
Shot by a City Insiders curator.
The Kenton is Hackney’s beloved Norwegian-run pub with a striking yellow exterior and a serious commitment to its craft. You’ll find 17 beers on draft, a covered beergarden perfect for rainy afternoons, and a private karaoke room that’s straight out of a 1970s dance parlour. It’s the kind of place where locals gather for Tuesday quiz nights, sports on six screens, and maybe a Yard Sale Pizza delivered from the house opposite.
Hackney’s beer-loved local with serious craft credentials
The Kenton is one of those pubs that feels like it belongs to the neighbourhood rather than just sitting in it. The bright yellow facade makes it impossible to miss, and once you’re inside, you’ll find a warm, welcoming space that’s clearly loved by its regulars. The beer selection is seriously impressive—17 on draft with a focus on supporting local breweries, and they were a finalist for Best Beer Pub in Britain in 2024, which tells you everything you need to know about their commitment to the craft.
What really sets The Kenton apart is the variety of ways to spend an evening here. You can settle into the covered beergarden (thankfully mostly under cover for those unpredictable London showers), join the raucous Tuesday quiz hosted by George Rool, or book the vintage 1970s-style karaoke room for a private party. It’s also one of Hackney’s most LGBTQ+ friendly venues, earning the title of “Most Loved LGBTQ+ Hangout in Hackney” from Time Out. The only thing you won’t find is food on-site, but Yard Sale Pizza from the house opposite delivers, and it’s a solid pairing for your pint.
If you’re looking for a pub that’s got both the drinks credentials and the community soul, The Kenton delivers. It’s not pretentious, it’s not trying too hard—it’s just a really well-run local that happens to have won “Most Loved Pub in London” back in 2015. That award still feels relevant today.