44 Best Riverside Pubs in London (2023 guide)

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Who doesn’t love a London pub by the river?! A pint at a pub on the river in London is one of the simplest pleasures in life (but also one of the best). London is blessed with the very best riverside pubs and bars – we really are spoilt for choice where to knock back a beer, sip a sauv on a summer’s day or enjoy a riverside meal.

From the lesser known riverside pubs of Strand-on-the-Green in West London (one of London’s best kept secrets) to traditional taverns on the Thames in Greenwich and Wapping, this is one beer and bar blog we’ve enjoyed completing (hic!).

And yes, we have been to every single London riverside pub in this list (although not in one day obviously). We also include a couple of the best London brewery taprooms by the river.

Here is our guide to the best pubs by the river in London as at 2023.

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Incidentally in our guide to the best riverside pubs in London, there are several area guides which you can jump straight to – if you’re looking for a particular area for a riverside bar or pubs by the river in London:

Table of Contents

Best riverside pubs in London map

Best riverside pubs in Greenwich, London

1. The Trafalgar Tavern

An iconic inn built in 1837 and located right on the water’s edge, this is one of the most popular pubs of the river in the whole of Greenwich as it overlooks the Thames and sits right on the Thames path.

If you can’t bag one of the outdoor tables that directly sit on the water, no need to worry as there is heaps of room outside to enjoy your beer with much of the bar area overlooking the Thames.

The Trafalgar Tavern is a Grade I listed pub and has been frequented by the likes of Charles Dickens (who even included the pub in a scene in his last novel, Our Mutual Friend).

Easily one of the best riverside pubs in London, take a step back in time at the Trafalgar Tavern.

Address: Trafalgar Tavern, Park Row, London SE10 9NW

2. The Cutty Sark Tavern

A little walk away from Greenwich town centre, located smack bang on the Thames, the Cutty Sark Tavern is an old inn with an outside beer garden (albeit quite concrete) and depending on who you believe, started life in either 1695 or 1795 (either way, very old!).

With unobstructed views of the River Thames, this riverside pub in Greenwich is also within easy walking distance of Brew By Numbers Mordern Wharf brewery taproom – talk about a good day out on the river.

Address: The Cutty Sark, 4-6 Ballast Quay, London SE10 9PD

3. The Sail Loft

A fine Fuller’s pub on the river Thames and just a couple of minutes’ walk from Cutty Sark Gardens, this is a nice way to enjoy a beer or hearty pub grub by the water.

On our last visit to The Sail Loft bar / pub in Greenwich, we were surprised to see a huge Viking Cruises ship had moored in front of the pub – so we enjoyed a sunset session on the terrace with a classic Greenwich maritime view (note the Sail Loft can get very busy when a cruise ship is in).

This is a superb spot for a Sunday roast in Greenwich and freshly beer battered fish and chips – the Sail Loft also has tonnes of maritime theming inside.

For the best views indoors at the Sail Loft, enjoy your meal or drinks on the first floor which looks out towards Canary Wharf and Docklands.

Address: The Sail Loft Greenwich, 11 Victoria Parade, London SE10 9FR

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4. The Yacht

Looking for a ship-shape bar in Greenwich? Step aboard the Yacht pub, a historic tavern located right next door to the Trafalgar Tavern.

With unobstructed views of the River Thames and Docklands from the Yacht’s interior bar, this London riverside pub in Greenwich is one of your best bets for a quiet pint overlooking the Thames

There are also several TV screens in here making The Yacht one of the best Greenwich pubs for live sports.

Address: The Yacht, 5 Crane Street, Greenwich London SE10 9NP

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Best riverside bars in Chiswick, London

5. The Bell & Crown, Stand on the Green, Chiswick

We’ll say this quietly so as not to give away the secret but we think THE spot for the best riverside pubs in London has to be Chiswick’s Strand on the Green. Here, there are several London riverside bars all next to one another without a road in sight.

One of the best Chiswick riverside pubs at Strand on the Green has to be The Bell & Crown, a fine Fuller’s pub (possibly one of their best as it is close to Fuller’s new head office, so they probably try to keep it immaculate.

