Situated along the Lea canal, in a former print factory, lives the Crate Brewery and Pizzeria. A stone’s throw away from Hackney Wick overground station, hidden unassumingly in what can only be described as a car park, this bar and brewery is a gem well worth finding if you’re in the mood for a chilled lunch with a friend or an evening drink. With a charming interior that has an open, rustic and homely atmosphere, there is a feeling of authenticity to this well-placed bar.
The Crate inhabits the ground floor of the White building – an art project consisting of studios and event spaces. Its in-house brewery creates a fine selection of lagers and ales, the taste of which is hard to be beaten within the Wick area. The most endearing feature of the place is its strong sense of realness; its a stylish (yet not overstated) canal side bar where you can go to sit and chat, listen to good music and enjoy a few drinks over some great pizza. No song and dance, just honesty and good beer.
Having obtained the large building opposite, aptly named The Brewshed, Crate now houses a ten-barrel brewery and an ample event space. The 5 barrel set in Crate itself is reserved for their ‘weird and wonderful concoctions’, most of which are only available on site.
I can imagine that in the summertime, Crate really comes into its own. With a strong culture surrounding it and a location on the canal that could brighten anyone’s lunch hour, this place has real, genuine character. If you’re in the area and find yourself looking for a reasonably priced place to grab lunch then head down to Crate Brewery, I hear it livens up a treat after dark too.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Individuality Rating: 4/5
Price: ££