Hackney has three vibrant theatres – the grand old Hackney Empire on Mare Street, the Arcola Theatre, an industrial studio space in Dalston, and The Yard, a former warehouse just minutes from the Olympic Park in Hackney Wick.
Most people search out a glass of vino or a pint before the play or during the interval. But where can Hackney theatre goers head for a drink? Here, we look at the in-house bars at the respective venues, as well as two other pubs/bars that are near enough to easily nip out for a quick one.
HACKNEY EMPIRE – 291 Mare St, London E8 1EJ
In House: The biggest of the borough’s venues unsurprisingly has bars on all four levels of the auditorium, serving a mixture of beers, wines and spirits. Bottled beers (Becks, Corona) start from £3.50 while a glass and bottle of house wine is £4.40 and £12 respectively.
The Cock Tavern, 315 Mare Street, Hackney, E8 1EJ
Recently named the most beard-friendly pub in London, don’t let the hordes of hirsute folk put you off. This pub just a minute from the Empire has 22 beer taps, from home brewed beers to guest local ales, with a lovely wooden interior. Prices range from £3.80 to £4.50
The Old Ship Inn, 2 Sylvester Path, London E8 1EN
This independent inn just off Mare Street serves delicious food and a huge variety of wines, beers, rare spirits and a varied cocktail menu which ranges from £4.95 to £10.95.
ARCOLA THEATE – 24 Ashwin St, London E8 3DL
In House: The Arcola’s bar also serves excellent organic food alongside a bottle of Efes lager for £3.50 or a large bottle of locally brewed London Fields lager. House wine is slightly more expensive than at the Empire, at £4.50 a glass or £17 a bottle.
Duke of Wellington, 119 Balls Pond Rd, London N1 4BL
Situated just 100 yards from the Arcola, this traditional pub which has been recently renovated to cater for the area’s younger clientele stresses prominence on real ales, with four on constant rotation. It is also open late and runs movie and music nights if you fancy somewhere to continue the night after the play is over.
Dalston Jazz Bar, 4 Bradbury St, London N16 8JN
This place has often been labelled a “hipster-free zone” as the trendy types tend not to frequent this old-fashioned, unassuming bar. It is a proponent of no frills boozing, with strong cocktails only a fiver and large range of beers.
The Yard Theatre – Unit 2a Queen’s Yard, Hackney Wick, London E9 5EN
In House: The bar at The Yard prides itself on serving locally brewed beer, such as a pint of London Fields lager for £5. They also serve ale, with a pint of Adnams for £4. The wine rates are the cheapest of the three, with a glass of house priced at £3.50 and at £12 a bottle.
Crate Brewery, The White Building, Unit 7, Queen’s Yard, London E9 5EN
Crate is a brewery and pizzeria right next door the Yard, situated in a former print factory. Their in-house lagers, pale ales, cider and stout are all reasonably priced between £3.50 and £4. It has been voted as one of London’s hottest new bars, and for good reason.
The Hackney Pearl, 11 Prince Edward Rd, London E9 5LX
A cosy local just minutes from the Yard on the other side of Hackney Wick station, the Pearl serves up a huge array of London-brewed craft bears. However, with prices ranging between £4.20 and £5.60, it is a bit on the pricy side. They do have good food deals during the week, perfect for a pre or post show meal.
Map credit: Rachel Banning-Lover