The Bell & Crown, Strand on the Green, Chiswick river pub

In the past, we’ve had a couple of sublime Sunday (roast) sessions at the Bell & Crown and it is highly recommended. The inside is nautical themed and outside, there is a beer garden which acts as a nice sun terrace in the afternoons (a great spot for a pub lunch in Chiswick).

Address: The Bell & Crown, 11-13 Thames Rd, Strand-on-the-Green, London W4 3PL

6. The City Barge, Strand on the Green, Chiswick

Originally dating back to the 14th century, this riverside pub has had its fair share of refurbishments over the years but still retains some of its historic charm, including open fire places and some Victorian wooden panelling.

The City Barge, Strand on the Green, Chiswick river pub

As well as beer garden that has views of the River Thames plus a herb garden, Chiswick’s City Barge pub has an extensive food menu with hearty British pub grub fare and traditional english food like fish and chips and sirloin steak).

Plus there are also regular events like a monthly music night organised by Chiswick School’s Music Department

Address: The City Barge, 27 Strand-on-the-Green, Chiswick, London W4 3PH

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Best Riverside pubs and bars in Wapping, London

7. The Prospect of Whitby

The oldest riverside pub setting in London dating back to the 1520s (500 years young!), the Prospect of Whitby is a traditional British boozer (pub) with incredible views overlooking the River Thames.

If possible, try to get a seat in the beer garden out the back of the main bar, as the views are better here than the outside section to the left of the main entrance.

Due to a fire, the current pub building was actually rebuilt in the 19th century and acts as a nice resting spot if you are walking towards either the city or Canary Wharf.

Serving traditional British food like fish and chips, bangers and mash accompanied by a wide selection of draft beers and lagers on tap, this certainly is a welcoming ‘prospect’.

Address: The Prospect of Whitby, 57 Wapping Wall, London E1W 3SH

8. The Town of Ramsgate

Oozing maritime history and decked out like a vessel itself, The Town of Ramsgate has a small but ample riverside beer garden overlooking the River Thames.

There has been an inn of some form or another here since the 14th century and became known as the Town of Ramsgate from 1811. Keep an eye out for the Wapping Old Steps next door.

If you visit the pub on a low tide, you’ll see the stake to which mutinous pirates were tied to, resulting in their drowning as the Thames tide rose. Talk about a hangover with history.

Address: The Town of Ramsgate, 62 Wapping High Street, London E1W 2PN

9. The Captain Kidd

Named after a notorious pirate from the 17th century, William Kidd (we Kidd you not – sorry), The Captain Kidd is a traditional British boozer with a large beer garden overlooking the River Thames and nearby Rotherhithe.

A sun spot in the afternoon, the darkened interior is like stepping back in time and is a perfect pub to whilst away an afternoon.

Address: The Captain Kidd, 108 Wapping High Street, London E1W 2NE

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Best riverside pub in London Docklands (Limehouse and Canary Wharf)

10. The Gun pub, Docklands

One of London’s best riverside pubs with unrivalled views of the Greenwich peninsula and giant O2 arena, the historic Gun pub is a fantastic Fuller’s Brewery outpost with vintage interiors, waterside dining and a large beer garden overlooking the River Thames.

Hidden in the backstreets and just a 5 minute walk from the shiny skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, this beautiful bar offers excellent all day dining and a pop-up bar in the beer garden.

The pub is named after the cannon which celebrated the opening of the West India import Quay in 1802.

Lord Nelson also used to live nearby and the story goes that he’d often meet Lady Hamilton for secret rendez-vous’ at this very establishment (the toilets are named in their honours, with the gents becoming the Nelsons.

Address: The Gun Pub, Docklands, 27 Coldharbour, London E14 9NS

11. The Grapes

Renowned for riverside restaurants and residential living overlooking the Thames, Limehouse in Docklands also has a historic heart with several sublime riverside pubs the best of which is The Grapes.

Located in Limehouse Basin, The Grapes, which has no less than Galdalf (Sir Ian McKellen) as the owner.

The pub itself dates back to the 1580s and is cosy as inside with a small balcony directly overlooking the Thames – get there early to bag a prime spot.

Address: The Grapes, 76 Narrow Street, Limehouse Basin, London

12. The Narrow – Gordon Ramsay

This east London riverside bar/restaurant is located in a Grade II-listed building and has amazing panoramic views of the Thames. Stop by for a drink or artisan British cuisine with rustic Mediterranean accents.

