Popped in for some food. As a few other have said - it's a good mix between a more modern food menu and the good/cheap beer and look of an older London pub. I got the bangers and mash while by wife got the cottage pie. I think I got the better meal as the sausages were really tasty and the whole grain mustard in the potatoes was a great way to elevate the potatoes. Her cottage pie was fine but didn't have a ton of flavor. Food came out surprisingly quickly, but we also had an order of chips which was crazy slow to come out of the kitchen. The chips were quite good but we'd both finished our entire meals and most of our beers by the time we got them. Beer options were solid, some good German choices. Beer was cheap too. read more

Though it is located just a short walk from the many attractions of Brick Lane, The Carpenters Arms retains a very local feel. This place is not trying to play up on an image like many of the bars in this areas and sticks instead to the important business of being a damn fine pub. Being quite small there is a naturally cosy feel to the place and this is complimented by the decor wuth lots of wood panelling and comfy seats. The bar has a great selection of draft and bottled beers and, for the summer months, there is an excellent beer garden. I've yet to try the food but they do serve traditional pub grub between 12 and 5 Tuesday through Sunday. With a great atmosphere, warm and friendly bar staff and an excellent range of drinks, The Carpenters Arms is a brilliant place for a relaxing evening or a great stop-in after a hard days shop. read more

The Carpenters Arms - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

One of the first pub dinners we had after getting into town and taking care of some other business, we were starving and tired and really loved the place and the food! The menu is all hand written on a chalkboard by the bar, and after we settled in with our very good bottle of porter, they brought us really fresh bread & butter to munch on whilst we went about deciding what to eat. We opted first for the meat & cheese board, then the double crisp fries (divine), and the shepherd's pie with side salad, all of which we shared & found delicious! Best pick of the meal, though, was the escargot, they did a superfine job with those and I had to fight to keep to just my half! Our table was especially cozy, perched by the fire and away from the draft coming in the door with the other customers, just perfect. Would definitely elect to revisit! read more

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Slightly off the beaten track, this boozer was once deep in the heart of East End gangsterland down Cheshire Street. It was bought by the Kray twins for their beloved mum Violet in 1967, ah bless them. Legend has it that Ronnie ducked in here for a swift pint before bludgeoning Jack the Hat to death. Quick Wikipedia here: Jack McVitie, more commonly known as Jack The (Trilby) Hat, was a notorious London criminal of the 1950s and 60s. He is posthumously famous for triggering the imprisonment and downfall of the Kray twins. He had acted as an enforcer and hitman with links to the firm, and was murdered by Reggie Kray in 1967. The bartenders will be happy to share this history with you, as you muse nostalgically amidst the dark mahogany furnishings, historic windows and deceptively cosy interior. Watch out you don't spill anyone's pint, who knows who might be back to haunt you! read more

The Carpenters Arms - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Cute little pub. My husband and I were visiting from the States and just finished up at the Renegade Craft Fair down the street. It had started snowing pretty heavily, so I pulled up my Yelp App and saw that this place was 1) close 2) had good reviews, so we stopped by. I ordered a glass of Prosecco & the Scotch egg, and my husband had a beer & the soup of the day (blue cheese & broccoli). My Scotch egg was brilliant! I had never had one before, and I don't really eat much pork...but YUM. The spicy mustard was an excellent addition as well. (The brown sauce isn't really my favorite, but it wasn't bad.) The side salad that came with the egg was also excellent. Lose one star because my husband's soup was pretty bland. I gave him about half of my egg so he didn't starve. :p The best part, though, was that we had carol singers stop by and serenade us! The snow was beautiful outside; it felt so Christmasy. What a wonderful British experience! read more

