
Shot by a City Insiders curator.
The Beer Merchants Tap is the real deal for craft beer geeks in East London. With 20 keg taps, 2 cask pumps, and over 500 bottles from breweries worldwide, you'll find everything from Belgian classics to obscure Norwegian brews. The space feels like a proper beer lover's sanctuary—industrial but welcoming, with a taproom that encourages lingering over your pour. Pair your pint with their artisan cheese or meat platters, and you've got a perfect evening in Hackney Wick.
A Craft Beer Lover's Paradise
If you're serious about craft beer, The Beer Merchants Tap is your kind of place in Hackney Wick. The sheer scale of their selection is impressive—20 taps on rotation plus hundreds of bottles means there's always something new to try. I particularly love their Belgian and British offerings, though the international range (think Norway, Germany, USA) keeps things exciting. The taproom has that no-frills, beer-focused vibe that purists appreciate, and the staff clearly know their stuff when it comes to recommendations.
The food menu is small but perfectly formed, with cheese and meat platters that pair beautifully with your selection. It's not a destination for a full meal, but for a proper drinking session, it's ideal. The space feels authentic and unpretentious, which is rare these days. It's become a go-to for locals who want to explore beyond the usual pub fare without leaving the neighborhood.