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The Bow BellsB+Worth Trying

Name: The Bow Bells
Address: 116 Bow Rd, Bow, London E3 3AA, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.4

116 Bow Rd, Bow, London E3 3AA · Pub · 4.4/5 Google (924 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

A lively East End boozer with friendly vibes and a Mexican residency turning out standout birria and fish tacos; great for drinks and casual hangs, though service and draft quality can be inconsistent at busy times.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

The Bow Bells delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by the Mexican residency's birria and fish tacos, paired with genuinely friendly service and fair pricing. Inconsistent execution during rushes and a worn-but-charming setting prevent a higher grade, though the warm local energy and generous portions make it competitive with East London's better casual spots—worth a visit if you're in the area or heading to nearby venues.

Restaurant Summary

The Bow Bells is a classic East End boozer with warm local energy, sports on the screens, and a function room that sees its share of birthdays and post-wedding parties. Guests describe friendly bar teams and a room that fills quickly on weekends, with one visitor noting, "the vibe turned upbeat as the afternoon rolled on." It is the sort of spot where regulars and event-goers mingle before shows at nearby venues, and where the bright orange facade makes it hard to miss on Bow Road. The culinary approach leans contemporary street-food via a Mexican residency: birria with rich consomé, crisp Baja fish, and vegan-friendly mushroom or camote tacos rather than classic pub grub. Reviews emphasize that the birria tacos are a must-order for flavor, while queso lovers cheer the house dip. Expect generous portions at fair prices for London, though kitchen speed can slip during pre-show rushes. Families can make this work earlier in the day: kids often enjoy cheese quesadillas and fries, with churros as an easy finish. There is no dedicated kids menu, but the tacos come as sets that can be shared. Evenings are lively with quizzes and karaoke, so noise and energy may be higher than a quiet family dinner.

At a Glance

Standout birria and fish tacos from the Mexican residency
Friendly neighborhood pub vibe with strong regular presence
Good value for London with generous portions
Kitchen delays during event rushes and occasional draft quality complaints
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

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What People Love

Rich, satisfying birria with proper dipping broth
Crisp, fresh fish tacos with zingy sauces
Welcoming staff and classic boozer charm
Event nights that feel like a neighborhood hang

Points of Concern

Kitchen can lag at peak times, especially pre-show
A few reports of flat pints or draft inconsistency
Service tone varies by staffer; isolated rudeness complaints
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food; conservative palates may find choices limited

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost£22-28 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with Guacamole Totopos (£5.95) then share Birria Tacos (£12.95) for best value and variety
For vegans, pair Oyster Mushroom Birria Tacos (£12.95) with Fries (£3.95) and finish with Fried Plantain (£4.95)

Perfect For

Pre-show drinks and tacos before nearby concerts
Casual group gatherings in the function room
Weeknight quizzes and lively pub nights
Solo drop-ins for a pint and quick tacos

Location Insights

Area: Traditional East End high street with a mix of long-time locals, students, and event-goers headed to nearby venues.

Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical urban thoroughfare conditions and busy road directly outside.

Nearby: Close to Bow Road Underground and Bow Church DLR; near Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and concert venues like ABBA Voyage.

BowA traditional East London neighborhood with a mix of historic council housing, new developments, and a dynamic urban landscape. The dining scene reflects the area's multicultural heritage with a blend of traditional and contemporary food options.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

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

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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