The Haggerston Pub - Hackney

After a spontaneous night out, a good friend invited me to join him at Haggerston to check out his friend Mike T's DJ set. When we arrived, I realized that it h... read more After a spontaneous night out, a good friend invited me to join him at Haggerston to check out his friend Mike T's DJ set. When we arrived, I realized that it had been many years since I had last been there—almost 20! I used to spend a lot of time in the 90s listening to jazz, so it was a true delight to return and enjoy high-quality jazz in such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Mike T also played an incredible mix of radio soul and broken beat, and we couldn't help but dance. It was a fantastic night, and I definitely plan on going back!

After our meal at the Dead Dolls Club (quite a while ago now), it was time for what everyone does on a Saturday night drinking. And the Haggerston, a pub I had... read more After our meal at the Dead Dolls Club (quite a while ago now), it was time for what everyone does on a Saturday night drinking. And the Haggerston, a pub I had yet to get to, was just a few doors down. It was pretty busy when we rolled in at around 9:30. Standing room only which meant the place had pretty good vibes. There was a selection of various foreign beers that I wasn 't at all interested in but I 'm pleased to report that the house white wine was very pleasant. This place is 'cool ' which meant that of course they couldn 't serve their wine in a wine glass but a tumbler instead. Now, I 'm used to this because I do tend to go to places that eschew boring old normal glassware but I must admit I do like my wine in a wine glass. If for no other reason than it makes you appreciate that it 's wine you are drinking. When it 's served in a tumbler it is all too easy to drink it like you would some juice and be done with it before you 've even realised it. Of course, this is probably half the idea. Anyway, the crowd were pretty young and the music was up. It wasn 't too loud to talk chatting amongst a foursome was doable without having to shout. And then after about an hour we managed to nab a booth on the side, which was even better as we weren 't out for the long haul and wouldn 't be dancing any time soon although some of the people in there might have been swaying about a bit with half an intention of turning that swaying into fully fledged dance moves with another couple of drinks. We stayed for a few hours in the end but I 'd have happily stayed until it shut and would return I can see an evening of ribs from Duke 's and drinks here in my future...

The pizza at the Haggerstone is pretty good: they have at least one vegan option on and a couple of white pizzas (if you've read my review of Franca Manca, then... read more The pizza at the Haggerstone is pretty good: they have at least one vegan option on and a couple of white pizzas (if you've read my review of Franca Manca, then you'll know how I feel about white pizza). But what I really like about this place is the lighting. If you go in the evening, you'll find it almost so dark you can't see and just lit with candles. It makes for a wonderfully intimate and romantic setting well, as romantic as a pub in Dalston can be.

Insane how bad the security is here. Bar staff are amazing, but if you want to do anything best be ready to get questioned as though you’ve broken the law. They... read more Insane how bad the security is here. Bar staff are amazing, but if you want to do anything best be ready to get questioned as though you’ve broken the law. They don’t allow you to re-enter, very stern and forceful, if you’re expecting any flexibility don’t expect it here. Tried going to day hello to a friend who wasn’t inside (wasn’t expecting them to be allowed in, wasn’t bringing a drink outside, just wanted to say hello) and they accosted me as though I was trying to ransack. Several times told to check with a varying body and then reprimanded for holding the door open. Just really weird vibes. Either grow up or train your staff. Never had anywhere else be so militant about re-entry. Live a little !

Great little local. Fab cheap drinks, often great djs for a dance, nice little garden. Love this pub. Service: 5 read more Great little local. Fab cheap drinks, often great djs for a dance, nice little garden. Love this pub. Service: 5