At first it was thought lost to rent increases and an unhelpful brewery, but the Stag’s Head is back with the same spirit that it’s always been famous for.

The Venue
Located on a side street just off Kingsland Road the Stag’s Head is flanked by housing on one side and the Regents Canal to the other; it’s perfect for the waterway walkers, locals and Hackney hipsters. Split into two halves, one side plays the part of live venue and dance floor and the other excels with traditional touches that are appreciated by the old and the new. Scrappy adverts are pasted across the walls, an old piano sits in the corner and a mixture of old sofas and bar stools sit next to the arcing bar.

The Atmosphere
First the bar area, and the strict approach to keeping the Stag’s Head what it is first and foremost, a pub. The aged interior adds cosiness in this section where tightly packed seating promotes a good spirit of conversation and the flare of the old and the unpredictable. Late night action comes largely from the other room that the pub uses for entertainment. Many a DIY band has started out with gigs in the darkness of the Stag’s Head and it’s one of the best places around to see new music. If there’s no band, then Friday and Saturday night will almost certainly have DJs on the turntables. It may be a bit of a walk from Shoreditch but it’s well worth covering the ground for what’s on offer here.

The Drink
Real ales are supported here, with guest beers often joining Fuller’s ESB, Oxford Gold and Master Brew on tap. There’s also a good number of lagers on draught that include Stella, Heineken, Staropramen, Becks Vier and Leffe - a solid range.

The Last Word
Some of the best DIY bands around, Hackney’s friendliest bar staff and its all-round wild ways make the Stag’s Head a true gem that should be next on your to-do-list.

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