Bar in London, United Kingdom
CRATE Bar & Pizzeria
100ptsCasual east London drinks and pizza done well.
About CRATE Bar & Pizzeria
CRATE Bar & Pizzeria is a canal-side brewery bar in Hackney Wick that works best for casual evenings, group drinks, or a relaxed East London date. Walk-ins are easy most nights. Come for the house-brewed beer and wood-fired pizza rather than a serious wine or cocktail program — and grab outdoor terrace space early when the weather is good.
Worth the Trip to Hackney Wick?
Yes — if you are already heading east for the evening. CRATE Bar & Pizzeria in Queen's Yard, Hackney Wick is one of the few spots in London where the casual bar format genuinely earns its reputation rather than coasting on industrial-chic aesthetics. The canal-side setting gives it a character most Shoreditch venues spend a lot of money trying to fake. For a date, a loose group dinner, or a low-key Friday wind-down, it delivers without demanding much planning on your part.
The atmosphere here leans relaxed rather than refined. Expect noise, open space, and a crowd that skews creative-industry and local rather than tourist or destination-diner. That energy works in your favour earlier in the evening — the outdoor terrace alongside the canal is your leading option when the weather cooperates, and it fills up faster than the indoor space. If atmosphere matters to you, aim for a weekday evening or early weekend arrival before the post-9 PM volume takes over.
On the drinks side, CRATE built its name around its in-house brewery, which means the beer list is the draw rather than a curated wine or cocktail program. If you are coming specifically for a by-the-glass wine experience comparable to what you would find at Amaro or 69 Colebrooke Row, recalibrate. CRATE is a brewery bar first. The pizza is solid and well-suited to the format , easy to share, priced accessibly, and built for a round-of-drinks context rather than a serious food occasion.
Booking here is easy. Walk-ins are generally viable, especially midweek, making it a reliable option when you want somewhere in East London without committing days in advance. For groups, the open layout and communal vibe make it more accommodating than tighter venues like A Bar with Shapes For a Name or Academy. If your party is four or more and wants a relaxed setting rather than a cocktail-forward experience, CRATE is one of the more practical calls in the area.
It is not the right call for a formal celebration or a serious food night. But for an easy East London evening with a strong sense of place, it holds up well against flashier alternatives further west. See our full London bars guide and full London restaurants guide for how it fits into the broader picture.
Compare CRATE Bar & Pizzeria
| Venue | Price | Value |
|---|---|---|
| CRATE Bar & Pizzeria | — | |
| Bar Termini | — | |
| Callooh Callay | — | |
| Happiness Forgets | — | |
| Nightjar | — | |
| Quo Vadis | — |
What to weigh when choosing between CRATE Bar & Pizzeria and alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the crowd like at CRATE Bar & Pizzeria?
Expect a mix of local creatives, east London regulars, and people who've made the trip out to Queen's Yard specifically. The Hackney Wick location filters for a younger, arts-adjacent crowd rather than a City or tourist spillover. Weekends skew busier and louder, weeknights are more relaxed.
Is the food good at CRATE Bar & Pizzeria?
The pizza holds up well for a bar-first venue — it's the kind of food that works with a beer in hand rather than demanding your full attention. Don't arrive expecting a dedicated pizzeria experience on par with somewhere like Franco Manca or Voodoo Ray's, but as bar food goes in east London, it earns its keep.
Does CRATE Bar & Pizzeria have outdoor seating?
Yes, and it's one of the main reasons to come. The canalside setting at Queen's Yard, E9 gives CRATE a strong edge in summer — outdoor space by the water is genuinely hard to find at this scale in London. In colder months, check conditions before making it the sole reason for the trip.
Is CRATE Bar & Pizzeria good for a date?
It works well for an early-stage, low-pressure date — the setting does the heavy lifting and the format is relaxed enough to talk. If you want somewhere with more theatre or a fixed dining experience, look elsewhere. For a casual evening with drinks, a shared pizza, and canal views, it's a solid call in east London.
What's the signature drink at CRATE Bar & Pizzeria?
CRATE is primarily known as a craft beer venue — the bar leans into that identity. Specific tap listings change, so check closer to your visit, but beer is the drink to order here rather than a cocktail programme. If cocktails are a priority for your group, pair the trip with a nearby bar rather than relying on CRATE alone.
Is CRATE Bar & Pizzeria good for groups?
Yes, more so than many east London spots. The Queen's Yard site has enough space to absorb a group without feeling cramped, and shared pizza and pints is a format that scales. For large groups of 8 or more, it's worth contacting them in advance given the venue's popularity on weekends.
Do I need a reservation at CRATE Bar & Pizzeria?
Walk-ins are generally possible on weeknights, but weekend afternoons and evenings fill up fast — especially when the outdoor space is in play during warmer months. For groups, or if the canalside terrace is the point of the visit, booking ahead removes the risk. Check their current booking process directly via Queen's Yard, E9 5EN.
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