Hackney is set to welcome a vibrant new destination for food, drinks, and culture with the opening of Empire Tavern on Friday, 20th March. Located next to the iconic Hackney Empire and opposite Hackney Town Hall, Empire Tavern is a collaboration between Taverns East Pub Group—creators of Leytonstone Tavern and Tavern on the Hill—and East London Brewing Co., bringing new life to the historic Victorian pub, The Britannia, destroyed during World War II.
Burgers, All-Day Dining, and Seasonal Menus
Food is at the heart of Empire Tavern’s concept, offering casual all-day dining from breakfast to evening meals, including pre-theatre options and legendary Sunday roasts. Diners can expect the same award-winning approach to burgers that earned Leytonstone Tavern National Burger Awards finalist status in 2023.
The signature burgers feature a 100% grass-fed, aged beef blend sourced from Yorkshire farms and prepared by Swaledale Butchers. For something truly decadent, the exclusive Bone Daddy Burger combines smoked, braised beef brisket, confit garlic mayo, Guinness gravy, crispy onions, and smoked bone marrow—a bold choice for burger enthusiasts.
Empire Tavern’s menu also delivers bold snacks and small plates, including smoked ham and cheese croquettes with pineapple jam, house hash browns with chip shop curry sauce, loaded venison nachos, and sticky miso honey chicken wings. For lighter options, try the grilled halloumi with hot honey, toasted almonds, and lemon thyme.
Sunday Roasts and Local Coffee
True to the Leytonstone Tavern legacy, Empire Tavern will serve epic Sunday roasts with free-range, responsibly sourced meat, including Tamworth pork and roast picanha beef with a crispy fat layer. The tavern also doubles as a co-working-friendly space by day, with coffee from local experts Flying Horse Coffee.
Drinks, Cocktails, and Craft Beer
Empire Tavern showcases the best of East London Brewing Co. beers and cask ales, alongside rotating selections from independent breweries like Howling Hop and Saint Monday. Cocktails feature premium spirits, including £10 Tiempo tequila margaritas, perfect for casual evenings or post-work drinks.
Design, Events, and Music
The tavern’s interior takes inspiration from upstate New York diners, with dark wood booths, red leather seating, and warm seventies-style lighting. A new mezzanine level provides extra seating and event space, while a high-quality audio booth nods to the co-founders’ music industry roots and Hackney’s dynamic music scene.
With a large retractable door overlooking Hackney Town Hall Square, alfresco seating for up to 50 guests is available. On Fridays and Saturdays, Empire Tavern transforms into Empire Tavern Lates, a listening-bar-style experience with curated music, local DJs, and dancing into the early hours.
The tavern also hosts monthly “First Pours” events, featuring collaborative beer launches and Tiempo tequila tastings, hosted by James Healey, Commercial Director of East London Brewing Co., and James Hughston, Co-Founder of Tiempo Tequila.
About Taverns East Pub Group
Founded by East Londoners Ronnie Finch and Jamie Tack, Taverns East Pub Group is an independent hospitality group focused on community, quality food, and music culture. Their venues, including Leytonstone Tavern, have won multiple awards and are known for nurturing local communities. Empire Tavern continues this tradition while proudly paying the London Living Wage to all staff.
Book here: https://www.empiretavern.co.uk/bookings
