70 Hoxton Street,
Hoxton,
London,
N1 6LP
(020) 7749 0600
The ViewLondon Review
By looking at the unassuming and run down exterior, you’ll never guess what sort of debauchery goes on inside The Macbeth.
The Venue
Not long ago, The Macbeth was a failing East End pub that relied on old geezers supping on halves. Now a hotspot for local creatives, it trades on the same slightly-shabby-around-the-edges look. As soon as you come in the dirty front door, you’ll have to negotiate your way past an oddly placed staircase in order to get to the nasty pub furniture, pool table and good sized bar on the left that drips in cheap brass fittings. On the walls is a mixture of Victorian tiles, stone cladding and wooden patches nailed in place. The toilets leave a lot to be desired, too.
The Atmosphere
The Macbeth attracts a host of trendy, middleclass fashion and art students and musicians intent on pissing off mummy and daddy by slumming it up. But nobody really begrudges them – they’re what keep this area of London experimental and fresh, much like the pub. Special nights here are often varied - you’re just as likely to walk into a jazz wonderland as you are a nu-rave party, poetry reading or exciting new band – and it’s affordable.
The young crowd are here to have fun, look good and soak up the tunes. The pub’s open till 2am at weekends and you’ll be guaranteed to witness some first class messiness.
The Drink
Nothing but the usual pub drinks at The Macbeth – lagers on tap, a few alcopops, limited spirits and small winelist. It’s all about the music here.
The Last Word
The interior of The Macbeth is intentionally grotty and you may need waders to use the lav but don’t let that put you off. The music and people make this an edgy hangout.