Ready for a pint in Tower Hamlets? This buzzing corner of East London is brimming with some of the best bars and pubs around! From trendy rooftop bars offering stunning views of the city skyline to cosy, historic pubs steeped in local lore, Tower Hamlets serves up a diverse nightlife scene. Whether you’re in the mood for a craft beer, a fancy cocktail, or just a good old-fashioned ale, this area’s got you covered. Let’s dive into the lively and spirited world of Tower Hamlets, where every night out is an adventure!
Morgan Arms
Address: 43 Morgan St, Bow, London E3 5AA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Located at 43 Morgan Street, London E3 5AA, England, in the East End of London, Morgan Arms is approximately 1.4 miles from the Museum of London Docklands.
- What’s the Vibe? Morgan Arms provides a sophisticated and cosy atmosphere, perfect for a range of occasions. It offers a blend of local British charm and an upscale pub ambiance, making it suitable for both casual and special occasions.
What’s On Offer
- Exquisite Cuisine: This venue is known for its excellent British pub cuisine, featuring dishes like Sunday roasts, Yorkshire puddings, burgers, and more. The food is highly regarded for its quality and presentation. It accommodates various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
- Drinks: Apart from the food, Morgan Arms is celebrated for its selection of fine wines, real ales, and other beverages.
- Additional Features: Additional highlights include the venue’s capability for outdoor seating, wheelchair accessibility, and availability of free Wi-Fi. It’s also noteworthy that Morgan Arms received the Travellers’ Choice Award in 2023, indicating its high standing among patrons and critics.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The venue is open daily, with operating hours from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM.
The Coborn
Address: 8 Coborn Rd, Bow, London E3 2DA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Coborn is nestled in the Victorian terraces of Bow’s Coborn Road, in East London, easily accessible from Mile End and Bow Road stations.
- What’s the Vibe? This pub exudes charisma and charm, providing an attractive and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a place for locals and visitors alike to escape the frenetic pace of the city. The interior is characterised by a cozy ambiance, especially inviting during the winter months.
What’s On Offer
- Food: The Coborn prides itself on a menu of freshly prepared British classics. Dishes like beef burgers, beer-battered fish and chips, and sausages and mash are highlights. They also offer an array of starters, mains, and puddings. Special mention goes to their home-made East End classic pie and their Sunday Lunch offerings.
- Events and Activities: The venue is known for hosting various events, including Christmas celebrations with a 3-course meal and New Year’s Eve parties. It is also a popular spot for watching sports events like the Six Nations rugby tournament. Additionally, they have a pub quiz, enhancing the social and interactive aspect of the venue.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Coborn is open Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Friday to Saturday from 11 am to midnight, and Sunday from 12 pm to 10:30 pm.
The Coborn in Bow, London, stands out as a quintessential British pub with a modern twist, offering a range of delicious food, drinks, and engaging activities in a warm, inviting setting.
The Bancroft Arms
Address: 410 Mile End Rd, London E1 4RQ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Bancroft Arms is located at 410 Mile End Rd, London E1 4RQ.
- What’s the Vibe? This historic pub, dating back to the mid-19th century, offers a modern yet simple décor. Its atmosphere is described as friendly and relaxed, appealing to locals and visitors alike. It maintains a blend of historic charm and contemporary style, making it a unique spot in the Mile End area.
What’s On Offer
- Historic Charm with Modern Touches: The Bancroft Arms stands out for its impressive history and iconic status in the Mile End area. While the interior has been modernized, it still retains elements that reflect its rich history.
- Live Entertainment: Known for its live entertainment, particularly on Saturdays, this pub offers an enjoyable experience for those looking for a lively evening.
- Pub Grub: Additionally, it provides pub favorites at reasonable prices, contributing to its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
The Bancroft Arms offers a blend of history and modernity, making it an attractive destination for those in the Mile End area. Its live entertainment, affordable pub grub, and friendly atmosphere make it a recommendable spot for a casual visit.
The Wentworth Arms
Address: 127 Eric St, Bow, London E3 4SR
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Wentworth Arms is situated in the Mile End area of London, a traditional setting that brings a touch of the East End charm. Its proximity to the Museum of London Docklands, about 1.3 miles away, makes it an accessible spot for locals and visitors alike.
- What’s the Vibe? This pub is known for its welcoming and lively atmosphere. It’s a quintessential East End pub, offering a genuine London pub experience with its traditional decor and unspoiled local charm. Patrons often describe the ambiance as wonderful, with a friendly, communal vibe that reflects the pub’s status as a neighborhood staple.
