Empire Tavern Brings Award-Winning Flavours And Community Spirit To Hackney’s Heart In London: What Tourists Need To Know

Empire Tavern Brings Award-Winning Flavours And Community Spirit To Hackney’s Heart In London: What Tourists Need To Know

Empire Tavern Brings Award-Winning Flavours And Community Spirit To Hackney’s Heart In London: What Tourists Need To Know

Hackney London’s vibrant Mare Street community is set to receive its next cultural center when Empire Tavern which people have been waiting to see open will begin operations on 20 March, 2026. The new pub diner located between Hackney Empire and Hackney Town Hall Square provides guests with a combination of traditional pub atmosphere and dining options with special events and community-focused services. The establishment honors the social traditions of the community while providing visitors to East London with a new experience of its active dining and drinking atmosphere.

A Historic Revival With Modern Flair

The Empire Tavern project has transformed a site steeped in local history. Once home to the Victorian pub The Britannia, lost to World War II and more recently the Empire Bar, the location at 289–291 Mare Street, E8 1EJ is now revitalised as a dynamic social hub. The partnership behind this transformation brings together two prominent east London names: Taverns East Pub Group and East London Brewing Co. Taverns East is led by East London natives Ronnie Finch and Jamie Tack, whose ethos revolves around quality hospitality, food, music and community spirited venues.

Pub Dining at the Heart of Hackney Culture

Empire Tavern’s food offering is designed to appeal to a wide audience, from busy workers and locals to theatre‑goers and food lovers exploring Hackney’s culinary map. Casual all‑day dining will span breakfast and coffee, lunch, pre‑theatre meals and storied Sunday roasts, all served in a setting that feels welcoming from the first sip to the last bite. Signature dishes include the acclaimed Bone Daddy Burger, crafted with smoked, braised beef brisket, Guinness gravy and smoky bone marrow, a rich, indulgent entry in London’s pub‑food hierarchy. Snacks such as smoked ham and cheese croquettes with pineapple jam, loaded venison chilli nachos, and sticky miso honey chicken wings bring punchy flavours to the table.

Drinks, Craft Brews & Special Events

Drinks at Empire Tavern centre heavily on craft beer culture, spotlighting East London Brewing Co’s own beers and cask ales, alongside rotating selections from local brewers like Howling Hop and Saint Monday. For spirits fans, premium cocktails and 10 pound margaritas made with Tiempo tequila add depth to the beverage programme. The venue will host monthly First Pours events, spotlighting collaborative beer launches with guest breweries and tequila tastings hosted by industry professionals, bringing together enthusiasts and locals for lively community occasions.

Events, Music & Social Gatherings

Beyond food and drink, Empire Tavern is positioning itself as a cultural stage for social life in Hackney. Weekly and monthly happenings, seasonal celebrations and themed calendar moments are planned to keep the venue buzzing year‑round. On Fridays and Saturdays the space will shift into Empire Tavern Lates, a listening‑bar atmosphere with curated music and local DJs, encouraging patrons to linger well into the night. This blend of pub comfort with music and social energy taps directly into the vibrant cultural fabric of east London life.

Creating Community Space All Day Long

By day, Empire Tavern doubles as a welcoming café and co‑working space, offering Flying Horse Coffee for early starts and a casual, productive environment for freelancers and business meetings. As Hackney continues to attract visitors for its arts, food and nightlife, the Tavern’s accessible daytime vibe adds an important dimension to local lifestyle options. Its proximity to Hackney Empire enhances convenience for pre‑ and post‑show dining and drinks, enriching the social journey for culture seekers.

Interior & Design that Resonates With Hackney’s Spirit

The design aesthetic takes cues from classic New York dive bars and diners, blending dark wood booths, red leather seating and seventies vintage lighting to create a space that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. A mezzanine adds flexible seating and event space above the bar, while the large retractable front opens onto Hackney Town Hall Square, offering alfresco seating for up to 50 people. This layout ensures Empire Tavern remains lively, breathable and welcoming regardless of the season.

Commitment to Fair Employment & Local Values

Empire Tavern is also committed to being a fair employer, proudly paying the London Living Wage. This reflects a deeper focus on community support and responsible business practices that resonate with locals and visitors who value ethical hospitality operators in London’s competitive food and drink landscape.

What This Means for Travel & Tourism in London

Empire Tavern’s opening is a strategic boost to Hackney’s travel and tourism appeal, inviting visitors to explore beyond traditional landmarks and discover vibrant neighbourhood social spaces. With robust events programming, award‑calibre food, craft drinks, and proximity to cultural venues like Hackney Empire, this new pub diner adds a compelling reason for food lovers and cultural travellers to include Mare Street on their London itinerary.

Bottom Line

The Empire Tavern opening establishes Hackney as a place where visitors can experience exceptional dining and beverages and community social activities. The establishment combines its historical significance with contemporary dining options and cultural activities to create an exceptional venue that adds value to London’s active pub and dining landscape which offers authentic local culinary traditions and handcrafted products and social interactions.

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