The Haggerston - Hackney

My sister and I have been in London for two weeks, and we decided to visit the Haggerston Pub based on some friend recommendations. I was a bit taken aback when the starter arrived still frozen, even after a 45-minute wait. However, we appreciated that the pub started to fill up quickly. Unfortunately, we never received our main course. The bar staff wouldn't issue a refund, but they were kind enough to set us up with a tab for drinks. One thing I should mention is that the bouncers became quite loud and rowdy, which was a bit unsettling. We weren’t sure what was happening, so we chose to settle our bill and leave around 8 PM. I wouldn't recommend this place unless you're very familiar with the area and know how to take care of yourself.

Usually a dependable nightlife spot, I had a frustrating experience recently. I waited for 90 minutes while the bouncers were allowing some dealers to enter. I even witnessed one guy approach a bouncer and say, “I’ve got some bags,” after which the bouncer let him and about 30 others in before us. Ultimately, they decided to cut off the queue before we could get in, despite our long wait and still two hours left until closing. There seemed to be some questionable activity happening, and the bouncer was unresponsive to concerns. If you see a queue here, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.

For me, the Haggerston Pub is a magical place where musicians gather to perform. The jazz sessions, started by Beverly, the former owner, continue every Sunday and some even refer to it as a kind of church—a space where people can truly be themselves. I've had countless conversations there, and I've also been captivated by the exciting riffs and grooves from Joseph.

This place is fantastic for enjoying high-quality jazz in the late evening. The drinks are affordable, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the band truly knows how to play.

After a spontaneous night out, a good friend invited me to join him at Haggerston to check out his friend Mike T's DJ set. When we arrived, I realized that it had been many years since I had last been there—almost 20! I used to spend a lot of time in the 90s listening to jazz, so it was a true delight to return and enjoy high-quality jazz in such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Mike T also played an incredible mix of radio soul and broken beat, and we couldn't help but dance. It was a fantastic night, and I definitely plan on going back!