Address: The Narrow, 44 Narrow Street, Limehouse Basin, London

The Narrow – Gordon Ramsay riverside pub London

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Best South Bank pubs on the river / riverside bars, London

13. The Anchor Bankside

A short 5 minute stroll along the South Bank (from Shakespeare’s Globe is the historic Anchor Bankside pub (there has been some form of pub on this site for over 800 years).

Depending on your outlook Anchor Bankside is either most famous as the pub where Samuel Pepys watched the Great Fire of London from in 1666, or where Tom Cruise had a pint in the closing scenes of Mission Impossible.

Either way, the Anchor Bankside is one of London’s best riverside pubs and bars, a traditional inn (rebuilt in the 19th century) that is cosy in winter (warm fireplaces) or resplendent in summer with its outdoor beer garden (Pimms o clock!).

They also do fantastic fish and chips, plus some rather good pub pies too.

Address: The Anchor Bankside, 34 Park Street, London SE1 9EF

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14. The Founder’s Arms pub, South Bank

Near to Blackfriars Bridge, you’ll see the (very) busy Founder’s Arms pub, one of the best riverside inns in London – and very popular with the pigeons too.

Bide your time and try to bag an outdoor table, and enjoy brunch or fish and chips with fantastic views of the Thames.

The Founder’s Arms riverside pub, South Bank London

Popular with tourists given its incredible views of St Paul’s cathedral and London’s Square Mile, The Founder’s Arms also does well with the after work crowd; city bankers galore (not Cockney Rhyming slang either).

Address: The Founder’s Arms pub, 52 Hopton Street, London SE1 9JH

15. Doggetts Coat and Badge Pub, Blackfriars Bridge

Enjoy a pint on the River Thames in the popular Doggett’s Coat and Badge pub, by Blackfriars Bridge.

Set over several floors with terrific Thames views, this is a nice traditional pub. In the summer months, the Doggetts Coat and Badge Pub also has a small beer garden directly on Southbank/ the Thames path – alfresco sessions have never been so good.

Address: Doggetts Coat and Badge Pub, 1 Blackfriars Bridge, London SE1 9UD

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16. The Old Thameside Inn / Golden Hinde

Like Shakespeare’s Globe, this London landmark is actually a replica of the original ship, built in 1973 and docked here in 1996 after travelling the world (the original Golden Hinde, captained by Sir Francis Drake was launched in 1577 and best known for sailing around the world in the 1570s).

If all this history or walking is making you thirsty, the Old Thameside Inn next to the Golden Hinde has stunning views of the River Thames and the city, with ample outdoor beer garden space.

Pre pub days, the Old Thameside Inn bar was a former spice warehouse on Pickford’s Wharf docks, dating back to the 16th century – the original Clink Prison was also located just behind the pub.

Address: The Old Thameside Inn, Pickfords Wharf, Clink Street, London SE1 9DG

17. The Tattershall Castle

Like the Battersea Barge, the Tattershall Castle is actually a huge old ship converted into a floating bar and restaurant, with a wide array of live entertainment and weekly comedy nights.

Whilst the beer selection at The Tattershall Castle is nothing special (and pretty expensive too), The Tattershall Castle does have the best riverside view of the London Eye of any pub in London.

Address: The Tattershall Castle, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2HR

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18. Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden and Cafe / Bar on Southbank

During the summer, there is also a rather nice roof garden bar sneakily tucked away on high along the Southbank trail on the River Thames – the Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden and Cafe / Bar.

Fit for a King or Queen, the Queen Elizabeth Hall Rooftop bar has one of the best panoramic views in London, you are allowed to walk around for free if you don’t fancy a riverside pint.

As well as unspoilt views of the Thames and Westminster plus many historic sites like St Paul’s Cathedral, there is also a secret garden at the back that blooms into life every summer.

Just look for the brightly coloured luminous yellow concrete steps going up as you walk along Southbank.

Address: Queen Elizabeth Hall Roof Garden and Cafe / Bar, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX

Best pubs on the river in Hammersmith, London

19. The Dove

The Dove in Hammersmith has a lot going for it as it is possibly the most famous pub in Hammersmith.

