First Impressions
The Crown Pub & Guesthouse caught me completely off guard — in the best way possible. Walking up Mare Street in Hackney, you’d expect just another typical London pub, but this place has something special going on upstairs. The Victorian building has character written all over it, and honestly, the blend of traditional pub atmosphere with modern guesthouse comfort is pretty brilliant.
The Hackney Experience
You know what I love about staying here? You’re right in the heart of London‘s most creative neighborhood without paying those insane Central London prices. Hackney’s got this amazing energy — street art everywhere, independent coffee shops, and Broadway Market just a short walk away. The area used to be rough around the edges, but now it’s where all the interesting stuff happens while still feeling authentic and lived-in.
The Room
The room I stayed in was surprisingly spacious for London standards — I mean, you can actually walk around the bed without doing some weird sideways shuffle. The design hits that sweet spot between modern comfort and keeping the building’s original character. The bathroom was compact but well-designed, and honestly, the bed was more comfortable than I expected from a pub guesthouse.
Pub Life Downstairs
Here’s where things get interesting — the restaurant downstairs isn’t your typical pub grub situation. They’re doing proper gastropub food with seasonal ingredients, and the Sunday roast is actually worth planning your trip around. The atmosphere downstairs gets lively in the evenings (especially weekends), but the rooms are well-insulated so it didn’t bother me much. Actually, I found it kind of charming to fall asleep to the gentle hum of conversation below.
Why Guests Love It
This four-star place works because it doesn’t try to be something it’s not. The staff genuinely knows the area and can point you toward hidden gems you’d never find otherwise. There’s no pretentious hotel reception — just friendly people who happen to run both a great pub and a comfortable place to sleep. Plus, the value is incredible compared to what you’d pay for similar quality in Zone 1, and the transport links are actually better than you’d think for getting around London.
