Bethnal Green Boozin’: A Guide

If you’re edgy you probably live here, if you’re like us then you just know it’s that weird bit of the central line that looks like an escalator on the tube map.

Bethnal Green, a direct 20 minute walk east of Shoreditch, is not the most shocking area for a craft beer crawl, but we’re not here to shock (not today, anyway). We’re here to quench your thirst. Four great independent destinations make for a very productive craft beer crawl and in future you might head directly here, rather than only walking over from Shoreditch because the Brewdog was too busy. Note that there used to be far more in the area, but closures in the past couple of years have slimmed the pickings a little. We retain those that have closed down at the end of this guide for posterity.

The whole thing is within a ten minute walk of itself, so any order is feasible.

The Three Colts Tavern
Good For: Shuffleboard; Soaking up the beer with food.
Things to note: The new (as of Feb 2023) outpost for Exale brewery, this is a big, bright venue that could be an entire night out in itself. The pizza menu means you can soak up some of those beverages.
Beer: A whopping 12 taps means the Exale brews are partnered with several guest beers from around the city, with something for everyone and some fantastic options.
Vibez: This is a big, fun bar and it’s meant to be a bit edgy, so enjoy the experience. Shuffleboard table included (it’s at the back, don’t miss out!)
Price: It isn’t cheap but some of the best beers are, so choose strategically and you’ll feel good about your spend.
Warmth: Chatty bartenders who are passionate about the project makes this much better than your average bougie hangout. Great people, great place.

Mother Kelly’s Bethnal Green
Good for: Massive beer selection; large airy space; takeaway souvenirs.
Things to note: Not a brewery despite looking like one, this is a busy bottle shop and taproom in the now very popular Bethnal Green arches. If it’s closing time and you haven’t had your fill, pick up a takeaway bottle from their huge selection. Make sure you don’t accidentally go to the craft cocktail bar next door.
Beer: There is lots of it so you’ll find something which is 10/10 even if you enjoy Table Beer which is 0/10.
Vibez: Beer nerds mixed with people who read about it on Timeout.
Price: You’ll possibly spend more here than at the previous venues combined, especially if you get ‘one for the road’.
Warmth: Friendly bartenders, although can get too busy to feel truly cosy.

The Kings Arms
Good for: Proper independent pub; cosy vibe; lots of indoor seating.
Things to note: Formerly also of Grace Land, it changed hands to the owners of Farringdon’s inimitable Sutton Arms in late 2024. So, we guess the Sutton Arms will become imitable – right here.
Beer: Big selection with a focus on the best indie beer from around the UK, along with some more mainstream lager staples like Budvar (the Czech one, which is 10% better than Budweiser). Everyone will be satisfied.
Vibez: It’s totally indoors, on a little side street corner, lending to a very warm, wintery feel. In summer, it also sort of has this, which isn’t necessarily bad but you won’t be getting a tan in the 45 minutes of July sunshine London typically gets. It gets busy-ish but not as chaotic as the other venues on this list. Note – no food here.
Price: Below average, which is lovely. The pricing is very competitive, especially for the cask beer, which is always exquisite.
Warmth: It’s not the warmest pub in London from a hospitality standpoint, nor is the Sutton Arms, it’s sort of part of the aesthetic so work with it and you’ll be well watered.

The Bethnal Green Tavern
Good for: Lovely beer garden; Big selection with vibes that everyone can enjoy.
Things to note: One of the Grace Land pubs, this is a lovely, busy pub that has something for everyone. They serve a bit of food though it’s not the focal point at all.
Beer: In line with the usual Grace Land pub offerings – at least 10 lines of UK indie beer, some of their own Saint Monday stuff and a couple of international interlopers. You can’t fault the choice level.
Vibez: It gets very busy both inside and out so seating is not always available, despite the generous indoor space. The beer garden, pictured below, is an absolute delight if it isn’t raining, and on Saturday nights it gets very, very busy.
Price: London pub averages, looking at 6-7 quid for a pint of most things.
Warmth: Decently nice, will give a taster or two if it’s not busy because they know craft beer nerds come here along with local scenesters looking to have fun.

BOXCAR Brewery – Sadly, BOXCAR closed their taproom in February 2023.
Good for: A variety of colourful labels, afternoon tipple, an ale or two.
Things to note: Minimalist setup in a pop-up kind of way – it doesn’t really stand out but plays all the classics.
Beer: Unspectacular, definitely not bad, the highlight is their Mild and their cask machine thing so definitely get whatever they have pumping through that.
Vibez: There are people, if it’s a nice day out it’s a good time in the sunshine on a quiet backstreet.
Price: Affordable.
Warmth: Pleasant enough people on the taps and local clientele. There is clearly a theme running through this brewery: reliable without turning heads, which is sometimes a good thing in the craft beer world.

Old Street Brewery – sadly, Old Street closed in early 2024.
Good for: Chatty bartenders; people watching.
Things to note: Most of the outdoor seats are stools around giant barrels and it gets very crowded in a narrow passageway. The indoor bit (pre-COVID) was full, which is a good thing. More of a nightspot than Boxcar. The actual brewing has moved to an expanded Hackney Wick location as of April 2021.
Beer: One was delicious, one less delicious, one was delicious again. I’ll take those averages. Some funky options too.
Vibez: Buzzing like a bee in a flower shop.
Price: Affordable.
Warmth: The bartender has brewery info and happy to provide samples’ you’ll probably only want the latter but great for a chat even if it’s busy.

The Mechanic Brewery – Sadly, The Mechanic closed in early 2021.
Good for: Chilled out taproom, friendly regulars, afternoon tipple, unusual beers.
Things to note: This place is a one-woman operation run by a former manager of UBrew. On asking for “something she was proud of” we were given a rose petal pilsner that we disliked but that we heavily respected. The rest of the beers were great and the conversation was enjoyable, even if we left feeling like our beer knowledge was akin to that of a 12 year old tee-totaller.
Beer: Innnnteresting would be the word. Just ask for the bartender’s choice.
Vibez: Calm and full of passionate locals of all ages.
Price: Very affordable.
Warmth: Everyone was up for a chat, so don’t be afraid to go prop up the bar!

Share and Enjoy!

Know another great independent brewery or dedicated craft beer location in Bethnal Green? Let me know – I’ll go there and if it fits the bill I’ll add it here!