On an early Monday evening as the sun flooded into The Sun Tavern in London’s East End the tube strikes clogging up the city outside seemed very far away. They drifted even further into the distance after a few of the bar’s cocktails.

What was previously something of an old geezers bar, I was told, the place has morphed into a cult East London cocktail bar that now attracts a younger crowd. Although there are a few beers (mainly local lagers) the place is very much focused on delivering cocktails at value price points – most options come in at around £10 and service on top is a modest 10%.

It’s a modest range on offer – with a menu comprising nine seasonal cocktails and a handful of classics – but I quickly found out the very capable team are more than willing and able to knock-up whatever you fancy. After trying the whiskey and rum-based Wobbles on Cobbles and the matcha-powered Joyride I was presented with a Right Hand (in the Negroni family) after a brief discussion with bar man Mateus about my tastes.

He was ably assisted by Pete and Darren, with the latter also serving me up a Beer and Bump comprising a half a pint of beer alongside a shot of Irish whiskey (Teeling small batch in this case). While the cocktails menu is concise the Whiskey and Poitin list is extensive, with over 200 varieties available. Prices cover all bases, ranging up to three-figures for the rare stuff.

The menu of snacks is made up from ingredients sourced from Provisions Wine & Cheese, with dishes including Whipped Feta with Heritage Tomatoes, Parmesan Petit Saucisson and Tuna Pate served with Toasted Sourdough. 

The Sun Tavern is independently owned and part of a growing range of venues under the Umbrella Project that also includes the Discount Suit Company, Umbrella Workshop and Parasol. When the tube strikes end there is no excuse for not venturing east and enjoying the stripped back vibe at The Sun Tavern and the enthusiastic team whipping up some mean cocktails.

Glynn Davis, editor, Beer Insider