Hello new local. If you're looking for a pub that hasn't changed in the past 20 years and is full of people who actually live in the area, you can't get better than the Carpenter's Arms. I was actually taken here on a date, and yes it does make for a relaxed and fun date spot, and after walking past the heavy velvet draft curtain you are greeted by a nice small bar, tables crammed with people chatting and drinking and a serious lack of knobs. This means that people get tipsy but it's not a rowdy bar. Nick C is right, it's far enough for it to avoid the hipster twats that pollute the area. It has a proper selection of beer and wine, and some decent house spirits, but if you ask for a cocktail you'll be out on your ear. There is not room in this pub for that sort of shit, take it to Glo glo's. read more

One of the Krays murderised somebody out the back here once, so it's got a bit of gritty history about it. If they came back in for a pint today they would probably dish out similar punishment to the Shoreditch victim in the kilt, bleached blonde step/buzzcut and studded boots If you don't mind the hipster crowd (and they're harmless, really) or the guy waving his arms and talking to himself who sits RIGHT BESIDE YOU, then this is a brilliant boozer. Excellent selection of beers; when I was there they had an Adnams seasonal ale, Tim Taylor and Ubu, plus a very good hefe weisse I'd never heard of, a couple of random Belgians on tap plus a few more in the fridge, and lots more. I didn't have any food but they have proper pork scratchings so clearly ordering something off the menu is unnecessary. However, if you are a non-pork eater, vegetarian or just not into deep-fried skin and lard, then there are lots of other tasty treats to be had. read more

I only discovered the Carpenter's a few weeks ago but it's become my new favourite and here's why. It's a proper pub where everything is just right. Well chosen beer selection (not too many, I don't need hundreds of choices). The staff are friendly and you get the feeling they take pride in their pub. The pub itself is just what I want in a pub. Not too big, not to small and with cosy tables to sit at in a dark wood interior. There are several rooms extending to the back and and even a tiny beer garden hidden away behind that. It's a pleasant contrast to those wannabe 'gastro' places with huge huge dining room tables with deafening volume that require to you shout across to be heard. None of that here. It's all on a more human scale. It's another example of my personal rule that says that the best pubs in London are just far enough off the beaten track...not outside a tube station or directly on a crowded thoroughfare but slightly hidden away. In this case it's about a 5 minute walk down a quiet street from the seething crowds in the Brick Lane area. This is where they always are... That also means that the punters are pleasant and not full of irritating types and you don't need to push through crowds to get served. Haven't tried the food but it fits with the rest of the pub, the menu at least is proper pub food, refreshingly absent of silly named dishes desperately trying to be on trend. Just perfect. read more

In terms of English pubs, it doesn't really get much better than the Carpenter's Arms. You'll find a great mix of cask ales, international imports and lagers. I had a wonderful German wheat beer when I was here that wasn't one of the normal ones you see around, but unfortunately I can't remember the name of it. They also have their own Carpenter's lager that was also a good choice. Inside you'll be impressed with how cozy it feels. The front room where the bar is located isn't terribly large, but there are plenty of tables and chairs to sit at. There's also a fairly large room in the back with more seats, and a nice outdoor area in the back. Looking forward to coming back here. read more

EVERYtime I come here I love this place. Its reliably wonderful. Without fail. My only issue is the price, but I deal with it because its a gorgeous little pub, with loads of secret space in the back and lovely terraced smoking area. (i'm not a smoker, but forced to sit in it most of the time with my terrible friends). It was one of the first pubs I was brought to when I moved to London and Its somewhere I brought my mother when she was here. The beer selection is excellent and the staff are always really friendly. Things I usually say to people trying to find it... "take Cheshire Street and keep going, until you think you've taken the wrong street, then keep going a little further and it will be there, like a beacon on the corner." It is hidden that little bit of the beaten Brick Lane track, but well worth the search! read more

I visited for a client meeting on his recommendation and I wasn't disappointed. The staff were friendly, the atmosphere was good and the food even better. I had the beef sandwich and it was perfect for me as the meat was nice and rare. I would come again if I was in the area. read more