Not only does The Dove have an outdoor deck and dining area directly overlooking the Thames, but it oozes history and also lays claim to having the world’s smallest bar room (it is located at the front and can fit two or three peeps in at a squeeze).

Run by Fullers and a licensed establishment since the 17th century, Charles II is said to have carried on his illicit encounter with Nell Gwyn here and the poet James Thompson wrote ‘Rule Britannia’ whilst at The Dove.

Although a wonderful pub, the only downside with the popularity is that it can be quite difficult to get a table in The Dove at busy times, so plan to rock up early or practise your table diving skills in advance.

Address: The Dove, 19 Upper Mall, Hammersmith, London W6 9TA

20. The Old Ship Hammersmith

Location, location, location – this is what the Old Ship Hammersmith is all about.

Although you are spoilt for choice with riverside pubs in Hammersmith, we think The Old Ship probably has the best deck of all of them with their upstairs terrace boasting unspoilt views of the River Thames (often with yachts and dinghy sailing from the nearby yachting club – class).

With a huge indoor bar and little side annex for events like the weekly pub quiz, there is also an outdoor beer garden / terrace on the lower deck – seriously have I got ‘views’ for you.

A Young’s pub, the Old Ship Hammersmith is a quintessential old school British pub with an incredible outlook to boot.

Address: The Old Ship Hammersmith, 25 Upper Mall, London W6 9TD

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21. The Rutland Arms, Hammersmith

Talk about a picture postcard setting. This Timothy Walker Rutland Arms overlooks the River Thames and is one of the best riverside pubs in the whole of London, let alone Hammersmith.

With ample seating outside and a classic British pub grub menu, there is an upstairs dining and pub area, with incredible views of Hammersmith Bridge.

You may recognise The Rutland Arms as an exterior filming location for both Bohemian Rhapsody (the pub towpath where Queen met their manager) and James Bond No Time to Die.

Address: The Rutland Arms, Hammersmith, 15 Lower Mall, London W6 9DJ

22. The Blue Anchor, Hammersmith

Next door to The Rutland Arms and equally popular with stunning riverside views, The Blue Anchor has been a drinking establishment since the 1720s and hasn’t changed all that much over the years.

Quaint and cute inside with an upstairs River Room (great views of the Thames) and downstairs a wood-panelled snug and bar – although most people prefer to drink on the wooden benches outside on the towpath.

Blue Anchor was also used as a filming location for the Gwyneth Paltrow movie Sliding Doors.

Address: The Blue Anchor, Hammersmith, 13 Lower Mall, London W6 9DJ

23. The Black Lion, Hammersmith / Chiswick

Skittles anyone? The Black Lion is one of the first riverside pubs you’ll get to in Hammersmith if you are walking from Chiswick or the nearby Fullers brewery and is famous for its antique skittles alley.

Legend has it that the Black Lion in Hammersmith is haunted (non believers may say the only spirits are vodka and whiskey) and the pub also has a nice beer garden, with views of the River Thames.

A cute tea room called The Elder Press cafe has also recently opened next door.

Address: The Black Lion, 2 S Black Lion Lane, Hammersmith, London W6 9TJ

24. The Old City Arms, Hammersmith

Look for the bright red pub right next to Hammersmith Bridge! Serving tasty Thai food, the Old City Arms has made the most of the temporary Hammersmith Bridge Closure by opening a little main beer garden smack bang where all the traffic and motorists used to use. Squint hard enough and with the bridge setting, you think you could be somewhere like Paris.

The Old City Arms is also a good place to start a riverside pub crawl combined with the nearby Rutland Arms and The Blue Anchor.

Address: The Old City Arms, 107 Hammersmith Bridge Road, London W6 9DA

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The Best Riverside Pubs in Fulham, London

25. The Blue Boat, Fulham Reach

This new(ish) Thames riverside pub is located in Fulham Reach, a modern residential area on the Hammersmith / Fulham border located just down from Riverside Studios, and is a fresh and feel-good Fullers pub with stunning views of the water.

Nautical but nice, there is plenty of relevant theming at the Blue Boat in Hammersmith and has an extensive pub/ grill menu at reasonable prices. The beer garden outside The Blue Boat gets the afternoon sun too – nice!

Address: The Blue Boat, Fulham Reach, Distillery Wharf, Parr’s Way, London W6 9GD

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26. The Crabtree, Fulham

Formerly our favourite pub quiz haunt when we lived in West London, The Crabtree is probably the best known riverside pub in Fulham.

