The Cock Tavern
Shabby-chic tavern offering Howling Hops microbrewery craft beers, plus bar snacks.
About
The Cock Tavern in London's Hackney district stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of British pub culture, its weathered facade on Mare Street wearing centuries of stories like a badge of honor. Since the 16th century, various incarnations of this establishment have watched over the neighborhood, though the current 1930s architecture - with its proud golden cockerel perched above the corner entrance - speaks to the steady hand of Truman's master architect A.E Sewell.
Step inside The Cock Tavern and you'll find yourself embraced by an atmosphere that manages to feel both timeless and thoroughly of the moment. The L-shaped bar wraps around a substantial servery like a protective arm, its wooden surface bearing the gentle marks of countless pints set down in conversation. Warm lighting catches the edges of branded mirrors and vintage beer signage, creating pools of amber warmth that echo the colors in your glass.
There's an artful tension here between preservation and progress that defines the best of London's pub culture. Traditional elements - the boarded floors, time-worn pews, and an old piano that surely knows its share of sing-alongs - provide the foundation for something thoroughly contemporary. The extensive tap selection, featuring 24 carefully curated options, transforms the bar into a liquid library of craft brewing artistry. Local London brewers share space with independent UK craftsmen, each tap telling its own story of tradition and innovation.
The space flows with an organic rhythm, crowds ebbing and flowing like tide pools around the bar. Regulars perch on stools, their conversations weaving through the general hum, while groups cluster around tables that have witnessed decades of both celebration and contemplation. The pub's famous "tiniest beer garden in Hackney" feels less like a limitation and more like a charming quirk, a pocket-sized oasis that somehow makes its diminutive size feel intentional rather than incidental.
What sets The Cock Tavern apart is its ability to honor tradition while embracing the present. Jazz sessions and live music nights transform the space into a cultural hub, while tap takeovers celebrate the ever-evolving craft beer scene. The staff navigate this dual identity with practiced ease, as comfortable discussing obscure brew techniques as they are pulling traditional pints.
There's a democratic spirit here that manifests in more than just the reasonable pricing of its vast beer selection. It's in the way different generations mix easily, the natural integration of longtime locals with curious visitors, and the warm welcome extended to four-legged friends. Even the pub's famous pickled eggs - complete with a speed-eating hall of fame recording a remarkable 1.42-second record - speak to a playful spirit that prevents the historical weight of the place from becoming too precious.
As evening settles over Mare Street, The Cock Tavern takes on yet another personality. The golden light from within spills onto the pavement, creating a beacon for those seeking something more authentic than the standardized pub experience. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast exploring the extensive tap list, a music lover drawn by the promise of live jazz, or simply someone in search of a genuine London pub experience, there's a space for you here.
Just steps from Hackney Central station, The Cock Tavern continues to write its story in the heart of East London. Come add your own chapter to its centuries-long narrative, where every visit offers the chance to be part of something both ancient and eternally new. After all, the best pubs are more than mere buildings - they're living chronicles of community, craftsmanship, and connection, measured out one perfectly poured pint at a time.
Contact Information
Address
315 Mare St, London E8 1EJ, UK
London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the)