London craft beer guide, best bars near Liverpool Street

Good for

What to expect

Expect a bustling, social atmosphere where beer is brewed on-site and served straight from the tanks. Find a rotating selection of fresh pours and ask staff for tasting tips. The open-plan brewery puts the process on show, and large tables suit groups. Catch sport on the screens, enjoy attentive, knowledgeable service, and relax in an unpretentious, welcoming space.

Plan your visit

Drop in for a casual pint or settle in with friends for a relaxed meal. Head out in late afternoon to avoid the busiest peak, or arrive later for full bar energy. Staff gladly guide through the tap list. Combine a visit with a Shoreditch wander, and pick a big table for groups.

Good for

What to expect

Expect a contemporary neighbourhood pub with a strong focus on craft beer and a relaxed, social energy. The interior is modern and angular, offering good sightlines and an approachable bar, while the outdoor seating opens onto a semi-public plaza ideal for people-watching. Beer offerings rotate regularly, and staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Service is efficient, though the place fills up at peak times, creating a buzzy, convivial atmosphere.

Plan your visit

Drop in after exploring the City, especially on a sunny afternoon to take advantage of the outdoor area. Arrive a little earlier at peak times to secure a table outside, or visit mid-afternoon for a quieter experience. Suited to groups, casual business catch-ups, or solo visits for a relaxed pint and people-watching.

Good for

What to expect

Expect a carefully curated lineup of draught and cask beers, often spotlighting London and British breweries, with a handful of alcohol‑free options. Bar staff are knowledgeable and willing to guide tastings, so sampling before committing to a pint is straightforward. Interiors feel traditional and snug, with wooden tables, leather booths and exposed brick, while a small downstairs area can feel cooler and quieter. The street outside offers standing room on fine days, creating a relaxed City-centre vibe.

Plan your visit

Drop in for a relaxed drink after exploring the Square Mile, or make it a meeting point before heading on. For seating, try the ground floor for a cosier feel and the bar for quick chats with staff about current taps. Small groups and solo visitors will find it easy to mingle, and sampling flights help narrow down the next choice. Carry a phone for quick directions and grab a spot near the bar if keen to hear recommendations.

Good for

What to expect

Expect a warm, traditional pub interior, dark wood fittings and a welcoming bar area spread across two floors. Downstairs suits quieter catch-ups, upstairs brings a livelier atmosphere for groups. Staff are frequently praised for friendly, attentive service, although busy spells can slow service. Menus focus on hearty pub fare and a varied drinks list, with pavement seating available when the weather allows.

Plan your visit

Reachable on foot from Liverpool Street station, this pub slots well into a central London stroll or a pre-theatre plan. Arrive earlier for a pavement table, choose upstairs for a buzzy atmosphere or downstairs for a quieter spot. Suits informal business catch-ups, group gatherings and solo stops for a proper pint.

Good for

What to expect

Atmosphere leans cosy and convivial, with exposed brick, dark wood and vintage signage setting a classic pub scene. The bar offers an impressive variety of cask ciders and ales, and staff are knowledgeable and approachable, happy to help pick something to suit the palate. Seating ranges from intimate corners to communal tables, creating a lively spot for conversation, low-key sport viewing or a relaxed catch-up after exploring the neighbourhood.

Plan your visit

Ideal as a comfortable break between sightseeing and meetings, the pub is an easy stop for a relaxed drink or catch-up. Arrive in the afternoon for a quieter experience, or visit later for a livelier feel. Staff can guide choices from the drinks menu, and the interior offers plenty of character for a comfortable hour or two with company or solo.

Good for

What to expect

A compact, characterful taproom set beneath the railway arches, decorated with exposed brick and industrial touches. Seating ranges from sofas to communal benches, creating pockets for relaxed conversation or lively catch-ups. The beer list focuses on quality over quantity, with tasting pours available, cans and bottles to take away, and friendly staff happy to recommend. Music is upbeat but never overpowering, making it easy to linger and enjoy the flavour-focused offerings.

Plan your visit

Treat this as a relaxed stop: bring friends or go solo to discover new brews, ask for samplers to narrow choices, and pick up a few cans to enjoy later. The layout suits small groups and solo drinkers, sofas encourage lingering, and the neighbourhood setting rewards exploratory walks before or after the visit.

Good for

What to expect

Expect exposed brick, warm lighting, and a welcoming buzz that feels relaxed rather than frantic. A well curated drinks selection and inventive cocktails sit alongside dependable ales, making the bar the main draw. Seating is generally available, so it suits groups, couples, and solo visitors alike. The team tend to be friendly and approachable, and the location places the pub right in the heart of Shoreditch’s lively streets.

Plan your visit

Drop in during the afternoon or evening to soak up the atmosphere before wandering Shoreditch’s streets. Ideal for relaxed catch-ups or a casual business drink, plan to linger at the bar or snag a comfy table. Pop in early on busy nights to secure seating, then explore nearby boutiques and street art afterwards.