What’s On Offer
- Real Ale and Drinks Selection: The pub offers a wide selection of global ales and famous brands, catering to various tastes and including keg offerings and well-known liquors, ensuring that guests have a good selection to choose from. Customers have also highlighted the reasonable prices and generous pours, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
- Live Sports and Screenings: The Wentworth Arms is renowned for screening live sports, making it a popular destination for sports fans. It features large TVs for an enhanced viewing experience and broadcasts games from Sky and BT Sport. This aspect makes it a great spot for catching a game in a vibrant environment.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Its opening hours are from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM from Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday, it closes a bit earlier at 10:30 PM.
The Wentworth Arms presents a traditional and authentic London pub experience, characterised by its East End charm, vibrant atmosphere, and sports-centric entertainment. The pub’s convenient location and diverse drink selection add to its appeal as a beloved local spot.
Rusty Bike
Address: 588 Mile End Rd, London E3 4PH
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Rusty Bike is conveniently situated near Mile End Underground Station, making it an accessible location in London.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It’s a place where you can enjoy a chat over lunch or in the evening. The interior has a rustic feel with a modern twist, providing a casual and inviting environment suitable for both locals and visitors.
What’s On Offer
- Locally Sourced Ales and Thai Food: The Rusty Bike is known for its great beer and Thai food. They serve a variety of drinks including beers, wines, ales, gins, and whiskies. The Thai menu includes popular dishes like Thai noodles and other Thai specialties, prepared using fresh local produce combined with herbs, spices, and Asian vegetables imported from Thailand.
- Sports Screenings and Events: This pub is a great spot for sports fans. They provide coverage of major national and international football tournaments, including Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and Europa League games. The sports events are shown in HD, creating an exciting atmosphere for watching games with friends and family.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?: The Rusty Bike is open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Rusty Bike in Mile End is a fantastic destination for those who enjoy a mix of traditional pub atmosphere with a unique twist of Thai cuisine, alongside a great selection of drinks and sports entertainment.
The Palm Tree
Address: 127 Grove Rd., Bow, London E3 5BH
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Palm Tree is nestled in a unique spot by the park and along Regents Canal in Mile End, offering a serene retreat amidst the bustling city.
- What’s the Vibe? The Palm Tree exudes a traditional pub ambiance, steeped in history and untouched by modern trappings. It’s known for its distinctive red lighting and classic décor, featuring gold chintz and memorabilia-lined walls. The atmosphere is a blend of nostalgia and a genuine East End spirit, attracting a diverse crowd of regulars and newcomers.
What’s On Offer
- Traditional Pub Experience with Live Jazz: The Palm Tree is celebrated for its live jazz performances, especially on weekends, where the music ranges from vintage jazz to Sinatra-esque melodies. This feature, along with the pub’s authentic vibe, draws a crowd that appreciates classic London pub culture.
- A Selection of Real Ales and Canalside Location: Besides its musical offerings, The Palm Tree boasts a variety of real ales, including local brews, and provides an idyllic setting with its canalside position. During warmer weather, patrons often enjoy lounging outside by the canal.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Palm Tree is open Monday to Sunday, from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, offering extended hours until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 11:30 PM on Sundays.
This venue is a true gem for those seeking an authentic London pub experience, complete with live music, a selection of ales, and a rich historical ambiance.
The Bow Bells
Address: 116 Bow Rd, Bow, London E3 3AA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Bow Bells is nestled in the East End of London, a storied area known for its rich history and vibrant culture.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub presents an authentic East End atmosphere, blending traditional elements with a diverse and inclusive environment. It’s recognised as a family-run establishment with a history stretching back to the 1800s, offering a relaxed, fun, and good-natured ambiance. The presence of a reportedly mischievous ghost in the ladies’ loo adds a unique twist to its character.
What’s On Offer:
- Beverage Selection: A standout feature of the pub is its great selection of real and craft ales, lagers, and an extensive range of spirits. Notably, the bar serves two different ciders on tap.
- Italian Cuisine and Pub Favorites: The Bow Bells distinguishes itself with a menu that includes Italian dishes like perfectly cooked pizza and burgers, alongside traditional pub fare.
- Events and Activities: The Bow Bells regularly hosts events such as pub quizzes, enhancing its appeal as a social hub.
- Outdoor Seating and Pool: The pub also offers outdoor seating and the opportunity to play pool.
Practical Info:
- When Can You Visit?
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Note: These hours might vary during holidays.
- Opening Hours:
Young Prince
Address: 448 Roman Rd, Old Ford, London E3 5LU
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Young Prince is located at 448 Roman Road, Old Ford, London E3 5LU. This area is well-known for its vibrant community and is conveniently situated near the Mile End station, making it easily accessible.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub offers a quaint and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular hangout for locals and visitors alike. It features a charming garden setting that adds to its relaxing ambiance. The pub has a traditional East End feel, characterized by its cosy and personal touch.
