The Old Axe

Pub in Bethnal Green
The Old Axe image
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9 / 10 from 4 reviews
Address
69 Hackney Road
Bethnal Green
London
E2 8ET
Map
Telephone
020 7729 5137
Region
Bethnal Green
Nearest Station
Hoxton
0.13 miles
Category
Pubs
Opening Times
Monday Open 16:00 - Closes 00:00
Tuesday Open 14:00 - Closes 02:00
Wednesday Open 14:00 - Closes 02:00
Thursday Open 14:00 - Closes 02:00
Friday Open 13:00 - Closes 06:00
Saturday Open 13:00 - Closes 06:00
Sunday Open 12:00 - Closes 00:00

All In London Review

At midnight this pumpkin becomes the carriage

First of all, probably the less said about daytimes at The Old Axe, the better. A sleazy strip joint of sadness, although each to their own I suppose.

At midnight though, the pumpkin becomes the carriage and this once grand looking old pub opens its doors as a bona fide rockabilly spot with just the mirrors, stage poles and the odd straggler from the pre-twelve show reminding you of what it really is.

A few years ago this was prime celebrity territory, as the vintage and rockabilly revival hit its peak and you’d bump into the same old Klaxons every week. Nowadays, along with the character and charm, it fills itself with a similar set of hipsters and without the famous faces it’s still a stomp.

Rare 45’s spin on the decks and at its core it’s the music that keeps you coming back. You’re more likely to get loose in a dingy corner to the sounds of Link Wray than Elvis.

It’s a narrow venue that fills fast past the midnight curtain call, and while there’s space to dance there’s no swinging here with the bar stuck all the way down one side leaving a corridor of posturing. That said, it’s all good, and the atmosphere is only ever soured when you’re forced to visit the rotten toilets that could have used a spruce up twenty years ago.

Prices are high at face value, and for a plastic cup too, but you should be used to paying nearly £4.00 a pint and at least this is the unsanitised fun that London’s all about, right?

If it all gets too much for you down below then there’s the cloakroom drive-in upstairs, a chance to see American Graffiti or The Outsiders on a big screen for the hundredth time.

The Olde Axe, is timeless, and proof that there’s still plenty of good things that happen after 3am…

Reviewed by T.A.O
Published on May 4, 2011


User Reviews

philip watson
from E12

Feb 2, 2022

Best place for friendly entertainment. Ladies are NOT pushy and quite willing to sit for a cosy chat (for a drink of course). Highly recommended
albert
from east london

Mar 28, 2020

Great place and the entertainment is excellent as are the entertainers
William John
from London

Apr 14, 2014

Went here after visiting The Horns, more of a rough and ready place, but in a nice way, friendly punters and bar staff, good priced drinks .
Now the dancers, typical pound in the pot place, most of the girls are friendly but some are pushy for a £10 private dance.
Would recommend this place as a relaxed friendly place, with some nice dancers.
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