The Sun Tavern

London, UK

On the scene since 1851, Bethnal Green’s The Sun Tavern has many a story to tell. The most recent incarnation was a revamp back in 2014, which placed it firmly in the ‘cocktail bar masquerading as a boozer’ camp. The tavern-like design – purposefully weathered, raw brick aplenty, cabinets, curios and hanging tankards – evokes familiarity and intrigue in equal parts. Ditto the drinks: make no mistake, this is a bartender’s bar. On the familiar front are the ten taps serving ales from microbreweries within 10 miles, punch bowls and delicious charcuterie boards. Less so is the world’s largest (legal) collection of poitín – a moonshine-like Irish spirit with a bootlegging past, and the inspired cocktails, which undulate between retro-historic storytelling and on-the-money technique. Expect bottles from their chunky collection of Irish whiskeys to feature heavily, with guest appearances from heritage tipples like mead and absinthe. DJ sets and spin-your-own vinyls provide the auricular pleasures.

Key Information

• Average price per cocktail $13
• Lunch and evening: Mon – Sun
• +44 20 7739 4097
• Visit The Sun Tavern 's Website

Location

441 Bethnal Green Rd, Bethnal Green, London, England, E2 0AN