What’s On Offer
- Unique Charm and Setting: The Young Prince is particularly noted for its beautiful garden, which provides a picturesque backdrop for its patrons. This aspect of the pub is frequently highlighted by visitors and is one of its most attractive features.
- Sports and Entertainment: The pub is known for showcasing sports events, with football matches being displayed on a large screen and two smaller ones. This makes it a popular spot for sports fans. Additionally, the pub is known for hosting darts matches, adding to its appeal as a lively and entertaining venue.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? From Monday to Friday, it is open from 17:00 to 23:00. On Saturdays, the hours extend from 12:00 to 23:00, and on Sundays, it is open from 12:00 to 20:00.
The Victoria
Address: 110 Grove Rd., Bow, London E3 5TH
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Situated in Mile End, East London, The Victoria is a dog-friendly seafood gastro pub with a heated beer garden. It is conveniently located near East End and Victoria Park and is just one stop on the tube from Canary Wharf and Liverpool Street.
- What’s the Vibe? The Victoria is known for its welcoming and comfortable atmosphere. It combines traditional charm with modern touches, offering a cosy environment with social sharing tables and intimate corners. The pub has a rooftop where fresh produce is grown, contributing to the fresh and local flavor of its dishes.
What’s On Offer
- Beverage Selection: The pub boasts an excellent selection of beers, including eight cask ales with a rotating guest ale each week. Additionally, there’s Magri’s Cocktail Bar, offering personalised cocktail experiences without a fixed drinks list, and Charlie’s Cocktail Caravan in the garden for intimate gatherings.
- Seafood-Centric Menu: The Victoria takes pride in its menu focused on seafood from British shores. By collaborating with independent fish mongers, the pub ensures the use of the best and most sustainable ingredients. Their menu changes daily based on the freshest catch, offering a variety of seafood dishes for patrons to enjoy.
- Events: The Victoria also hosts the Wednesday Mussel Club and offers a happy hour from Monday to Friday, featuring discounts on oysters and cocktails.
- Family-friendly: The Victoria is child-friendly, with children allowed in the pub when accompanied by an adult and seated for food.
Practical Info
- Opening Hours: The pub opens from 11 AM until midnight from Monday to Friday, with coffee available from 7 AM on these days. On Saturdays and Sundays, coffee is available from 10 AM, and the pub opens from 11 AM until midnight.
The Angel of Bow
Address: 171 Devons Rd, Bow, London E3 3QX
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Angel of Bow is located in the heart of East London. It’s a short walk from Mile End Climbing Wall, Victoria Park, and the ABBA Arena.
- What’s the Vibe? The Angel of Bow is known for its cosy and welcoming atmosphere, combining traditional British pub charm with a modern twist. The pub is decorated in various shades of grey with unique artisan furniture, and features an outdoor space with murals by the street artist Paul Don Smith, creating a magical and inviting ambiance.
What’s On Offer
- Local Ales and Craft Beers: The pub boasts a wide selection of East London craft beers, including their own Angel of Bow lager, as well as the finest Belgian beers. They also offer over 40 wines from around the world and a variety of spirits.
- Homemade Food: The Angel of Bow is renowned for its homemade food, with 98% of its menu made in-house. They offer a range of dishes including traditional pub staples, Sunday roasts, and fresh Maldon oysters.
- Events: Special events like pub quizzes add to the lively experience.
- Accommodation The Angel of Bow also offers bed and breakfast facilities, featuring boutique rooms equipped with modern amenities, perfect for visitors to nearby attractions.
- Pet-Friendly: This venue is not just welcoming to humans; pets are encouraged both in the pub and the bed and breakfast.
- Special Offers and Delivery: They provide delivery services for food and drinks within a half-mile radius for orders over £25 and offer discounts for collections.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? They are open Monday to Saturday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and on Sunday from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
The Angel of Bow is a gem in East London, offering a blend of traditional British pub culture with a modern flair, extensive drink selections, homemade food, and comfortable accommodation, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.
Ready to Visit?
Tower Hamlets, a vibrant area in East London, offers an eclectic mix of bars and pubs, each with its unique charm and character. From the elegant and cosy Morgan Arms, perfect for gourmet cuisine and exquisite beverages, to The Coborn, which combines traditional charm with contemporary flair, there’s something for every taste. These establishments, along with others like The Bancroft Arms and The Wentworth Arms, provide a diverse nightlife experience, whether you’re looking for craft beers, fancy cocktails, or classic ales.
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Why not try one of these fantastic bars in Tower Hamlets and immerse yourself in the local nightlife? Whether it’s the sophisticated Morgan Arms or the historically rich Coborn, each venue promises a unique experience. Share this article with your friends and plan your next outing. And don’t forget to share your review after your visit – your insights could be the guide for someone else’s next adventure!