Ready for a pint in Waltham Forest? This East London gem is buzzing with some of the best bars and pubs around. From quirky craft beer havens to traditional pubs oozing with charm, there’s a spot for every taste. Whether you’re after a cosy corner to chat with mates or a lively venue to kick off the weekend, Waltham Forest’s vibrant nightlife won’t disappoint. Let’s dive into this eclectic mix and find your new favourite local!
The Queens Arms
Address: 42 Orford Rd, London E17 9NJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Queens Arms is located in Walthamstow, a vibrant and historic part of London, offering an authentic experience of the city’s pub culture.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub offers a traditional yet modern atmosphere, combining a cosy interior with a lively beer garden. It’s known for its welcoming ambiance and is a popular spot among both locals and visitors. The pub’s environment is conducive to relaxation and socialising, making it a versatile venue for various occasions.
What’s On Offer
- Extensive Drink Selection: The Queens Arms boasts a wide range of ales, spirits, and wines. Their menu includes everything from house-cured salmon to beer-battered cod, catering to a variety of tastes. Additionally, they offer a selection of vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring inclusivity for all dietary preferences.
- Regular Entertainment: The venue is known for its regular quiz nights and live music events, contributing to a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. These events are a staple of the pub’s character and draw a diverse crowd, adding to the lively vibe.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Queens Arms is open from Monday to Thursday from 4 pm to 11 pm, on Fridays and Saturdays from 12 pm to 12 am, and on Sundays from 12 pm to 10:30 pm. Note that the kitchen is closed on Monday and Sunday evenings.
This venue is a great choice for those looking to experience a traditional British pub with a contemporary twist, offering a range of drinks, delicious food, and regular entertainment in a welcoming atmosphere.
The Tavern on the Hill
Address: 318 Higham Hill Rd, London E17 5RG
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Tavern on the Hill is situated in Walthamstow, a vibrant area known for its lively community and cultural diversity.
- What’s the Vibe? This venue exudes a blend of traditional charm and contemporary flair. Its hilltop location offers picturesque views, creating an inviting atmosphere for family dinners and social gatherings. The outdoor seating area becomes a sought-after spot during summer months, enhancing its appeal with stunning scenic views.
What’s On Offer
- Craft Beer: The Tavern boasts a selection of ten rotating craft beer taps, sourced from the nearby Wild Card Brewery. Alongside this, they offer a variety of cask ales and locally-sourced spirits.
- Pub Fare: Their kitchen, run by The Dragon Flame, specialises in high-quality flame-cooked food, served from Tuesday to Sunday, including a traditional Sunday roast.
- Events and Entertainment: The venue is not just about food and drinks; it also hosts various events. Regular highlights include a weekly quiz night every Tuesday, a piano sing-along on Fridays, and a comedy club featuring various British comedians. Special events like the Six Nations screenings add to its vibrant atmosphere.
- Inclusivity: The Tavern on the Hill is recognised for its friendly neighborhood vibe and is managed by local beer experts from Wild Card Brewery. It’s an LGBT-friendly venue, accommodating various groups with a cosy and casual atmosphere. The venue is child-friendly and dog-friendly, making it a versatile choice for different occasions and groups.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday: 4 pm – 10 pm (Kitchen closed)
- Tuesday to Thursday: 4 pm – 11 pm
- Friday & Saturday: 12 pm – 12 am
- Sunday: 12 pm – 10 pm
The Chequers
Address: 145 High St, London E17 7BX
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Chequers is in the bustling area of Walthamstow. This pub sits in the heart of East London’s vibrant scene and is conveniently accessible via the Walthamstow Central tube station.
- What’s the Vibe? The Chequers presents a blend of historical charm and modern flair, offering an eclectic and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a traditional East London boozer with a contemporary twist, known for its rotating selection of fine beers, local ales, cocktails, and a variety of spirits and soft drinks. The venue’s ambiance is further enhanced by its offering of live sports shown on multiple big screens, making it a popular spot for football and rugby fans.
What’s On Offer
- Food: The Chequers offers a menu that includes a variety of pizzas, loaded fries, and sharers, perfect for a casual bite.
- Drinks: It’s also renowned for its selection of local ales and craft beers from breweries like Five Points, Pillars, and Wild Card. For those who prefer other beverages, there’s a seasonally changing cocktail menu and a range of spirits and soft drinks.
- Cultural Events and Entertainment: This venue is not just about food and drinks; it’s a hub for cultural events and entertainment. They host various events including cabaret shows, karaoke nights, and special events on New Year’s Eve. The pub’s commitment to entertainment and cultural activities adds a unique character to its already vibrant atmosphere.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 2 PM to 11 PM
- Friday: 2 PM to 1 AM
- Saturday: 12 PM to 1 AM
- Sunday: 12 PM to 10:30 PM
The Chequers is a landmark pub in London that blends historical elements with modern touches. It offers a diverse menu, a wide range of drinks, and hosts various cultural events, making it a go-to destination for both locals and visitors seeking a unique pub experience in East London.
