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Howling Hops Brewery and Tank BarB-Worth Trying

Name: Howling Hops Brewery and Tank Bar
Address: Unit 9A Queen's Yard, White Post Ln, London E9 5EN, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.5

Unit 9A Queen's Yard, White Post Ln, London E9 5EN · Brewpub, Bar, Beer store · 4.5/5 Google (1074 reviews)

Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating

A lively Hackney Wick tank-bar pouring fresh, creative beers with rotating Latin-inspired food; great vibe but service and policy enforcement can be uneven and noise high at peak times.

Why it gets a B- for overall quality

Howling Hops Brewery and Tank Bar delivers reliable tank beer quality and an inviting communal space that justify its neighborhood reputation, but inconsistent food and service execution and isolated safety incidents prevent stronger standing. Service varies noticeably by shift—from genuinely friendly staff to poor conflict handling—while the rotating kitchen shows promise with La Cumbia's Latin fusion but lacks the consistency expected at higher grades. Worth visiting for fresh beer and casual group dining, though not a destination for reliability.

Restaurant Summary

Big steel tanks line the room and long tables fill with happy groups; the place feels warm and bustling when it gets going. Reviews describe bar teams who can be super friendly and talk you through flights, with the occasional night where policy enforcement is handled poorly. One diner put it simply: "Great beers and a fun hall, but the vibe turns if a rule gets explained the wrong way." The cooking comes from a rotating pop-up; lately it leans Latin fusion from La Cumbia with tacos, burritos, and loaded fries. The culinary approach feels contemporary and casual: global flavors and crowd-pleasing comfort rather than fine-dining theatrics. Expect solid taco flights and a standout crispy-cheese burrito, though burgers draw mixed notes on size and condiments. Families should know the reality: while one older review mentioned kids allowed when not busy, a recent guest experienced strict over-18s enforcement with ciders removed and poor communication. There is no reliable kids menu, and the food skews spicy or bold. If you need family-friendly seating and flexible service, this is likely not the spot.

At a Glance

Fresh tank beers with varied styles and flights
Spacious communal hall with outdoor tables and dogs welcomed
Inconsistent service tone and policy communication at peak times
Noise and acoustics can make conversation difficult
Over-18s policy may be strictly enforced without clear signage

What Sets It Apart

on_site_tank_beer
rotating_pop_up_kitchen
large_communal_space

What People Love

Fresh, flavorful tank pours
Friendly staff on good nights
Rotating kitchen that keeps things interesting
Easygoing communal seating and dog-friendly vibe

Points of Concern

Noise and acoustics can be rough at busy times
Policy enforcement and staff tone vary; some encounters felt brusque
Dietary requests mishandled in a few cases (meat served when meat-free requested)
Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (staff shout-outs clustered, influencer notes) but remain within normal ranges for a lively bar

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost£22-34 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Pair a Fruit Sour No. 3 (GF) with tacos for a bright contrast
If you enjoy dark beers, Franklin's Porter with loaded fries balances richness
NEIPA No. 5 works well with burritos thanks to tropical hop notes

Perfect For

Casual group hangs over fresh pints
Pre-gig drinks near Hackney Wick
Beer flights and brewery-hopping afternoons
Low-key weeknight catch-ups before 8 pm

Location Insights

Area: Post-industrial creative quarter with canalside warehouses, studios, and nightlife; draws craft beer fans and event-goers.

Safety: Generally busy on weekends and event nights with good foot traffic; occasional late-night rowdiness typical of bar clusters.

Nearby: Near Hackney Wick Overground, close to other breweries and venues like Colour Factory; outdoor seating clusters and canal paths.

Hackney WickA former industrial area transformed into a dynamic creative hub with converted warehouses, street art, and a thriving alternative cultural scene. The dining environment is characterized by innovative, independent restaurants and cafes in repurposed industrial spaces.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park FringeAn emerging area near the Olympic Park with modern developments, blending industrial heritage with contemporary urban living and creative spaces.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–23:30 Tuesday12:00–23:30 Wednesday12:00–23:30 Thursday12:00–23:30 Friday12:00–01:30 Saturday12:00–01:30 Sunday12:00–23:30

Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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