And it’s right next to a Hackney icon
If you’ve been down Mare Street lately, you’ll have noticed that the Empire Bar, the live music venue, bar and kitchen next to the Hackney Empire, is no more. The space is being refurbished and will be reopening as the Empire Tavern, a joint venture by two fellow East London booze businesses.
Advertised as “All day dining, pub at heart”, the Empire Tavern is coming from Leyton-based East London Brewing Co., whose beers include East End Lager, Foundation Bitter and Twist Hazy Pale Ale, and boozer the Leytonstone Tavern, home to some of the city’s best burgers. We don’t have any menu details yet but we’re being promised burgers, roasts, taco Tuesdays, coffee from Flying Horse, independent beers and premium agave spirits. As well as offering all day food, it’ll be a place to hang out pre- or post-theatre, with late-night listening parties running on the weekends too.
Watch this space for more…
Key Information
Opening date | 2026
Address | 289 Mare Street, London E8 1EJ
For more information | empiretavern.co.uk