Cozy place, with great food. Chalkboard menu probably changes often. It was hard to decide, with several attractive items on offer. We settled on a cottage pie, and grilled sirloin steak. Both came with mixed salads with a lovely dressing. Chips with steak were outstanding! Helpful, friendly staff, quick service. Great neighborhood place, with delicious food. We were overwhelmed with ale choices, the server asked a couple questions, and served us Purity Brewing Co.'s Pure UBU Amber Ale, which was smooth, and entirely drinkable. read more

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Cosy and understated. Food great. Mix of young and old patrons makes for a relaxed atmosphere. Would like a larger beer selection, but it is a small place so that might be unreasonable to expect. read more

Love this pub. Far enough away from the main stretch of brick lane but it does get busy. My recommendation would be as a spot to drink and have a snack during the week as weekends do get perhaps a little too busy. The world beer selection is good (around 80 types) and the cheese boards are exceptional. My only qualm is the one table next to the toilet which occupies the hallway between the two rooms as if you end up here you miss out on any atmosphere. In both summer and winter the beer garden is a great place to sit if you can manage to get a seat! Well worth a visit read more

The Carpenters Arms - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

Yes, you could say that this is my local. My flatmate and I have only frequented the Carpenter's the one time, though I have a sneaky feeling that he may have been here sans moi recently. Anyway, the guys who own it are lovely, they have a good selection of beer and I think I went there the day after watching Tom Hardy's Legend so the picture of the Kray Twins was cool for me to see too ("A SHOOTOUT, RIGHT, IS A F**KING SHOOTOUT! Like a western. W**KERS! F**king embarrassing, waste of my time. F**KING waste of my time!") Although we didnt eat this time, the food looks good, so perhaps the next time. Perhaps today :) read more

Love the carpenters arms. Small, cosy, nice clientele, fantastic beer garden, what more can you want? It's cheap, and in a really convenient location just off Brick Lane, opposite Beyond Retro, the mecca of vintage shops in the East. So after a hard days shopping, you can come in here and put your feet up with a lovely ale. Come night, the drinkers here are really friendly, I've spent many a long evening being a tit in the beer garden, managing to even make a few friends! A great staring place for a night out, with the option of heading to either Brick Lane or Bethnal Green as both are within five minutes walk. Pop in for a pint and i bet you end up staying! read more

A wonderful gastropub in the Shoreditch area of London. It's a mix between the old style pubs with great beer and comfortable warm atmosphere and really amazing food. My husband and I had their scotch egg and chips. Both very excellent. We enjoyed the atmosphere so much we came back another day and had a chance to chat with their bartender. She was so ridiculously helpful about suggestions on where to go and what to try. It's such a great local pub! read more

Just off Brick Lane, this pub is the perfect setting for a quick drink or bite to eat. The menu is on a chalkboard on the wall which kind of suggests simple menu = great food and boy does it deliver. Had some delicious food here and always washed down with a gluten-free beer. Now I know gluten-free is considered by some a 'hipster' trend but as a genuine sufferer of coeliac disease, it's always nice to know where you can get a good beer from! This pub has a small sun trap at the back which is quiet and the perfect antidote to the often bustling Brick Lane. It's also opposite the vintage store Beyond Retro so perfect if you want a few minutes of unhindered retail therapy whilst your other half peruses the beer options! read more

This pub has only recently reopened under new management and has been refurbished to a shiny mahogany finish on the inside. However, it has still managed to retain some of the old boozer character that can be lost under such circumstances. A few reassuringly anonymous German beers are available on tap, as well as a cracking suffolk cider. The mirrored bar also has a really good range of bottled Belgian beers, including Chimay and Fruli. There's a hideaway decked beer garden, but it doesn't get the best of the sunshine. There's some cosy sppots to be found inside, and it's dog friendly too. read more

