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You might notice a bit of a pattern when looking through this list, in that most of these are bars that I guarantee you’ll have a fun time drinking at! Stratford has some of the most amazing sports bars and party bars in the city that are certainly worth a visit!

I’ve met a lot of interesting locals from the many drinking holes scattered throughout London, their lively and intimate atmospheres basically urges everyone to mingle and have fun together! Here is a list of some of the best bars I’ve had the pleasure of visiting!

Bat & Ball

After a relaxing stroll in Olympic park, we booked a nice packaged up experience of ping pong and billiards at Bat & Ball! All the rest and relaxation we had when we were soaking up the nature of Queen Elizabeth Olympic park, was immediately thrown out the window when our Sunday Lunch turned into an intense tournament!

This lively sports bar is not only a great place to win a few games and boast over your friends, but it’s also a great spot to just have a bite to eat of their amazing pub grub like fish and chips and pair it up with something from their wide selection of craft beer. It may not be a traditional pub serving local beers but it’s a chic “party bar” right in the heart of Stratford!

Escape Bar Stratford

If you’re looking for something that’s a bit cosy and relaxing and not because you’re not too good at ping pong and would rather play other games, then this lounge bar would be certainly worth a visit! Best part is that it’s just within walking distance from station, literally a minute walk away.

This was especially helpful when we were too drunk to drive, and decided on the responsible thing, which was to have a short walk to the station. What sets this place apart from the many pubs and clubs in the area is that they have a lot of board games and even PlayStations with a wide selection of video games to choose from. Or, if you just want to eat and drink in peace, this British pub also has a lovely beer garden to enjoy with a pint or some afternoon tea.

The Cow

After visiting the exhilarating Arcelormittal Orbit, it’s nice that there’s a classic pub with modern twists just round the corner. We absolutely loved our time, it was quiet enough for us to unwind and relax, but also loud enough to not make it seem so awkward just talking about the slided.

Luckily we were seated at the top floor and their rooftop views are stunning, with clear views of the Olympic Park and even the Westfield Shopping Centre. If you want to enjoy this bar and restaurant without strangers then they also have a private hire space and caters to all kinds of events. From a wide range of cask ales, to a simple glass of wine, this pub ⋅ could simply cater to anyone!

The Sportsman Stratford

Judging from the name I mean it’s pretty obvious what kind of bar it is, it’s a ⋅ sports bar, but not just any sports bar mind you, it’s one of Stratford’s most iconic bars for many years, and has even earned their very own cool nickname, “The Goose”. If you just explore one minute across the road from the Stratford library, you’ll be greeted with a lot of TVs showing the most recent matches and the friendliest staff.

They have a large pub grub menu from burgers, pizzas, Sunday roasts and even steaks! Because of how reasonably priced the drinks and food are, it’s mostly popular with the young professional audience, but even the older crowd knows that this is the premier place to go for some good food, great drinks, and making new friends!

Mother Kelly’s Stratford

What makes this spot so popular is that they have over 30 local and international craft beers on tap and they threw in an outdoor terrace to boot, so you know that this is one pub we’ve got to try! This location has the ideal pub vibe. There are plenty of independent beers to try, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, the music isn’t too loud, and the staff is exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable.

If you’re looking for a quick boozer before heading out then this is an ideal spot. They don’t do hearty meals though, so it’s not one of the best places to eat we’ve been at but the ciders and beers were awesome and we are already looking forward to our next visit.

Tap East

If you’re like me, who just hates parking too far from my destination then Tap East is one spot you should definitely check out! Because, this bar is just a few steps away from the Westfield Stratford car park. Yep, you heard that right, there’s finally a bar in London with good parking!

Aside from their real ales and food that’s absolutely packed with flavour, they also have good cafe options like coffee and small treats. I love visiting this place from time to time, because not only would I be able to have cask beers or coffee depending on my mood, but I’m also treated to stunning views of the Stratford centre itself!

Darkhorse Restaurant Bar

Hands down one of the best restaurants in Stratford, located in the heart of town itself! It’s a modern European restaurant that serves Italian cuisine and tasty drinks from their cocktail bar. I went here twice, once in the afternoon and another time for dinner, both occasions I didn’t have any reservation but they were still quick to seat us down.

This is a list of the best bars though, so let’s focus a bit on their cocktails. The drinks we had were so expertly crafted that I was actually surprised that it didn’t cost as much as I thought it would. Lastly, they have a long list of beers and authentic wine to keep everyone satisfied!

Looking for More Guides?

Stratford is such a fun area to explore so check out some of our other guides about all the other places to see and things to do in Stratford and make your visit memorable!

Speaking of fun and memorable experiences head to the best comedy club in London! Not only do we have top-notch comedy shows that would make you laugh all night long, we also have an amazing bottomless brunch option, so get ready for a night of good food, boozy drinks, and lots and lots of laughs!

FAQ

Q: What are some of the best bars in Stratford?

A: Stratford offers a variety of bars, each with its own unique atmosphere and a tempting selection of drinks. Some of the best bars in Stratford include The Abbey Tap, a lively pub with a great selection of beers, The Livery Yard, a stylish café with a diverse menu, and Revel, a trendy café with modern décor and cozy atmosphere.

Q: What kind of atmosphere can I expect at The Abbey Tap?

A: The Abbey Tap is a lively pub with a great selection of beers, offering a fun and social atmosphere for patrons. With its welcoming service and delicious food, The Abbey Tap is a perfect place to enjoy a meal or a drink with friends.

Q: What are some other popular bars in Stratford?

A: In addition to The Abbey Tap, some other popular bars in Stratford include The Livery Yard, a stylish café with a diverse menu, and Revel, a trendy café with modern décor and cozy atmosphere. These bars offer a variety of drinks, including cocktails, craft beers, and wine, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

Q: Are there any rooftop bars in Stratford?

A: While Stratford may not have as many rooftop bars as other cities, there are still a few options for those looking to enjoy a drink with a view. Some popular rooftop bars in Stratford include The Livery Yard, which offers a stylish atmosphere and a diverse menu, and Revel, a trendy café with modern décor and cozy atmosphere.

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