It has a huge beer garden out front (complete with outdoor bar and BBQ set-up) but hidden away at the back, plus it also has a small terrace directly looking out over the River Thames.

Popular for sumptuous Sunday roasts, The Crabtree in Fulham is a classic backstreet boozer full of Fulham charm.

For a top day out, combine a riverside pint at the Crabtree with a short walk along the Thames to explore Fulham Palace and Gardens, the former home of the Bishops of London and free to visit.

Address: The Crabtree, Rainville Road, Fulham, London SW6 6TY,

Best Riverside Pubs in Richmond, London

Richmond has lots of bars and pubs to drink in along the River Thames.

27. The White Cross

A Victorian boozer situated right on the River Thames, with a beer garden and terraces overlooking the water. It can get incredibly busy in the summer so arrive early if you want to bag a prime outdoor spot.

Address: The White Cross, Riverside House, Water Lane, Richmond TW9 1NR

The White Cross riverside pub in Richmond London

28. Richmond Piano & Pitcher

A chain bar that makes up for its so-so service with good views of Richmond River, especially if you bag one of the coveted balconies, like we did in the picture below.

Richmond Piano & Pitcher river bar London

We’re including Richmond Piano & Piano in the ‘best riverside bars in London’ purely for the vista from their beer garden (oh and they do some good cocktail specials too, the perfect tonic for a warm summer’s day).

Address: Richmond Piano & Porter. 11 Bridge Street, Richmond TW9 1TQ

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The best pubs on the River Thames in Battersea

29. Battersea Barge

A converted 1930s Dutch barge that now floats on the River Thames near to Battersea Power Station and Tideway Village, Battersea Barge is a bar and restaurant aboard a boat that has an incredible deck with million dollar views of London plus specialises in Swiss black beer and hand-stretched pizzas.

Regular events aboard Battersea Barge include comedy nights, live DJs plus it is a popular venue to hire for weddings (so make sure you check their social channels before visiting especially).

Address: The Battersea Barge, Nine Elms Lane, Nine Elms, London SW11 8PZ

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The best pubs on the River in the City of London

30. All Bar One, Butlers Wharf

Ok, whilst a chain bar and restaurant may not be our best ever recommendation for a pub on the river, All Bar One has a nice riverside terrace on Thames at Shad Thames / Butlers Wharf, meaning you can enjoy a pint or meal with one of the best views of Tower Bridge in London.

Address: All Bar One, Butlers Wharf, Butlers Wharf, 34 Shad Thames, London SE1 2YG,

31. The Banker

Another fine Fuller’s pub on the river in the city of London, The Banker (one of our go to after work pubs when we worked around Cannon Street Station. Inside, the Banker doesn’t look anything special (an old vault or storage cellar and it is pretty expensive as London pubs go).

That said, the Banker (near Cannon Street Station) has one of the best riverside spots in the city centre / Square Mile with a small terrace directly overlooking the Thames.

Just try to grab a spot in the sun before the city workers finish as The Banker beer garden can get very busy after 4pm

Address: The Banker, Cousin Lane, London EC4R 3TE

32. Samuel Pepys

Of all the central London pubs on the river we mention in this best riverside pubs in London guide, the Samuel Pepys is probably the least well known.

Frequented by city workers and locals in the know, the Samuel Pepys pub has a small but spectacular balcony area that directly overlooks the Thames, with unspoilt views of South Bank.

The Samuel Pepys is close to so many major London landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral and Tate Modern (London’s top free things to do) and is housed in an old Thameside tea warehouse – so it is a traditional riverside pub in an old tea warehouse; how British!

Address: Samuel Pepys, Stew Lane, London EC4V 3PT

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33. The Oyster Shed

The ‘pearl’ of riverside pubs near to Cannon Street Station, this is one shiny bar and restaurant popular every night with city workers and the occasional tourist.

Whilst the interiors are lovely at The Oyster Shed, in the summer months, most guests make full use of the riverside tables and chairs, offering prime views of the River Thames and the London skyline including the Shard and London Bridge.

