The Empress

You'll find The Empress tucked away in Hackney, where Lauriston Road has quietly become one of the area's best stretches for eating and drinking. It's the kind of pub that works equally well for a Friday night with mates or a relaxed Sunday roast with your parents—no pretension, just solid cooking and genuine hospitality. The vibe is warm without being try-hard: exposed brick, decent natural light, and enough going on that you never feel like you're the only ones in the room. They take their wine and beer seriously, but nobody's going to judge you for ordering a pint.