Part of our Best Pubs in London microsite. See if we've included your local.
At a junction of main roads, a stone’s throw away from Hackney Downs station, is an imposingly solid-looking 19th-century building that identifies itself as the Pembury Tavern. Closed in the late 1990s following a fire, it was refurbished and reopened in 2006. Formerly with Cambridge-based Milton Brewery (whose beers are still represented here). It's now Hackney's Five Points brewery who call it home.
Through all the ownership changes, there's been one constant. A strong range of beer. As you'd expect a lot of this centres on Five Points' own range — beer drinkers in east London are well used to seeing the brewery's Pale, XPA and (the exceptional) Railway Porter in plenty of pubs, but it was heartwarming to see a place for their sometimes unfairly overlooked Pils. If for some reason Five Points isn't your bag, that's fine — alternatives might include Budvar and Pavement Press cider and even grisettes.
As far as food goes, the Pembury is laser-focused on the circular, with Ace Pizza dishing up some of the best pizzas around. Check out such local classics as the Capers on Mare Street, or the hot, hot, hot Hackney Hellboy.
The pub's decorated with mismatched furniture, potted plants and carefully planned lighting. The half and half green and white walls are another subtle but noticeable addition that this pub is aimed at Hackney's younger trendy set. There's still a bar billiards table however, for those looking to keep it old school.