Dog & Duck
Address: 222 Chingford Rd, London E17 5AL
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Dog & Duck is nestled in the vibrant area of Walthamstow E17, London, known for its local community vibe.
- What’s the Vibe? This venue radiates a quintessential British pub atmosphere, complete with a cosy and friendly ambiance, ideal for a relaxed evening.
What’s On Offer
- Special Menu: The Dog & Duck is celebrated for its delicious pizza and traditional Sunday roasts, making it a culinary highlight.
- Regular Events: The pub enhances its cosy atmosphere with regular live music events, providing an entertaining backdrop for visitors.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Mon-Fri 12:00-23:30, Sat 12:00-00:00, Sun 12:00-22:30.
Ye Olde Rose & Crown
Address: 53 Hoe St, London E17 4SA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled in the heart of Walthamstow, this award-winning theatre pub is a staple in the community, known for its welcoming vibe and historical significance.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub maintains a charming and traditional decor, reflecting its long history since opening over a century ago. It’s a place where locals and newcomers alike mingle, offering a cosy, relaxed environment. The pub was even voted the best in Walthamstow by Londonist readers, underscoring its popularity and community-centric nature. It hosts a range of events, from comedy nights to blues and jazz performances, in its various spaces including a small theatre and cabaret lounge.
What’s On Offer
- Extensive Selection of Beers and Ales: As an award-winning establishment, Ye Olde Rose & Crown takes pride in offering a broad range of beers, featuring both local and international brews. The selection includes both fixed and rotating taps, ensuring a fresh experience for regulars while keeping favorite options available.
- Theatre and Live Performances: This venue is not just about great drinks; it’s also a hub for cultural activities. Regular events include theatre productions, live music, and comedy shows, providing a platform for diverse artistic expressions.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 3 pm – 11 pm
- Friday: 2 pm – 1 am
- Saturday: 12 pm – 1 am
- Sunday: 12 pm – 11 pm
Ye Olde Rose & Crown stands out for its fusion of traditional pub elements with a vibrant arts scene, making it a must-visit spot for those looking to experience a unique slice of London’s cultural tapestry.
The Duke
Address: 112 Wood St, London E17 3HX
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled in upper Walthamstow, Wood Street is known for its colorful murals and unique shops, making it an ideal spot for a vibrant and modern pub like The Duke.
- What’s the Vibe? The Duke boasts a contemporary and lively atmosphere, distinguished by neon lights and a touch of old-school Americana. It’s a place that embodies fun, offering various entertainment options like pinball, pool, and darts. The venue transforms into a bustling spot for late-night revelry on weekends, with the added charm of a street-facing garden that provides a relaxed setting.
What’s On Offer
- Innovative Dining: The Duke offers a creative menu featuring a blend of traditional and modern culinary concepts. It’s particularly noted for its sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring a fresh and authentic dining experience.
- Drinks: Alongside its innovative food offerings, The Duke also prides itself on a selection of craft beers and artisanal beverages, catering to a diverse range of tastes.
- Entertainment and Events: This venue is not just about dining; it’s a hub for entertainment. Regular events include live music, karaoke nights, and various sports screenings. They also host special events like their “Gatsby’s NYE” celebration and offer fun weekly activities such as quiz nights and live DJ sessions. The Duke provides a dynamic and engaging environment, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? From Monday to Thursday, it opens at 4 PM and closes at midnight. On Fridays and Saturdays, the hours extend from noon to 3 AM, and on Sundays, it’s open from noon to midnight.
The Flower Pot
Address: 128 Wood Street, Walthamstow, London, E17 3HX
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Flower Pot is situated in Walthamstow, London, specifically at 128 Wood Street, Walthamstow, Waltham Forest E17 3HX. This puts it in a bustling area of East London, surrounded by a variety of other dining options and attractions.
- What’s the Vibe? The Flower Pot is a traditionally decorated pub that presents a unique blend of traditional and contemporary experiences. It offers a singular trading area featuring a horseshoe-shaped bar, a pool table, and televised live sports. The pub is known for creating a welcoming atmosphere suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds.
What’s On Offer
- Diverse Beer Selection The pub prides itself on its wide range of beers and ales, catering to various tastes and preferences. This diverse selection is a significant draw for patrons.
- Jimmy’s Kitchen Pop-up A standout feature of The Flower Pot is ‘Jimmy’s Kitchen’, a pop-up restaurant known for serving gourmet burgers, pizza, and chicken wings. The pizza here, in particular, is noted for its exceptional quality.
- Leisure Destination: In addition to the offerings mentioned above, the pub’s location in East London places it near other attractions and dining establishments, contributing to a vibrant local scene. The inclusion of live sports broadcasts and a pool table further adds to the pub’s appeal as a leisure destination.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Flower Pot is open Monday to Thursday from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Friday to Saturday from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM, and on Sunday from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
The Flower Pot’s combination of traditional pub elements with contemporary offerings like Jimmy’s Kitchen makes it a unique venue in the London pub scene, offering something for both traditional pub-goers and those seeking a more modern pub experience.
