Boozin' Bevvies in East London

West London is expensive, Central London is for tourists, but the East is just right. East London is known as the new, hip, artistic part of town. If you're looking for a weekend filled with drinking or just wanting to have a good time, East London won't disappoint. Some might say it's where the London "hipsters" come to live. The streets are filled with food stands, pop up shops, street art and  some of the best bars in London.

1. Discount Suit Company

Located at 29 A Wentworth Street, the outside of Discount Suit Company doesn't look very welcoming. The building is poorly painted black and a broken sign hangs off the side. The space was once used as the store room for a suit company, hence the name. Once downstairs in this somewhat secret bar, the barren building won't matter; the focus on "great cocktails with traditional methods and forgotten classic recipes," is a mantra taken to heart.

It's a very small bar so be prepared to rub shoulders with lots of people. There are a lot of funky cocktails that are traditional with a fun twist. One drink I recommend is  the "Netflix and Chill." Both drinks are a little pricey, but what in London isn't? The "Netflix and Chill" is a drink meant to share and is made from Poire Williams, Cocchi Torino, raspberries, Bergamot and lemon.
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2. The Culpeper

The Culpeper is about a one minute walk from Discount Suit Company. Located on 40 Commercial Street this corner pub has something for everyone. This pub has a traditional exterior made of stone and white paint that attracts people from all-across London. This traditional English pub has a spacey interior with plush chairs and plenty of bar space. The bar is always filled with locals  drinking lagers, ales, wines and cocktails. They do it all at The Culpeper.

It's consistently packed, so if you want to have a place to sit get their early or cozy up to some Londoners at one of the shared tables. The Culpeper also has a small restaurant and offers some English classics; I'd recommend going on Sunday for a traditional "Sunday Roast." 

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3. Leman Street Tavern

At 31 Leman Street is the new bar Leman Street Tavern. Its known as a "city pub for city people" that has bartenders who know the in's and out's of craft beer. This new bar attracts crowds who come to taste their English food and variety of beers and ciders. Leman Street Tavern has plenty of space to relax with friends, colleagues or a date. There are cozy corners and big armchairs that will be calling your name. There is an expansive outside seating area with space heaters for those who want to have a cigarette or take in the city that's constantly on the move. After a day in the city, sit back and grab a Hendrik's gin & tonic with cucumber. 

Image Credit: Joan Jessiman

4. Kansas Smitty's

Kansas Smitty's is located at 65 Broadway Market and is open Wednesdays to Sundays. This jazz bar always has a live band and strong drinks that will leave you buzzing. There are changing set lists posted each week to keep Londoners updated as to who's playing. I recommend going when the house band is there. Don't expect to hear the top hits or popular pop music at Kansas Smitty's.

Their cocktail combinations sound strange, but end up being delicious and memorable. If its your first time going order "First Dance." These two aren't super bizarre and you'll agree with what you're drinking. The "First Dance" is made of Courvoisier infused with raspberry, almond, tonka bean and peach, with a pink peppercorn rim. then topped off with prosecco. This drink goes down like water. Try not to drink more than three of them or getting home will be a challenge.

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5. Brewdog

Camden's Brewdog can be found at 113 Bayham Street. Brewdog tries to inject some "much needed craft beer injection into an area typically associated with a twisted mix of indie drinking dens, chic V.I.P venues and teenage flea markets," according to their website. They serve an incredible amount of international craft brews in this two floor bar. Originally a Scottish bar with locations across Scotland, this is London's first Brewdog. They now brew 65 kinds of beer and ship worldwide. If you have the chance to visit their flagship store and bar in Camden try as many kinds of beer as you can. They have light drinkable beer as well as dark stout that pumps from the ground.

Image Credit: Flikr/Bernt Rostad