfolding, and barguide.london continues to grow with it. As she explores new spots and revisits old favourites, she remains committed to sharing her experiences and helping others make the most of their time in this incredible city. So whether you’re a long-time Londoner or a first-time visitor, Vicky invites you to explore, enjoy and raise a glass to the best the city has to offer. With barguide.london as your guide, a great night out is never far away.

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