The Carpenters Arms - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

This pub is a gem, and I live around the corner! I had to put that bit in as I did accidentally stumble upon the place when walking to Beyond Retro one beautiful Saturday afternoon. The choice of real ales in there are fabulous, and they are one of the few pubs that aren't a ghastly Weatherspoons that sell Kopparberg. They offer great platters of meats and cheeses, but if you go on a Sunday you are in for a treat if you want a roast. Not only do they make a roast, but its a good one. They also offer a nice choice of everything on the menu so if you happen to have one of those vegetarians or even a pescatarian with you, everyone will be happy with the menu. Prices don't kill you either and they give you a good plate of food for your pound. The Carpenter's Arms has all the feel you want from an Eastend pub. This pub has something special about it. One pint and that's it, it will become your new favorite pub and nowhere will match up. The only bugbear is that it gets full very quickly. O a Sunday I suggest you get there early and stay in there all day. Invite your friends that you have been meaning to meet up with for a drink and that is a perfect Sunday to be had by all. read more

Their chips and suds are amazing! And their prices are fair and the selections were wide. My kind of a watering hole. read more

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Really enjoyed the vibe at this place. Shared snails and bread order w my friend. Had pale ale and mackerel salad for entree. No table service but bartenders were super friendly. Shared a table w another couple. Bread is to die for, so soft and puffy. Snails came with bread, added a dash of salt and it was delicious. I was so full on bread, the mackerel was perfect to fill my tummy. My friend had the scotch egg and she enjoyed it. read more

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Nice to find a really decent proper pub in an area otherwise packed full of bars. This is an awesome little place with loads of character and a good range of beers... but definitly not an "old man" pub. It's a place you can easily while the hours. Perfect for Sunday drinking and catching up with friends. read more

Everything you want at your local pub! Friendly, quick service. Incredible beer selection from a variety of countries. Food was on point. We had the seafood linguine and roast beef sandwich. Definitely coming back! read more

Was on my solo travels in London and decided I wanted a quiet night out. Stopped into this quaint little pub just around the corner from where I was staying. Ordered myself a pint and a basket of fries, or shall I say chips . Had a quick chat with the lovely bartender before taking a seat by the window. The atmosphere, service, food and drinks were great. Definitely a place I would frequent if I lived in the area! read more

The Carpenters Arms - Can't resist a pint and some chips! - Pubs Near Me - London, XGL

My favourite pub in the area. This place ticks all the boxes. Lovely interior (old wood which has been cleared of clutter), great range of beers (love the Bitburger on draught and the Guinness is of a high standard), food is very good, with a simple menu that is reasonably priced, friendly staff who actually chat to you!!, and a mixed friendly and lively range of customers. But there is even something more about this place which makes it special, is it the atmosphere? or the way as darkness falls you feel truly snuggled in a comfortable nook? Last Christmas it started snowing while I was ensconced inside and seeing the flakes fall through the big windows which were decorated with christmas tree branches and red lights was a highlight of that particular festive season. Living nearby I can better pick and choose when to go. I avoid Sundays as it can get stupidly packed (and perhaps the kitchen is under a lot of pressure judging by some of the comments here) and on Fridays and Saturdays, if you don't have a table by 7pm, you never will. Overall, what we have here is a great pub. One which has been moved on from its east end origins and upgraded subtly to give us one of the best modern-traditionalist bars in the capital. read more

Out of all the pubs we experienced in our one week London trip from Los Angeles, I will pick Carpenter's Arms. First for the beers' choice. The bartender was so nice and offered me to taste many ales before I made my decision. Second, for the atmosphere. So many pubs have become so gentrified and taste like gastropubs, which I can find any day in LA. At Carpenters' Arms, even though there is not Fish and Chips, people don't try to be trendy and welcome crowd that is more than milleniums. That area of London needs more places like this. read more

basically the best pub in shoreditch. It's our local after work , the owners are lovely , pretty much everyone in there knows each other , beers are great and the food is amazing (home made scotch egg, fishermans pie and meat n cheese platter all rule) essential if coming by brick lane read more