The Oyster Shed was recently awarded the National Pub & Bar Awards 2022 for Best Pub in the City of London so clearly it is doing something right. And yep, as you’d expect with a name like the Oyster Shed, they do seafood platters as their signature dish including oodles of oysters.

Address: The Oyster Shed, 1 Angel Lane, London, EC4R 3AB

The Best Riverside Pubs in Rotherhithe, London

34. Angel Rotherhithe

This vintage Victorian boozer located right on the banks of the River Thames in Rotherhithe not only serves up incredible views but also cheap pints.

The Angel in Rotherhithe is a Samuel Smith’s pub meaning it is a little cheaper than most riverside bars and other pubs on the river – the wooden panelled interior is stunning as are the views across the river.

The Angel in Rotherhithe has a tiny terrace / balcony at the rear which has room for about four tables so get there early – you will not be disappointed with the riverside view.

Address: The Angel Rotherhithe, 101 Bermondsey Wall East London SE16 4NB

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35. Salt Quay Rotherhithe

Although the word ‘gastropub’ often strikes fear into the most seasoned of pub goers, the Salt Quay Rotherhithe has one of the biggest beer gardens along the Thames so is a sublime sunny spot for a bite to eat or just enjoy a bite to eat.

Whilst we’ve drank at the Salt Quay Rotherhithe as and enjoyed drinks on the terrace, we’ve yet to eat here but their Sunday roasts are raved about.

Address: The Salt Quay Rotherhithe, 163 Rotherhithe Street, London SE16 5QU

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36. The Mayflower Pub, Rotherhithe

Perhaps the best known riverside pub in Rotherhithe, this also means it can be incredibly hard to get a table here.

We’ve been to The Mayflower Pub several times over the years and have never managed to get a riverside table – so do try and book in advance or get there early if you are planning a special visit.

The Mayflower riverside pub in Rotherhithe London

Likely listed in most tourist guidebooks but for good reason – hell, this is one of the oldest pubs on the river in the whole of London. Look out for the 400 year old 1620 mooring point of the Pilgrim Father’s Mayflower ship. Cosy and charming inside, the log fire also is a winter favourite.

Address: The Mayflower Pub, 117 Rotherhithe Street, London SE16 4NF

Best riverside pubs / pubs on the river in Outer London

37. The Town Wharf in Isleworth – permanently closed

Alas to note as at February 2023, the Town Wharf in Isleworth (a Samuel Smiths brewery pub overlooking the River Thames) is permanently closed.

Best riverside breweries / breweries on the river in London

38. Brew By Numbers Morden Wharf Brewery

We start our run-down of London’s riverside taprooms brewery taprooms with Brew By Numbers Morden Wharf Brewery.

Similar in design (minimalist) to their Bermondsey Beer Mile taprooms in an industrialist setting, BBNO’s SE London / Greenwich taproom not only has an incredible range on tap but also has an incredible riverside setting, boasting views of the River Thames.

Seriously, this has to be one of the best brewery settings in London.

Brew By Numbers Morden Wharf Brewery riverside pub in London

As well as a top taproom set-up, Brew By Numbers Morden Wharf taproom has ample outdoor space so is perfect for pets of families plus has a street food vendor outside (pizza was the main dish last time we visited) making it a prime spot for an all day session.

So to enjoy an alfresco APA or Thameside tipple, head to Brew By Numbers Morden Wharf Brewery.

Address: Brew By Numbers Morden Wharf Brewery, Southern Warehouse, Morden Wharf Rd, London SE10 0NU

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**Best Riverside* Bars in Hackney Wick**

*Ok, technically this is the Lee Canal but many think it is a river or a branch of the River Lee.

39. Crate Brewery and Pizzeria

With a riverside beer garden (OK, well it is more of a canal…) and great views of the ever changing street art on the Hackney Wick canal, Crate Brewery has real character.

Set up in an old print works that used to produce everything from fake bank notes to jazz mags, this was one of the first breweries to open in the area, setting up shop in 2012, just in time for the London Olympics at nearby Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Crate Brewery and Pizzeria riverside pub in Hackney Wick London

For us, Crate Brewery’s interior is so-so but what makes this place so special is the outdoor setting and beer garden (just try not to fall into the canal), plus the pizzas here are epic. Tip – the toilets upstairs are so much nicer!

