Shoreditch Alternative Pub Crawl

This evening pub crawl moves through Shoreditch's mix of underground speakeasies, rooftop bars, and pubs set in converted Victorian warehouses and industrial buildings. You'll experience the shift in Shoreditch from manufacturing district to nightlife zone, with live DJs at select venues creating an energetic atmosphere from 7pm onward. The route avoids main tourist streets, focusing on bars where locals actually spend Friday and Saturday nights. The crawl mixes craft cocktails, craft beer, and club-style venues with guide who knows staff at each stop. Best suited to younger travellers and those seeking active nightlife rather than conversation-focused drinking. Best for young travellers and nightlife enthusiasts. This is a easy activity lasting 3 hours. Group size: 4-15. You meet at Old Street Underground Station exit 4. Key highlights: Access to speakeasy-style bars that require guide introduction to find, Rooftop bar with views across East London skyline, Victorian warehouse conversions with original brick and industrial features.

Price: £29

Duration: 3 hours

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 4-15

Minimum age: 18+

Best for: young travellers and nightlife enthusiasts

Best time: Friday and Saturday starting 7:00pm only. Peak season June-August and December. Earlier slot (7pm) is less crowded than later slots (9pm+).

Meeting point: Old Street Underground Station exit 4

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

7:00pm meeting Gather at Old Street station exit 4 - Exit via the main exit by the bus stops; the guide will have a neon sign. Arrive 5 minutes early as this area is busy Friday/Saturday evenings.

7:10pm-7:50pm Walk to first venue, guide points out architectural history - Learn how Shoreditch's Victorian warehouses have been converted into bars; see the transition from manufacturing to nightlife district.

7:50pm-8:30pm First venue - underground speakeasy style bar - Hidden entrance, dim lighting, craft cocktails; this bar has a local DJ Thursday-Saturday but focuses on craft over volume.

8:30pm-9:15pm Walk to rooftop bar, 2 streets over - Rooftop views of East London; typically less crowded than street-level bars; usually has a DJ or ambient music.

9:15pm-10:00pm Final venue - converted warehouse with dance floor - Larger space with DJs, busier atmosphere, more of a club feel than the earlier venues; closing bar of the crawl.

The whole experience takes 3 hours. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Old Street Underground Station exit 4.

• Access to speakeasy-style bars that require guide introduction to find
• Rooftop bar with views across East London skyline
• Victorian warehouse conversions with original brick and industrial features
• Live DJs at most stops; varies by night but usually present Friday-Saturday
• Route avoids main tourist areas; bars are where local Londoners spend their nights
• Accessibility: Mostly accessible; all three venues have level or ramped entry and functioning bathrooms. Some rooftop bar stairs required for access. Loud music at final venue may make conversation difficult for those with hearing sensitivities.

What is included: Guided route through three venues, One drink at each venue, Guide introduction to bar staff (useful for getting seated at speakeasies), Commentary on Shoreditch's architectural and social transformation.

Not included: Additional drinks beyond the included drink per venue, Food (available for purchase at most venues), Club entry fees if venues charge (usually not on Fri/Sat with guide). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Valid photo ID (required at all venues), Cash or card, Comfortable shoes for standing and walking 1.5 miles, Light jacket; rooftop bars are exposed to elements. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Friday and Saturday starting 7:00pm only. Peak season June-August and December. Earlier slot (7pm) is less crowded than later slots (9pm+)..

Tip: Starts 7pm Friday-Saturday only

Tip: Some venues require ID

Tip: Smaller groups tend to have better experiences at speakeasy venues

Tip: The guide is usually someone who works or frequents these bars, providing insider perspective

Tip: Final venue gets significantly busier after 10pm

Accessibility: Mostly accessible; all three venues have level or ramped entry and functioning bathrooms. Some rooftop bar stairs required for access. Loud music at final venue may make conversation difficult for those with hearing sensitivities..

Operator: East London Pub Tours

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Dennis Severs' House (8 min walk)

This activity is run by East London Pub Tours.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 24 hours before; non-refundable within 24 hours.

Accessibility: Mostly accessible; all three venues have level or ramped entry and functioning bathrooms. Some rooftop bar stairs required for access. Loud music at final venue may make conversation difficult for those with hearing sensitivities..

Best time to go: Friday and Saturday starting 7:00pm only. Peak season June-August and December. Earlier slot (7pm) is less crowded than later slots (9pm+)..

What ID do I need for the Shoreditch pub crawl?

All three venues require valid government-issued photo ID to enter. Accepted forms include UK driving licence, passport, or National ID card. EU/US/Canadian ID is accepted. The guide can enter you without a queue at most venues if you have ID ready.

Are the venues on the Shoreditch crawl easy to find on your own?

The speakeasy venue is deliberately hidden; locals wouldn't find it without insider knowledge. The rooftop bar is unmarked from the street. The guide's introduction to bar staff helps you get seated without waiting. You could find them alone but the crawl's value includes access and context.

What's the dress code for Shoreditch bars?

All three venues are casual; jeans and trainers are fine. No specific dress code at any stop. The speakeasy and rooftop are trendy but not formal. Avoid highly visible sportswear or football jerseys which some bars can restrict.