There are cosy pubs all over London, but sometimes you want more than a pint and a packet of crisps. You want somewhere you can lounge, graze, play a game or three, and maybe even catch the match — all without sacrificing that sofa-level comfort.
Tucked into the middle of Old Spitalfields Market, KERB Social Club isn’t just another packed pub or shiny bar with dim lighting and a one‑word cocktail list. In fact, it’s a mix of the two – and a lot more.
Opening its doors for the first time today, 1st of August, this social club is a bar meets restaurant meets hangout space, with plenty to drink, eat and do. But first, the space itself.
Here’s what KERB Social Club has to offer
Walking into the ground floor area and to the left, there’s a huge bar that stretches almost wall to wall with booths dotted in front and around the room. There’s also a kitchen space where you can order from three resident kitchens (but more on that below!).
Upstairs, KERB has built the extras you need to keep the night rolling. Think rooms with arcade-type games like basketball hoops and air hockey, a space set up for live music and Jubel beer, and a range of private rooms that groups can book. Among these is a karaoke bar where you can channel your inner Gaga after one too many spicy passionfruit margaritas.
There’s also a bar and food service upstairs, so you won’t be trekking up and down every time you need a refill. And if you’re dropping in to watch a sports game, there are giant screens everywhere. Importantly, despite all the screens, the atmosphere never tips into sports bar chaos. The space has the warmth of a pub but feels more refined, likely thanks to a design that draws on retro décor with bold colours and plenty of character.
Messy, moreish food
Three resident restaurants are serving a range of their menu highlights. Here, you can forget about the fine dining pretence, small plates or silent judgment. It’s all about food that’s fried, cheesy, saucy, crispy, and messy – sometimes, all at once.
Every plate on the menu is indulgent and made to share. Cutie Pies is serving a range of deep-dish-style pizzas, and there are hot dogs from Oh My Dog! and fried chicken from Only Jerkin’ on offer too.
Vegetarians and vegans aren’t left with an apologetic token dish either. Each restaurant offers delicious meat-free options that are just as indulgent as their counterparts. The sides stack up well, too – think crispy gunpowder potatoes, loaded fries and crispy coleslaw (for just a bit of nutrition!).
A generous list of subpar cocktails
You expect a casual, laid-back spot to settle for good enough drinks. But instead, the cocktail list punches way above what it needs to.
Half of the menu is KERB’s own take on the classics. Think Long Island Iced Tea, but instead with Chase vodka, Tanqueray, Mount Gay Silver, El Rayo, champagne syrup, and Pepsi (the “Rootbeer Rebound”, and yes, it spells trouble).
There are also two signature cocktails, including one with Bulleit bourbon, limoncello, lemon curd and meringue. It’s the rare ingredients description that makes you salivate before you’ve even seen the cocktail.
The classics are covered too. Expect a Hugo Spritz, daiquiri, and a delicious spicy passion fruit margarita that’s just the right mix of spicy and sweet. And because the food menu doesn’t include any dessert, there are two dessert cocktails instead. Get ready for this:
- The Irish Disco Biscuit with crème de menthe, Baileys, vanilla ice cream and Oreo
- The Centre Court Shake with Passoã, Bounty Coconut and vanilla ice cream
They are both dangerously moreish, so don’t even contemplate sharing them.
KERB Social Club is the kind of place that fills the gap between a night out and a night in. The staff are friendly, attentive and make you feel welcome. It’s got everything you need, and probably a few things you didn’t know you wanted (karaoke, for one). Just make sure you don’t turn up one hour late to the agreed time – that will be your biggest regret.
Walk-ins are accepted but booking is recommended. Book a table here.
See also London’s upcoming Cocktails in the City festival, Swingers’ new terrace or this new summer alcohol-free cocktail bar if you’re going alcohol-free.