The Optimist Tavern

The Optimist Tavern

pub
family-friendly
outdoor-seating
good-for-groups
reservations-accepted
LocalsTourists
4.2Google (1249 reviews)

London's electric pub where epic nights are born: perfectly worn wooden tables, craft drinks, legendary burgers, and an atmosphere that transforms 'just one drink' into unforgettable stories.

Price range:

About

Looking for that perfect London pub where every visit feels like the start of an epic story? The Optimist Tavern in London is that rare gem where "just popping in for one" becomes the night everyone talks about for months. Trust me, this isn't just another London watering hole – it's where memorable nights are born and boring evenings go to die.

You know that feeling when you walk into a place and instantly know you've made the right choice? That's The Optimist Tavern's superpower. The moment you step through the door, you're hit with this incredible mix of proper pub charm and modern-day cool that'll have you texting your mates "GET DOWN HERE NOW" before you've even ordered your first drink.

Let me paint you a picture: It's Friday night, and you're perched at one of their perfectly worn wooden tables, cold pint in hand, watching the entire room buzz with that electric pre-weekend energy. The regulars are mixing with the after-work crowd, and somewhere between the classic rock playing just loud enough and the laugher bouncing off the walls, you realize this is exactly where you're supposed to be.

Listen, whether you're planning a first date (genius choice, btw), gathering the squad for birthday shenanigans, or just need a proper meal that doesn't require a mortgage application, The Optimist Tavern has got your back. Their menu hits that sweet spot between "fancy enough to impress" and "won't make your wallet cry." The burgers? Legendary. The steaks? chef's kiss Perfect. And don't even get me started on their sharing platters – they're basically an excuse to sample everything while pretending you're being responsible.

And OH. MY. DAYS. The drinks selection! They've got everything from craft beers that'll make your hipster friend actually shut up and enjoy something, to cocktails that somehow manage to be both Instagram-worthy AND properly strong. Pro tip: Their house specialties are where the magic happens. Trust the bartender – they haven't steered me wrong yet.

The outdoor seating area is basically London's best-kept secret (until now, sorry not sorry). Picture this: warm evening, fairy lights twinkling, good company, and that perfect buzz that makes everything feel just a bit more magical. It's like someone took the best bits of a beer garden and gave it a glow-up.

Here's some insider intel that'll make you look like a proper regular: They've got this amazing app for ordering that means no more awkward bar queues (genius), TWO car parks (because nobody likes circling the block for hours), and they're actually dog-friendly! Bring your four-legged mate and watch them become the pub's newest celebrity.

The staff here? Absolute legends. They've got that perfect mix of professional and friendly that makes you feel like you're part of the family from day one. They remember your usual, laugh at your jokes (even the bad ones), and somehow know exactly when you need a water refill without you asking.

The Optimist Tavern sits in this perfect pocket of London where everything just works. It's easy enough to get to that you can convince your friends from other parts of town to come out, but local enough that it feels like your own little discovery. The vibe switches seamlessly from lazy Sunday afternoons to proper Friday night celebrations, and somehow, it always feels just right.

Listen, I could go on about this place all day, but here's the deal: The Optimist Tavern isn't just another London pub – it's THE London pub where stories begin. The kind of place where "quick drink after work" turns into "remember that amazing night when..." So round up your crew, get down here, and thank me later. Because trust me, the only thing you'll regret about The Optimist Tavern is not discovering it sooner.

Contact Information

Address

Hacton Ln, Upminster RM14 2XY, UK

London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the)

Opening Hours

Sunday: 12 PM - 10:30 PM
Monday: 12 PM - 11 PM
Tuesday: 12 PM - 11 PM
Wednesday: 12 PM - 11 PM
Thursday: 12 PM - 11 PM
Friday: 12 PM - 12 AM
Saturday: 12 PM - 11 PM

Amenities

Dine in
Takeout
Restroom
Reservable
Allows dogs
Serves beer
Serves wine
Good for groups
Outdoor seating
Serves cocktails
Good for children

Photos (10)

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