The Birkbeck Tavern

Featured reviews

• H

  H H

  ·3 weeks ago

  “Traditional boozer, with classic interior and well-kept cask handpull ales from Mighty Oak Brewery. Glasses could do with a better clean but lovely pub regardless.”

• R

  Richard Brayshaw

  ·3 months ago

  “Absolute gem of an East London pub. Watched some superb live music and sat out in the sunny beer garden. A real 'centre of the community' place. Definitely worth a special trip to Leyton to experience the genuine English pub vibe.”

• R

  Richard Griffiths

  ·5 months ago

  “Visit before going to Leyton Orient game and sat in the beer garden. Great friendly atmosphere and great beer.”

• J

  Joseph McCann

  ·5 months ago

  “Amazing pub!! One of the best locally!! Friendly bar lady and staff!! Good prices!! Recommended in the area!!”

• N

  Nora Kezer

  ·6 months ago

  “We had an incredible experience filming at this pub! The place is real authentic British, with plenty of space and a gorgeous garden. The owner was beyond accommodating, and the food/drinks and everything else he arranged for us was fantastic. Highly recommended as a wonderful filming location—truly a gem! Thanks for everything again Joe!”

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• L

  London Pub Map

  ·8 months ago

  “🚇Leyton 🍺 £6.00 Guinness The Birkbeck Tavern is tucked away on a quiet backstreet on the border between Leyton and Leytonstone in East London. The nearest Tube is Leyton. This pub was established in 1881 as one of four Birkbeck Taverns built in London by the former Birkbeck Bank. The pubs in Upper Holloway and Dulwich are now residential; the two that remain are this one in Leytonstone and what is now The Boogaloo in Highgate. This is a traditional, classic two-bar pub. On the right is the Public Bar, which has an adjacent pool room. It’s a small bar, traditionally decorated with lino, a sumptuous corner banquette, a TV and a fruit machine. The Pool Room has a stunning stained-glass bay window and boxing memorabilia across the walls. Next door is a large Saloon Bar with a beautiful high ceiling and a proper old-school feel. There is plenty of seating, an elegant fireplace, a dartboard, a few TV’s and a superb red patterned carpet. At the heart of the pub is an ornate servery that spans both bars. At the back of the pub is a good size beer garden, complete with a lawn. The beer selection was solid and included cask ales. I decided on a Guinness; my pint was great, price point was fair. Food-wise, you can choose between Yard Sale Pizza or a fine selection of hearty bar snacks. We tried the pork pie, which was absolutely delicious. We arrived at 4.30pm on a mild Saturday in January as part of an E11 crawl with fellow pub enthusiasts. The pub was busy throughout, with an upbeat atmosphere and a proper local feel. Service was superb—the two ladies on duty were personable, warm, and funny. We also caught up with the Guv’nor, Joe, a consummate host who spoke about preserving the pub’s traditional East London character. The pub hosts Live Music, DJ nights, karaoke and Stand Up. You can also watch live sport on Sky and TNT. It is very rare that I post about a pub for a second time, but I have to make an exception here. This is a marvellous boozer that oozes character and charm. The Guv’nor and the team are brilliant, and the beer offering will please most. This is a must-visit London pub. 📅 31st January 2026”

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• W

  William Major

  ·1 year ago

  “Went there a few weeks back and we really enjoyed ourselves. Bar staff are lovely and very friendly. Atmosphere was fantastic due to there being a DJ. Joe, who is the manager, put on a free BBQ which was such a great thought. I can't wait to go back!!”

• J

  John Carr (Corinne and John)

  ·2 years ago

  “Decent pub about 7 minutes walk from Leyton underground station and about 18 minutes from Brisbane Road. Two cask beers on handpump when I visited. Lots of outdoor seating some of it covered.”

• D

  Dai Tree

  ·3 years ago

  “A delightful building housing a lovely pub. The Birkbeck Tavern is an excellent place to drop in for a beer when you find it on the backstreets of Leyton. Lovely atmosphere. Nearly missed out on 5🌟, due to unavailability of cask ales and Guinness however, a technical issue that will be resolved soonest. A great pub for all!”

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• J

  John F

  ·3 years ago

  “A classic large backstreet boozer in Leyton, The Birkbeck Tavern is a hidden gem that has an old school feel and when you walk in a friendly East End welcome. I love pubs like these and more should be done to protect them.”