The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine art and Natural History
This is the only Museum of Curiosities combination bar in existence and has one of the best cocktail mixology menus in London. This place is not for the picky customer, as the Museum of Curiosity plays on the absurd, uncanny and uncomfortable. Downstairs you will find an array of disturbingly fascinating objects such as mummies of cats, human skeletons, preserved animals, Dodo bones, mad doodles and so much more. Upstairs as you sit sipping on cocktails (we highly recommend the ‘Project Artichoke’ or ‘Shrunken Head’) you may find yourself staring at the strangest things you have ever seen glued to the wall or even sitting right next to you.
The Cat & Mutton
This venue, dating back to 1729, is one of Hackney’s most famous pubs. Nowadays it also features a cocktail bar and restaurant on the top floor. The heritage of the Cat & Mutton is evident in every corner, from the piano used for live music to the wooden ceiling and old Gin advertisements hanging above the bar. Sipping on ale in this pub, you can almost hear carriages making their way into London. In warm weather the doors of this venue open up, giving this place the uplifting atmosphere of a local tavern.
The Cat & Mutton , 76 Broadway Market, London, E8 4Q, United Kingdom
Off Broadway
Modelled after a bar in New York’s East Village, this place has successfully created an American atmosphere right on Broadway Market. The red walls in combination with the curved bar give this small but cozy venue a warm and welcoming feeling. With good music rolling ’til late and friendly staff serving delicious cocktails (we recommend the ‘Brooklyn Daiquiri’), this place is a great combination of East Village meets East End on a Friday night.
Off Broadway, 63 -65 Broadway Market, London E84PH, United Kingdom
White Lyan
This place looks like an anonymous venue from the outside, but on entering you realise its much more than that. A black minimalistic environment coats this hidden gem of Hackney nightlife. This bar operates on a policy of no ice or sugar and offers very few branded products, making their pre-prepared cocktails one of a kind. White Lyan cares more about the customer enjoying a unique drink and less about the bartender’s ability to impress, hence why the glamour of bottles set out behind the bar is replaced with the convenience of refrigerators.
White Lyan, 153 – 155 Hoxton Street, London, N1 6PJ, United Kingdom
People’s Park Tavern
When the English sun makes a more frequent appearance, many prefer to spend their time before and after sunset in outdoor venues such as People’s Park Tavern in Victoria Park. The outdoor space creates an atmosphere of a relaxing summer barbecue, and the in-house microbrewery produces some delightfully original beers. A pub/bar/grill from the 19th century formerly known as ‘Britannia’, this place will not fail to enhance your summer evenings with its Victorian decorated bar and plentiful veranda seating. Come here for a good time surrounded by the greenery and comfort of Victoria Park.
People’s Park Tavern, 360 Victoria Park Road, LondonE9 7BT, United Kingdom