Best pubs in Bow and Mile End: Six of our favourite east London boozers

Along with the suffragette movement and pie and mash shops, there is probably one thing the east London areas of Mile End and Bow are best-known for; pubs.

Boasting a varying selection of notable boozers, from old-fashioned country-feel spots to quality sports bars, if you’re looking for a decent drink, the likelihood is you’ll be able to find it in the area.

Below, we pick out some of our favourite pubs in Mile End and Bow.

The Bow Bells

116 Bow Road, Bow, E3 3AA

Instantly recognisable for its standout orange frontage, The Bow Bells is a popular jaunt for both the young upstarts and seasoned drinkers in the area.

Established in 1860, the pub is partially known for its alleged hauntings by a ghost flushing the toilets in the women’s bathroom. With a solid range of drinks and a pool table among its offerings, there’s little not to love about this excellent pub.

Rusty Bike

588 Mile End Road, E3 4PH

For those looking for a spot to watch the sport while enjoying a reasonably-priced drink, the Rusty Bike could be your new favourite hangout. With screens galore, plenty of room and drinks that don’t scupper your hopes of ever putting down a mortgage, the Rusty Bike is ideal for any and all sports fans.

The Thai food served here is also both delicious and, in-keeping with the pub as a whole, well-priced. Veggie Pad Thai for less than a tenner? We’re sold.

Morgan Arms

43 Morgan Street, Bow, E3 5AA

A little more boujee than most of our other options here, the Morgan Arms is nonetheless a gem of a pub.

With its charming exterior more than matched by its gorgeous indoor decor, the Morgan Arm’s ranging menu makes it as perfect for a classy date night as a night out for a drink with your mates.

The Lord Tredegar

50 Lichfield Road, E3 5AL

Confusingly not located on the nearby Tredegar Road, The Lord Tredegar has oodles of character, making it one of the most coveted spots in the area.

The Grade-II listed, 19th century building is worth a visit on its own, but it is the charm of the pub, including its eclectic decorations, which mark it out as something special.

Despite being slightly off the main drag, you will normally find it relatively busy even during the week, with its excellent roast drawing in the Sunday crowds.

The Green Goose

112 Anglo Road, Bow, E3 5HD

Just off of Roman Road is a pub which avoids showing wall-to-wall sports coverage, is rarely too raucous, and is always an absolute delight when searching for a quieter pint. The pub? Anglo Road’s Green Goose.

While the Green Goose does have a solid food option, and does show sports on terrestrial TV, it’s the welcoming interior and location away from the hustle and bustle that makes it a pub with a difference in the area. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a chilled Sunday afternoon drink with friends.

The Lord Morpeth

402 Old Ford Road, Bow, E3 5NR

Now this is a local pub with a bit of history. Located on Old Ford Road, not far from Victoria Park, The Lord Morpeth was first opened in 1848. It made its name as a regular haunt of Sylvia Pankhurst, one of the leading suffragettes, with the East London Suffragettes’ headquarters in the building next door, since demolished.

Not ones to rest on their laurels, the pub however is firmly in the 21st century, with its award-winning sourdough pizzas, beer selection and music more than enough to continue drawing customers in 2023.

For more of our favourite London hangouts, see:

• Peckham neighbourhood guide: Five of the best hangout spots
• Camden and Islington pubs: King’s Head, William IV and other LondonWorld news room favourites