This is the kind of neighbourhood bar that Bethnal Green does best — a proper pub feel with serious cocktail chops. The Sun Tavern leans into its Irish roots with an impressive whiskey and poitín selection, punch cocktails, and London-brewed ales, all served up in a knowingly grungy space with creaky wooden floors and dim lighting. Come for the whiskey, stay for the espresso martinis and the rowdy, good-time crowd.
A knowingly grungy Bethnal Green pub with serious Irish whiskey, poitín, and punch cocktails — packed with locals even on weeknights.
It gets packed even on weeknights — arrive early (before 7pm) to grab a bar stool, especially if you want a spot for live music nights.
A proper East End pub with serious cocktail chops
The Sun Tavern is what happens when you take a proper East End pub and hand it over to people who actually care about cocktails. The vibe is knowingly grungy — creaky wooden floors, dim lighting, bar stools — but it works precisely because it doesn't try too hard. It feels like a neighbourhood bar first and a cocktail bar second, which is exactly why the locals pack it out even on weeknights.
The drink menu is where things get interesting. There's a serious Irish whiskey and poitín selection that you won't find in many places in London, alongside punch cocktails and classic mixed drinks. The espresso martinis have a reputation for being among the better ones in the area, and the bartenders are the kind who'll happily remake a drink if it's not hitting right for you. They also pour fine ales from London breweries, so there's something for everyone.
Bar snacks are simple but tasty — don't come expecting a full dinner, but do expect something to soak up the whiskey. Live music and DJs add to the rowdy pub energy on the right nights. It's a stone's throw from Bethnal Green tube, making it dangerously easy to pop in for one and stay for five.