Drink: Big places for Big Groups

I am constantly quizzed by friends about fun places to reserve for a birthday or just a big group of people to have a nice drink, not completely squashed and not having to hop around, outerwear and bag wedged in between feet. Here is my list for bars/pubs with big spaces and bookable tables...even on a Friday night.

Crate Brewery

Crate Brewery, Hackney Wick

Arguably better in the summer when pint sippers sprawl out along the canal, this big and bright East London brewery is still always busy in chillier months. All beer is brewed on site in their industrial ex-print factory building, where most of the materials were reclaimed from around The Wick. Feeling peckish? Soak up the beer with one of there tasty stone baked pizzas. 

For bookings of 10+ email bar@cratebrewery.com 

Under the arches at Climpson's

Climpson's Arches, London Fields

The home my new favourite coffee that I wrote about last week here, Climpsons have turned their railway arch roaster into a lovely cosy venue with a calendar of events from live music to gin tastings and a meaty BBQ and smoked food offering with roasts on Sundays. The bar stocks independent ales, cocktails, boutique wines and of course... coffee!

For bookings email bookings@climpsonandsons.com

The Well and Bucket

Well and Bucket, Shoreditch

This craft beer focussed Bethnal Green pub has bookable tables in the pub and for a more sophisticated affair, head downstairs to 5cc and sip a Negroni in the cocktail bar.

For bookings email info@wellandbucket.com

The Scolt Head

The Scolt Head, Dalston

A gaggle of us headed here last Friday for a friend's birthday day. She had cleverly booked a long table in the back. Some sat, some just dumped their coats but it's just really great to have a base. The platters of Welsh rarebit and sausage rolls cured the ravenous too.

For bookings email Rosie info@thescolthead.co.uk