The perfect place to end a hard days shopping, and as I would usually end my day at Beyond Retro, the logical place to stumble into is the Carpenters arms. A small, friendly bar with a loyal, local following. Decent choice of drink, three ales on tap, as well as the usual lagers and bottle beers. Apparently it used to be owned by the infamous Kray twins, and run by their Mother. So it is a piece of East End history in itself. Good in the summer with an excellent beer garden, a perfect place to escape from the hustle & bustle of Brick Lane. And because of it's size it can get a bit cosy in the winter, everyone packed in trying to enjoy their drinks. A lovely little pub, definitely worth stopping by. read more

This pub is pretty much in my back garden...lucky me! It's a small, intimate, well preserved yet unpretentious pub. The drinks are reasonably priced, the food is very tasty and there's a nice garden out the back which catches the sunlight. There's little to say about this place other than it's a great pub. If you're in the area, drop in for a quickie. Or a longie. read more

The food was just ok. I really wanted shepherd's pie and my friend fish & chips. We both had to settle for cottage pie. It took a while to be served. read more

The casual to elegance ratio of this place is off the charts. You'd be hard pressed to find a more charming, cozy, little pub, full of regulars and friendly folk, but yet, has such a carefully curated menu of French and UK specialties.... like Scotch Egg, and Duck Confit. And they price their food like the former (casual), not latter (elegance). I rarely give 5 stars, but I've had a few, so I'm feeling generous and happy. read more

Came here for a dinner with out of towners, looking for a gastro pub experience. Carpenter's Arms delivered, providing some solid scotch eggs and an arrangement of other offerings. I myself had the homemade naked beef burger, which, while good, was not memory worthy. Besides the food, Carpenter's Arms features a lovely local pub atmosphere, and a small outdoor patio in the back. read more

Where do you go around Shoreditch to get away from the crowds of painfully fashionable East Londoners for a bevvie on a Sunday afternoon? You take a little wander East along Cheshire Street and stick your nose into the Carpenter's Arms. One things should be observed about this lovely little place and that is the blackboard. Most pubs have a long wine list, divided into country ad region. Lovely. Great. The Carpenter's on the other hand has the chalk board of beers. 'Mmmmm' I hear you sigh. Yes, very mmmm. But I think it gets even better. The Carpenter's is modest in size but out back they have a perfectly formed little beer garden in which for you to while away the hours. All very intimate so expect to share your coversation with the other punters. Well- what's life for if not sharing? read more

Great selection of beers, both imported and local. Food is very reasonably priced and of excellent quality. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a good pub for the evening. read more

My wife and I were just in Fitzrovia for Christmas. The day before we left, we needed someplace for lunch. We'd been walking past the Carpenter's Arms every day and decided to stop in. I'm so glad we did! The barkeep was friendly and helpful, the beer selection was great, and the food was delicious. I really couldn't have asked for a better experience. I know next time we're in the neighborhood, we will be back. read more

Excellent traditional pub near Shoreditch Street Station. There is a nice mixed crowd of trendy hipsters and locals who have clearly been going here for years! I recommend trying the scotch egg, it is incredible! Perfectly cooked egg surrounded by amazing tasting sausage meat. I will be heading back here for plenty more! read more

Classy, but not overstyled joint near Brick Lane. There's a massive Kray twins connection but this is no theme pub. It's an honest boozer with a lively clientele, a good range of ales on tap, and an excellent smoking area. In a part of town where the bars can tend towards the wanky, this place is a breath of fesh air. read more

Sunday roast all the way. Must check out the outdoor area which is a bit hidden. Old school pub. Great!

One of my favorite pubs in London. Scotch eggs are the best. Used to live around the corner and the couple who run it are always smiley and welcoming. Very nice people. The food is great, good selection of wines - it's just the best. read more