The space next to the grand, late-Victorian Hackney Empire theatre hasn’t had the best luck over the years. It started life as The Britannia pub, but was destroyed by bombs during the Second World War. It went through several guises since then, most recently a late-night live music bar. Now, after lying dormant for months, it’s back as Empire Tavern – and its owners believe they’ve cracked the code for success.
“The businesses that have been here never quite made it work,” says Jamie Tack, co-owner and head of food. “But I don’t think they’ve taken into account what the demand is.”
Co-owners Jamie Tack and Ronnie Finch consulted extensively with the Hackney Empire team, which owns the space and is effectively their landlord. “We met with them, and they said ‘Look, the last offering didn’t really connect with theatregoers’.” They realised that the key would be catering to the theatre’s sizeable customer base (it has a capacity of 11,000 and puts on about 200 shows a year) – but also diversifying to suit different parts of the community.
The result? An all-day pub and diner, brewing early morning coffee (by Flying Horse Coffee) and acting as a co-working space throughout the day, then serving elevated pub meals in the evenings. On weekends, it transforms into a late-night space for music-lovers, with a listening booth and vinyl collection that will see partygoers through to 2am. There’s also a pre-theatre menu for those catching a show next door.
“We want this to be a neighbourhood pub diner,” says Finch. “There’s huge footfall: we are on Mare Street, one minute from Hackney Central station.”
The pair hope to use some of the wisdom they’ve gained from running their two other pubs: Leytonstone Tavern and Tavern on the Hill in Walthamstow. They’re making Empire Tavern the home of the group’s most coveted menu item, the Bone Daddy burger, which was shortlisted for the National Burger Awards in 2023 and pops up only occasionally on the Leytonstone Tavern menu. Now exclusive to Empire Tavern, the burger tops two beef patties (a blend of cuts sourced from Yorkshire’s Swaledale Butchers) with organic cheese, and pulled brisket braised down with herbs and Guinness. It’s served with a roast bone marrow and confit garlic mayo.
Tack is also making tacos with fillings like smoked ox cheek and vegan chorizo, and Sunday roasts featuring smoked picanha beef.
The venue is a joint venture with East London Brewing Co, so customers can expect locally produced seasonal beers on tap, and beers and ales from other local independent brewers on rotation. Agave spirits feature prominently, too, with rare tequilas and mezcals.
The space itself – split into ground level and a 100-seater mezzanine – is less traditional British pub and more upstate New York diner: all dark wood booths and red leather seating, bathed in warm lighting from ’70s-style lighting fixtures. It’s a space that could feel as welcoming to locals looking for a quick bite before a show as punters seeking one last cocktail at 1am; they’ll be pleased to find that Margaritas, made with Tiempo tequila, go for £10.
As summer approaches, Finch and Tack are particularly excited about the newly redeveloped Hackney Town Hall Square – which will equal al fresco dining and drinking for up to 50 people. “The council is spending over £2 million pounds on the square,” says Tack. “We have huge windows and a retractable door overlooking the square – very few places on Mare Street have outdoor seating.”
Empire Tavern
289 Mare Street, E8 1EJ
Hours:
Mon–Thu 9am-11pm
Fri & Sat 9am–2am
Sun midday–10.30pm
