The Blind Beggar

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Reviews

1. Steve Gee ★★★★★

   There’s a special kind of charm to grabbing a couple of beers and a great pizza in East London, especially when you’re doing it near one of the area’s most storied landmarks: The Blind Beggar Pub. Just around the corner from The Brine Beggar — my stop for the night — the Blind Beggar carries a deep slice of London history. Opened in the 19th century and forever etched into East End folklore, it’s famously tied to the Kray twins, particularly the 1966 shooting of George Cornell by Ronnie Kray. Tales of gangland legends, Victorian East London, and centuries of pub culture all linger in the air around it, giving the whole neighbourhood a sense of gritty, living history. But the night itself belonged to The Brine Beggar and Marco’s pizza. As soon as I settled in with a cold beer, the atmosphere hit perfectly — relaxed but lively, the sort of place where conversations drift easily and time slows down just enough. The staff strike that ideal balance of friendly and unfussy, and the crowd feels like a true East London mix: locals, creatives, and wanderers all sharing the same mellow buzz. Then came Marco’s pizza, and that’s when the evening really took off. The dough had that proper Neapolitan blistering, airy yet crisp, and the toppings tasted like they’d been chosen with care rather than convenience. It was the kind of pizza that stops the table for a moment while everyone appreciates how good it is. Paired with a couple more beers, the whole experience settled into that golden zone where everything feels easy, warm, and just right. With the historic Blind Beggar nearby adding its weight of stories to the night, the whole evening had a unique East London magic.

   almost 2 months ago
2. Guy Bridger ★★★★★

   Iconic pub. Great atmosphere, made very welcome. Had a great history lesson about the pub & the Krays from a lovely lady from the pub with a free shot thrown in. Will definitely be going back & would definitely recommend a visit.

   almost 2 months ago
3. Cornelius Matthews ★★★★★

   Great little pub with history! The Krays etc! No Ayrs or graces; just a comfy pub, with decent beer, friendly staff and a great atmosphere!! Love it! Will definitely visit again!

   almost 3 months ago

1. Marie Ideson ★★★★★

   Definitely well worth a visit if your in Whitechapel, London. Especially with the history it holds of the Kray twins, Ronnie & Reggie. The pub is famous because of these two. Whitechapel, East London, infamous as the site where gangster Ronnie Kray murdered rival George Cornell in 1966. While its notorious past is a key part of its history, today it is a "wet-led" pub known for its award-winning beer garden, which hosts live music in the summer.

   almost 4 months ago
2. martin bennett ★★★★★

   A great old fashioned pub in Whitechapel. Has some very interesting history to the place and has kept its decor very traditional, which is great for locals and tourists alike. Has a great selection of alcoholic and soft drinks and had a great selection of food. The Pizza, although I never tried did look amazing. The staff were also very friendly and attentive. Would highly recommend this pub if you are in the area.

   almost 5 months ago
3. sid dixon ★★★★☆

   We stopped just for a cold coke. I was greeted by a very friendly young barmaid. After serving us. she took great pleasure, showing us the bullet holes and explaining the history of the pub. There is an old world feel to this place apart from the large screen tv's.

   almost 2 years ago

1. John F ★☆☆☆☆

   The only positive about the The Blind Beggar is the resident cat that sits chilled on the bar. The pub trades on it's notoriety of the shooting of George Cornell by Ronnie Kray. The bar staff are unfriendly and disinterested, which ok they don't have to force a smile or be chatty as they're doing their job but it doesn't make the pub welcoming. There is one particular male member of staff who is aggressive and rude and probably causes a lot of arguments. Me and my mate had about quarter of a pint left and it was close to closing time, there was still roughly 30 people left in the pub. The call of "we're closing up drink up now" was said which is fair enough. I would say literally 10 seconds after he said it he then said to myself and my mate "didn't you hear what I said drink up now" I looked around and on other tables there were still other groups who were still drinking and had full pints and other drinks on the go, my mate politely said we're leaving don't worry. The barman obviously didn't fancy confronting groups of people to leave or maybe because he knows them who knows. There are other pubs around the area which deserve custom other than The Blind Beggar. Give it a swerve.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Peter Davis ★★★★★

   I have to say the blind beggar is one of the best london east end pubs I've been in since I moved here 5 years ago. The staff were very friendly and helpful and the atmosphere was like nothing I've experienced before. Would definitely recommend going there for a few drinks

   almost 3 years ago
3. Chris Neve ★★★★★

   Where do I start... What a iconic and historically significant building.. Up to date with most people's drinking requirements and as welcoming as a brasshouse to a seasoned sailor... I love the gaff.. The landlord is next level accommodating and the staff are friendly also... Get down there lively and enjoy yourselves.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Sarah Ottewell ★★★★☆

   Definitely worth a visit if you are interested in the history of the place. The area is bright and vibrant with lots of great market stalls along the road if you walk or just a hop, skip and a jump from the station. The public house service is great with a huge beer garden and call buttons to request attention. I will go back and spend more time there.

   almost 4 years ago

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