Lord Raglan
Address: 199 Shernhall St, London E17 9HX
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Lord Raglan is located at 199 Shernhall St, London E17 9HX.
- What’s the Vibe? The pub is known for its vibrant and inviting atmosphere, combining friendly service with a warm ambiance. It is a traditional British pub that appeals to a diverse range of people, including families, couples, and business groups. The interior is cosy and decorated in a historical style, while the beer garden offers a tranquil space for outdoor socialising.
What’s On Offer
- Specialties in Food and Drink: Lord Raglan offers a range of local cuisine, with a focus on traditional British pub food like fish and chips and hunters chicken, and also caters to vegetarian and gluten-free diets. They serve a variety of drinks, including real ales, craft beers, and a full bar selection.
- Events and Atmosphere: This pub is not just about food and drinks; it also hosts various events and gatherings. It’s a popular choice for business meetings, special occasions, and friendly catch-ups. The festive spirit, especially around Christmas, adds to the pub’s charm.
- Additional Features: Lord Raglan operates within the price range of £5 – £15 for meals. It offers features like outdoor seating, television, and free Wifi, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The pub is welcoming for large groups and is well-equipped to cater to various dining preferences.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Mon-Sat 12:00-23:30, Sun 12:00-23:00.
Lord Raglan stands out for its traditional British charm, a wide range of food and drink options, and a friendly, inclusive atmosphere. It’s a place where both locals and tourists can enjoy the quintessential London pub experience.
The Nags Head
Address: 9 Orford Rd, London E17 9LP
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Nags Head is situated in Walthamstow Village, which offers a vibrant social scene.
- What’s the Vibe? The Nags Head presents a blend of rustic charm and modern flair. The pub creates a welcoming and lively atmosphere, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. It’s known for its selection of craft beers, artisan spirits, and creative cocktails, alongside a menu of contemporary pub dishes.
What’s On Offer
- Craft Beers and Artisan Spirits: A key feature of The Nags Head is its diverse range of craft beers and artisan spirits. This offering caters to a variety of tastes and preferences, making it a go-to place for beer and spirit enthusiasts.
- Contemporary Cuisine and Locally Sourced Ingredients: The Nags Head is also recognised for its contemporary takes on classic pub dishes, with a focus on using locally sourced ingredients. This approach ensures a fresh and unique dining experience.
- Lively Events Calendar: The venue is notable for its engaging events calendar, which includes live music nights, themed parties, and community gatherings, adding to the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Friday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Bargo
Address: 57 Orford Rd, London E17 9NJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Bargo is located on Orford Road, known for its idyllic setting and community camaraderie, tucked into one of the first shops on its parade.
- What’s the Vibe? Bargo offers a sophisticated social space that marries the world of a bar with the charm of an art gallery. The ambiance is a celebration of craft, focusing on the finer details of culinary and mixology arts, within a setting that is both welcoming and upscale. It’s aimed at discerning culinary, cocktail, and wine connoisseurs but is welcoming to all who wish to indulge in the Bargo experience.
What’s On Offer
- Unique Bar-Gallery Concept: Bargo stands out with its novel concept that blends a relaxed bar atmosphere with an array of art and cultural exhibits. This setting provides an enriching backdrop for enjoying a sophisticated selection of wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails.
- Diverse Cultural Events: The venue hosts a variety of events that showcase diverse talents. These include live music performances, art installations, and spoken word poetry. These events align with Bargo’s mission of providing a range of social experiences that resonate with its values of celebrating craft and diversity.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Friday: 14:00 – 23:00
- Saturday: 14:00 – 23:00
- Sunday: 12:00 – 21:00
Bargo’s seasonal menu features a range of small plate dishes designed for sharing, created using organic and locally sourced ingredients. The drinks menu, curated by master mixologists, offers a global array of cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and wines, each with a unique story and flavor profile.
Ready to Visit?
Waltham Forest, an East London treasure, offers a vibrant nightlife with a diverse array of bars and pubs. Whether you’re in the mood for a quirky craft beer spot or a traditional pub with loads of character, this area has it all. Notable mentions include the Queens Arms, a traditional pub with a modern twist, known for its extensive selection of ales and spirits, and The Tavern on the Hill, which offers stunning views and gourmet pub fare. These establishments, along with others in the area, ensure that whether you’re looking for a cosy spot to chat or a lively place to start your weekend, Waltham Forest has something to suit every taste.
Share the Love
Why not experience the unique charm of Waltham Forest’s bars for yourself? Head over to spots like the Queens Arms or The Tavern on the Hill for an unforgettable evening. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and let everyone know about your favourite finds. And once you’ve visited, we’d love to hear your thoughts – share your reviews and keep the spirit of discovery alive!