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Hand of Glory
★ 4.0(1 review)Bar
folkartsyintimate
About the Vibe
Hand of Glory isn't your average Hackney pub—it's a folk culture immersion wrapped in a cozy, dimly lit space that feels like stumbling into an alternate version of 18th-century Britain. The interior is decked out with giant maypoles, wicker masks, and taxidermy head-dresses that create an atmosphere both disquieting and delightful. While the folk art might intimidate some, the rotating roster of indie ciders, Seven Deadly Gins, and Mark Edwards' Wild Dog hotdog (yes, it's made from Iron Age pig) makes it a destination worth seeking out, especially on Wednesday folk sessions or Friday DJ nights.
Known For
- •Seven Deadly Gins
- •Wild Dog hotdog
- •folk art decor
- •free live folk sessions
Best For
date nightfolk music loverscider enthusiasts
1 review
City InsidersEditorialApril 7, 2026
A Folk Art Bar with Character
Hand of Glory is a proper oddity in Hackney—a bar that feels less like a typical London pub and more like a folk art exhibition with drinks. The interior is packed with giant maypoles, wicker masks, and taxidermy that give it a slightly eerie but charming vibe. You'll find yourself drawn to the bar to try their rotating selection of countryside ciders and the Seven Deadly Gins, which are genuinely well-curated. The food menu is simple but solid, with the Wild Dog hotdog being a standout—it's apparently made from Iron Age pig, which sounds ridiculous but tastes surprisingly good.
The place really comes alive on Wednesday nights when they host free folk sessions, and the DJ sets on weekends draw a local crowd that knows exactly what they're looking for. It's not the loudest or most glamorous spot in Hackney, but if you're into something with character and a bit of cultural depth, it's worth a visit. Just don't expect it to feel like a typical chain pub—this is a project by the Jaguar Shoes Collective, and you can tell they put serious thought into every detail.