The Joiners Arms is a quiet local boozer by day and a pumping party palace by night.

The Venue
This pub on Hackney Road looks like your typical East End boozer with old school creamy-yellow tiling, large windows and warm glow emanating from inside. The only thing that distinguishes this from the rest is the rainbow flag and the iconic Manhattan-style Christopher Street road sign that pokes out above the entrance. Practical chairs and tables wait patiently during the day until they’re moved to create space for a dance floor as night falls. There is a pool table that gets used throughout the night (so watch your backs) and a smoking area out the back. The unisex toilets are far from glamorous and can get really busy with queues that stretch around the DJ booth.

The Atmosphere
This venue is famed for its after-hours parties, and during the weekdays there are few drinkers which can leave this large pub feeling rather cold. Pop in for a couple on a cold winter weeknight and thick coats may well be needed to fight the chill - but post 10pm the pub really hots up with waves of fashionistas and local trendies all looking to slum it while slurping on G&Ts. It’s also worth noting that The Joiners Arms attracts a mixed crowd – both gay and straight.

The Music
An uptempo mix of sounds, with anything from The Knife to pounding techno to camp disco classics and modern day divas a la Shakira and Beyonce.

The Drink
Coffee’s popular during the day and there’s a reasonably priced bar for booze. There’s no draught beer although, during winter, you may be offered seasonal tipples like mulled wine.

The Last Word
Not the prettiest looking venue in the world but a haven for gay and straight hedonists.

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