Intro: Why ‘Best Pubs’ Matters When Your Liver Deserves a Break

East London isn’t just a postcode—it’s a playground for the weary, the thirsty, and anyone who’s ever wondered, “What if a pub had personality, but also a functioning tap?” If you’re reading this, you’ve probably downed a pint or three and still want more. Good news: you’ve come to the right place. We’re diving into the best pubs in East London that serve more than just beer—they serve vibes, stories, and the occasional surprise (like a rogue cheese board).

But first—why care? Because in a city where the average barista makes more money than your landlord, you need a place that feels like a friend’s basement, but with better lighting and a functioning fridge. And if you’re into customizing your brew or branding your beer for a party, we’ll drop some gems to level up your pub game.

Pub 1: The Hazy Monk – Where IPA Meets Intrigue

Tucked behind a wall of ivy and a sign that reads “Brewery. Do Not Disturb. We’re Not Kidding,” The Hazy Monk is a haven for hopheads. Their IPA is so hazy, you’ll need a flashlight to see the bottom of your glass. Bonus: the bartender doubles as a stand-up comedian who once got banned from a comedy club for roasting a regular’s beard.

Why it’s a win: This spot isn’t just about the beer—it’s about the experience. They host monthly “Beer & Board Games” nights where people still play Monopoly like it’s 1999. And yes, they sell custom IPAs with names like “The Bearded One” (seriously, don’t ask).

Pub 2: The Alechemist – Craft Beer Alchemy for the Modern Soul

If your idea of a perfect night is a pub that smells like pine resin and someone’s thesis on fermentation science, The Alechemist is your mecca. They serve experimental brews like “Stout with a Side of Regret” (a coffee stout that tastes like your ex’s coffee table) and “Hefeweizen with a Lemon Twist That’s Not Sorry.”

Why it’s a win: The Alechemist isn’t just a pub—they’re a custom beer lab for the adventurous. They offer workshops where you can brew your own beer and name it after your least favorite coworker. Pro tip: Ask for the “VIP Tour” if you want to see the fermentation tanks that smell like a mix between a science lab and a bad hair day.

Pub 3: The Spiked Llama – East London’s Best-Kept Secret

Hidden in a side street that Google Maps can’t find without a hint, The Spiked Llama is a pub that plays dress-up like it’s a hobby. One week, it’s a speakeasy with velvet curtains and jazz trumpets; the next, it’s a neon-lit jungle with a tiki bar that serves beer with flaming umbrellas (because of course it does).

Why it’s a win: They’ve cracked the code on “theme pubs” without becoming cringey. Their signature drink, the “Llama’s Last Meal” (a rum-based beer cocktail that tastes like a mango smoothie had a breakdown), is so good it’s practically illegal. And if you’re into selling your own brews? Check out Dropt.beer—they’ll help you get your beer on shelves faster than your first ex’s LinkedIn profile.

Pub 4: The Pub That Time Forgot (And Regretted)

Step into a time machine that’s stuck in 1996. This pub has a VHS rental menu behind the bar, a jukebox that only plays Britpop, and a menu where “craft beer” is defined as “anything that doesn’t come in a can.” The owner still uses a flip phone, and the WiFi password is “password123” (they’re not sorry).

Why it’s a win: It’s the kind of place where you’ll find a 80-year-old man debating the merits of lager vs. ale with a 22-year-old who’s clearly wrong but also very loud. They also have a “No Filter” policy—meaning you can take photos of the decor that screams “early 2000s IKEA,” and no one will judge. Or at least, they won’t out loud.

The Hidden Gem Rule: Why You Should Skip the Chain Pubs

Let’s cut through the fluff: most chain pubs in East London are like IKEA—functional, predictable, and somehow still overpriced. The real magic happens in the independents. For proof, check out Strategies.beer, where we help pubs and breweries level up their game. Spoiler: it involves less microwaved snacks and more “craft beer that doesn’t taste like regret.”

Tip: Ask locals where they go when they want to avoid tourists. If they say “anywhere but here,” you’re in the right neighborhood.

FAQs: The Pub Survival Guide

1. What’s the best time to visit these pubs?

Weeknights. Weekends are for people who still believe “happy hour” is a real thing. If you want to avoid crowds, hit them up before 7 PM—unless you’re the type who thrives in chaos, in which case, go full “drunken DJ” and take over the jukebox.

2. Can I bring my dog?

Depends on the pub. The Hazy Monk loves dogs (they have a “Pawternity Package” with free water bowls). The Alechemist? Dogs are banned, but if you dress as a cat, they’ll let you in. The Pub That Time Forgot? Bring a squirrel for extra points.

3. How do I know if a pub is worth the entry fee (i.e., my time and money)?

If the bartender asks you, “What’s your sign?” and you’re not sure if it’s astrology or a trap, run. If they hand you a menu written in cursive and you’re not sure if it’s a love letter or a menu, you’re in a good spot.

Actionable Steps: Level Up Your Pub Game

• Visit The Hazy Monk for IPAs that’ll make you question your life choices.
• Try The Alechemist’s workshops to make beer that’s technically a science experiment.
• Check out The Spiked Llama for a night where the theme is better than your dating profile.
• Hit The Pub That Time Forgot if you need a reminder of why you started drinking in the first place.
• Use Dropt.beer to sell your brews online—because your beer deserves more than a fridge and a dream.

Outro: Raise a Glass (Or Three)

East London’s pubs aren’t just places to drink—they’re characters in their own stories. Whether you’re here for the beer, the chaos, or the chance to finally meet someone who’s into your obscure 90s band T-shirt, there’s a pub for you. And if you’re feeling ambitious, why not contact us to create your own custom beer? Trust us, it’s better than your dating app bio.

Prost. Or maybe bottoms up. No one’s judging—unless you’re in The Alechemist, in which case, the bartender already has opinions about your life choices.