Crate is also hugely popular with cyclists and walkers, as most roads and paths around Hackney Wick seem to converge here from the Capital Ring trail, so do try and arrive early if you want to bag a coveted canalside spot.

Address: Crate Brewery and Pizzeria, Unit 7 Queen’s Yard, Hackney Wick, London E9 5EN

40. Number 90 Bar

The burgers at Number 90 Bar are probably the best burgers and pub type grub we’ve had in Hackney Wick.

Combine this with a canalside terrace and oodles of offers like 2 for 1 cocktails on a Wednesday or 2 for 1 burgers on Thursday nights and you can see why Number 90 Bar in Hackney Wick is one of the areas most popular joints (we’d recommend you book in advance, especially if you want an outside terrace table in the summer months).

Number 90 Bar riverside pub in Hackney Wick London

The interior feels like a Manhattan style loft set-up with a massive bar and various nooks and crannies to explore (the toilets are located upstairs, so you also get a cool birds eye view from the balcony).

The exterior of Number 90 Bar is adorned with street art synonymous with Hackney Wick and these are some of the most impressive murals in the whole Wick.

In-keeping with the arty affair, you’ll find the Number 90 Gallery inside, a small collection of local artists and exhibitions that change regularly.

Address: Number 90 Bar, 90 Wallis Road, Hackney Wick, London E9 5LN

41. Two More Years

Boasting possibly the best and most unobstructed views of the waterside in Hackney Wick (and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park), Two More Years is one of the newest bars to open in the area, launching in Summer 2021 in the old Stour Space, with a ‘sustainable’ focus.

We visited on a sunny, Saturday afternoon and were lucky enough to bag a coveted spot on the floating dock / beer garden outside.

Hackney Wick was in full swing and we got to witness numerous party boats and disco dinghies as we supped our craft beers on the pontoon (it can get a little choppy when a larger vessel goes past – all part of the fun).

Two More Years riverside pub in Hackney Wick London

We particularly enjoyed Two More Years not only because of the fun and convivial atmosphere but because it has an incredible beer range, including many local breweries on tap and not just the usual commercial craft giants.

For instance, we tried a tangy AF tzatziki sour beer from South London based brewery Orbit. Indoors, there is a cavernous indoor bar and huge upstairs event space (but hey, it is all about the waterside deck for us).

Address: Two More Years, 7 Roach Road, Hackney Wick, Fish Island, E3 2PA

42. Grow

Another hip, Hackney Wick pub billed as a community cafe with a canalside terrace, Grow (next door to Bar 90) is a fun place that is all about its outside setting, boasting a multi-level garden with views and local brews.

We last visited one Sunday afternoon and tried Grow’s Sunday Roast (delicious) as a guy performed with his drums on the floating stage barge outside – talk about beer and bongos!

Grow riverside pub in Hackney Wick London

Food (and beer) prices at Grow are very reasonable for the area and there are also several indoor areas if the weather is inclement.

Busy as, Grow also hosts regular open mic sessions, live entertainment and has an environmental and sustainable ethos. If you are still feeling peckish as you leave Grow, there is a local bakery located in Grow Studios just as you leave the bar.

Address: Grow, Main Yard, 98C Wallis Road, Hackney Wick, London E9 5LN

43. White Post

Situated on the banks of the River Lee, The White Post is a coffee shop by day and a bar / arts and event space by night. This casual affair has an excellent outdoor patio directly overlooking the water, making a perfect spot for people watching.

Feeling hungry? The popular dish at the White Post specialises in an epic range of Pieminster pies (Blue Moo anyone) with lashings of mash, gravy and mushy peas (vegan options are also available).

We also like the fact they have a nice range of local craft beer on tap, courtesy of Hackney Brewery (we tried the Unicorn IPA – alas it wasn’t rainbow coloured).

Address: 92 White Post Lane, London E9 5EN

44. Barge East

Credit where credit is due – Barge East are a bastion of the Hackney Wick drinking scene, continually investing in and evolving their set-up, with new additions and beer gardens constantly popping up around their near 100 year old vessel.

As the Barge East name suggests, this is a massive moored barge that attracts hundreds, with several areas available to eat and dine both aboard on the alfresco deck as well as on the banks of the canal.

Address: River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Lane, Hackney Wick, London E9 5EN

Barge East riverside pub in Hackney Wick London

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