Bethnal Green Boozin’: A Guide

If you’re edgy you probably live here, if you’re like me 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 I’m not here to shock (not today, anyway). I’m here to quench your thirst. Several great independent destinations make for a very productive craft beer crawl and in future you might head directly here, rather than walking over from Shoreditch only because the Brewdog was too busy.

This list is in the order I recommend you doing the crawl based on atmosphere and location, with links directly to Google Maps (on which you can also find links to the various websites/social media). The whole thing is within a ten minute walk of itself though, so any order is feasible.

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” I was given a rose petal pilsner that I disliked but that I heavily respected. The rest of the beers were great and the conversation was enjoyable, even if I left feeling like my 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!

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 cask machine so definitely get whatever they have pumping through that.
Vibez: There were people, it was 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.

The Three Colts Tavern
Good For: Shuffleboard; Soaking up the beer with food.
Things to note: The new (as of Feb 2023) outpost for the fantastic 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.
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.

Old Street Brewery
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 gave me brewery info and a few samples, you’ll probably only want the latter but great for a chat even if it’s busy. They are really so friendly.

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 closes 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.

Bonus Stops:

The Sun Tavern
The Bethnal Green Tavern

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!