Old Street Tavern

Old Street Tavern is Shoreditch through and through: a lively East London pub that marries traditional charm with a modern social pulse. Moments from Old Street station, it is the kind of place that catches the after-work crowd and keeps them through the evening, relaxed yet humming with energy.

In the kitchen, classic pub comforts meet contemporary flair. Think garlic and chilli tiger prawns on toasted sourdough, pork belly bites glossed in soy and maple, and a 28-day aged sirloin with triple-cooked chips and peppercorn sauce. There is faithful fish and chips with North Sea haddock and mushy peas, alongside pizzas fired in a charcoal oven, from a margherita layered with fior di latte to the Zì Franco, a fiery union of 'Nduja, mozzarella, gorgonzola and chilli. On certain days, even a beef shin pie makes an appearance, slow-cooked and deeply satisfying.

Behind the bar, craft beers, considered wines and classic cocktails set the tone, whether it is a negroni, an espresso martini, a Japanese highball or a zingy chilli lemonade. Weekends bring a brighter tempo with brunch and DJ sets, while live sports screenings or music keep the room buzzing, from casual meetups to full-throttle gatherings.

Pull up a stool or claim a cosy corner, order something crisp and something comforting, and let Shoreditch work its magic. Old Street Tavern is ready when you are — pop in and make a night of it.