Heading out from Redbridge Tube? You’re spoilt for choice with proper local pubs and relaxed bar spots just a hop away. Fancy a cosy pint with pals? The George in South Woodford is an old-school gem with Sky Sports, real ales and a friendly buzz. Wanstead’s got the Duke of Edinburgh and Nightingale for community vibes and tasty grub. If you’re after something a bit more indie, Jono’s Free House serves craft beer in a laid-back setting, while The Chequers and Prince of Wales bring that classic pub charm. A short stroll and you’ll find lively spots like the Black Moon Lounge and Divino Wine Bar for after-work sips with style. Not a bad night out at all!
The Bull
Address: 129 High St, Wanstead, London, E11 2RL
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled just 100 yards from Wanstead Underground Station on Wanstead High Street, The Bull occupies a prime spot in the heart of East London’s suburban village.
- What’s the Vibe? A welcoming community pub with chic-rustic charm: think leather sofas, waxed wooden floors and a relaxed, stylish setting that suits families, friends and dog-walkers alike.
What’s On Offer
- Expansive Beer Garden: A sunny suntrap that remains open every day until 11 pm/23:00, equipped with parasols and fairy lights – ideal for a long, leisurely tipple.
- Fresh, Local Pub Food: Serving a menu daily (kitchen open Wed–Sun), featuring sustainably sourced ingredients, Tuesday 2‑for‑1 burgers, and hearty Sunday roasts.
- Dog‑Friendly & Family‑Oriented: Welcomes well-behaved dogs (on leads) with their own treats and even Sunday dog roasts. Children have their own menu and colouring pencils.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Mon–Tue: 12:00 – 22:30
- Wed–Thu: 12:00 – 23:00
- Fri–Sat: 12:00 – 00:00
- Sun: 12:00 – 22:30
- Kitchen Hours: Closed Mon–Tue; Wed–Sat: 12:00–21:00 (with a break at 16:00–17:00); Sun roast till 18:00
MUST Wine Bar
Address: 125 High Street, Wanstead, E11 2RL
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled in the heart of Wanstead Village, just a two‑minute stroll from Wanstead Central Line station, this wine bar is perfectly placed on the High Street.
- What’s the Vibe? Elegant, cosy and relaxed. The décor includes a heated courtyard garden, private tasting lounge, and even a cigar room, creating a sophisticated yet friendly atmosphere ideal for a quiet chat or celebratory evening.
What’s On Offer
- 70+ Wines by the Glass: Over 70 wines by the glass from more than 20 countries, including 18 premium selections. Flights and tasting tours are regularly hosted.
- Hot & Cold Small Plates: A carefully curated menu of small and sharing plates: award‑winning charcuterie, cheese boards, Mediterranean dishes, seafood platters, and vegetarian options, all designed to pair beautifully with the wine list.
- Private Tasting Lounge & Monthly Events: A stylish private lounge for wine tastings and events—like the monthly “World Wine Tasting Tour” and special themed evenings, often featured at the Wanstead Fringe.
- Price Range: Expect to spend between £26–£40 per person, depending on your wine and food choices.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Tue–Thu: 17:00–22:30
- Fri: 15:00–23:00
- Sat: 12:00–23:00
The Cuckfield
Address: 31 High Street, Wanstead, E11 2AA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Situated on Wanstead High Street between Snaresbrook and Wanstead Tube stations, it’s a stroll away from Epping Forest, making it perfect for a pit‑stop after exploring the woods.
- What’s the Vibe? Housed in a converted 19th‑century coaching inn, the pub blends period charm – a roaring fireplace, oak mantelpiece, tiled floors – with contemporary furnishings. The feel is elegant yet unpretentious, with a friendly, village‑local ambiance.
What’s On Offer
- Sunday Roast & Seasonal Menu: A regular Sunday roast served from 12pm draws in locals early. The kitchen focuses on fresh, seasonal British pub dishes plus lighter sandwiches and burgers with lunch‑time deals Mon–Fri (sandwich + drink around £11–£13).
- Steak Night: Weekly special offers include a “two steaks + free bottle of wine” Thursday from 4–9 pm.
- Quiz Night: There is a popular quiz night every Tuesday from 7–8 pm.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday–Thursday: 12:00–23:00
- Friday & Saturday: 12:00–00:00
- Sunday: 12:00–22:00
- Food service typically runs until 21:00 (8pm Sundays)
The George & Dragon
Address: 155‑159 High Street, Wanstead, E11 2RL
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled on Wanstead High Street, just steps from Wanstead Underground Station, this handsome Victorian-era pub occupies a prominent corner spot near George Green and Christchurch Green.
- What’s the Vibe? Nestled on Wanstead High Street, just steps from Wanstead Underground Station, this handsome Victorian-era pub occupies a prominent corner spot near George Green and Christchurch Green.
What’s On Offer
- Classic British Pub Menu: A high‑quality lineup of British pub classics such as fish & chips, pies, burgers and their much‑talked‑about Sunday roast. Ingredients are sourced from award‑winning producers.
- Real Ales, Wines & Cocktails: Three rotating real ales (from East London, Five Points, Twickenham), plus a strong selection of wines and cocktails. Pints are priced around £5.50–£7.
- Live Sport & Events: Equipped with big screens for live match screenings, including rugby and other tournaments. There’s also a weekly pub quiz every Monday and occasional live music nights.
- Private Hire – The Dragon’s Den: A stylish first-floor room featuring its own bar, TV, toilets, and space for up to 100 standing or 50 seated guests – ideal for private parties, corporate events, or celebrations.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Kitchen hours: Monday–Saturday 11:00–22:00; Sunday 12:00–21:00
- Bar hours: Typically 12:00–23:00 (Mon–Thu), until midnight (Fri–Sat), and until 22:30 on Sunday
Nightingale on the Green
Address: 51 Nightingale Lane, Wanstead, E11 2EY
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled along Nightingale Lane, the pub is a short stroll from Snaresbrook station (about 0.3 miles) in the leafy East London suburb of Wanstead, within the Redbridge borough.
- What’s the Vibe? A lovingly restored traditional East London boozer, complete with dark green décor, wooden floorboards, a snug and single friendly bar area. It offers a warm, community-minded atmosphere, blending old‑school charm with modern touches like Sky Sports and live music.
What’s On Offer
- Football & Sky Sports: The only local pub in Wanstead airing live Sky Sports, making it a go‑to spot for watching football matches in an enthusiastic crowd.
- Private Function Room: ‘Madame Butterfield’s Lounge’ is available for private hires – ideal for events like birthdays, wakes, baby‑showers or work lunches, with complimentary Wi‑Fi and catering options.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Mon–Thu & Sunday: 11:30–23:00
- Fri–Sat: 11:30–00:00
- Food served noon–21:00 on weekdays, noon–18:00 weekends
Ready to Visit?
Whether you’re heading out from Redbridge Tube or strolling through Wanstead Village, you’re in luck – this part of East London is brimming with welcoming pubs and stylish bars. From the rustic-chic comfort of The Bull with its family-friendly beer garden, to MUST Wine Bar’s refined small plates and curated wine list, there’s something for every taste. Add in the old-school charm of The Cuckfield, the vibrant energy of The George & Dragon, and the sport-loving atmosphere at Nightingale on the Green, and you’ve got a neighbourhood that knows how to do a proper night out.
Share the Love
Why not pop into one of Wanstead’s standout spots this weekend? Bring your mates, support local, and don’t forget to share this guide – and your review – after your visit!
