Best Bars East London: Where to Drink, Dance, and Hang Out

When you’re looking for the best bars East London, you’re not just chasing a drink—you’re chasing a feeling. Whether it’s the buzz of a packed basement bar, the quiet hum of a cocktail joint where the bartender knows your name, or a rooftop spot where the city lights stretch out like a map of possibilities, East London delivers. This isn’t the West End. It’s rawer, realer, and way more interesting. These are the places where the music doesn’t just play—it pulses. Where the ice clinks louder than the conversation. And where you don’t need to dress up to feel like you belong.

East London nightlife, a vibrant, ever-shifting scene built on creativity, grit, and a deep love of good company. Also known as London’s underground drinking culture, it’s shaped by independent venues, local artists, and crowds who show up because they want to be there—not because they were invited. This is where cocktail bars East London, intimate spaces where drinks are crafted like art and bartenders treat each pour like a story. Also known as mixology spots, it’s no longer just about gin and tonic—it’s about smoked herbs, house-infused syrups, and flavors you didn’t know you were missing. And if you’re looking for a place to stay late, late night bars East London, spots that keep pouring past 2 a.m., where the last call is just a suggestion and the energy doesn’t drop until the sun comes up. Also known as 24-hour drinking holes, they’re the reason you’ll still be laughing at 4 a.m. with someone you met ten minutes ago.

You won’t find chain pubs here. You won’t find velvet ropes unless they’re painted on. What you will find are places like a converted warehouse in Shoreditch where the playlist jumps from grime to jazz, a tiny wine bar in Hackney with natural wines you’ve never heard of, and a backroom karaoke joint in Dalston where everyone sings like they’re on stage—no matter how off-key. These aren’t tourist traps. They’re local secrets, passed by word of mouth, earned by showing up again and again.

Whether you’re planning a girls’ night out, a casual drink after work, or just want to find a spot that doesn’t feel like a theme park, the best bars East London have you covered. The drinks are smart, the people are real, and the vibe? It’s never forced. You’ll leave tired, maybe a little loud, but always glad you came.

Below, you’ll find real recommendations from people who’ve been there—bars that actually deliver on the promise, not just the Instagram filter. From hidden speakeasies to open-all-night joints, this is your guide to the East London bars that matter.