About Sebright Arms
The Sebright Arms is a historic East London pub turned live music venue in Bethnal Green (Tower Hamlets). It dates back to at least the 1820s and was rebuilt in 1936 (pubwiki.co.uk ). Today it combines an “old-fashioned” East End pub upstairs with a quirky basement gig room. The pub has earned a reputation for craft beer – even being listed in the Good Beer Guide – offering an ever-changing selection of London micro-brewers on tap (www.theguardian.com ). In recent years the Sebright Arms has become a noted incubator for new indie and alternative talent: early London gigs by artists like Charli XCX and Courtney Barnett took place here (www.theguardian.com ) (www.eastlondonlines.co.uk ). Despite modern refurbishments (it reopened around 2011 as a trendier youth-oriented venue (www.flickr.com )), it retains a cosy, old-school character that reviewers describe as “a nicer pub than the Shacklewell” with a relaxed, old-fashioned atmosphere (www.theguardian.com ) (www.beerintheevening.com ). The upstairs bar and restaurant area (with TVs for live sports) is open daily, and a separate basement room serves as the main entertainment space.
Events and Programming
Sebright Arms hosts live music most nights of the week, plus regular themed events. It’s known for showcasing London’s alternative scene, from local indie rock and post-punk to electronic DJ sets. Many acts that later became famous played here early on – bands like Catfish and the Bottlemen, Parquet Courts and Courtney Barnett all appeared at the Sebright during its rise (www.theguardian.com ) (www.eastlondonlines.co.uk ). The venue often headlines reissues and up-and-coming UK acts, and during festivals (for example the Great Escape’s First Fifty showcase) the basement can be packed with buzzworthy line-ups. Entry to these gigs is usually cheap (typically under £10 (www.theguardian.com )) or even free, especially for curiosity gigs and midweek nights (www.designmynight.com ).
Weekly events: The Sebright runs recurring social nights in addition to concerts. For example, there’s a pub quiz night on Mondays, a pool tournament on Tuesdays, and an alternately-scheduled karaoke night on Fridays (www.designmynight.com ) (www.wcigt.com ). (See below for a sample schedule.)Special parties: It also hosts club nights and themed events. One popular series is the “Bargain Bingo Disco” club night (an indie dance party with bingo prizes) held monthly. There are also on-off one-off parties for birthdays or album launches.Secret and festival shows: From time to time the Sebright Arms joins city-wide events. For example, it participated in Independent Music Week (Feb 2025), featuring underground acts and headliners like This is The Deep (www.eastlondonlines.co.uk ). It’s also known to host surprise “secret” shows by higher-profile bands (past examples include The Vaccines and Sports Team (www.designmynight.com )).
Typical ticket prices: As a grassroots pub venue, concerts tend to be very affordable. A Guardian review noted that even an acclaimed touring act would cost "under a tenner", with tickets around £7–10 (www.theguardian.com ). More prominent name shows may go up to around £15. Many late-night pull-up-a-seat club nights (like the bargain bingo) are low-cost or free. In general, buy early for big nights: gigs can sell out quickly in this 150-capacity space.
Tickets and Booking
You can book Sebright Arms tickets through the official channels or on the door. The venue’s own website and mailing list announce shows in advance, and authorized outlets (eg. major ticket agencies) handle most sales. Many gigs are general admission, and free-entry shows require only arriving early. For popular concerts, tickets usually go on sale weeks in advance, and it’s wise to grab them early due to limited capacity. Door sales are possible if they aren’t pre-sold, but arrive early. There is no separate box-office stand inside the pub – collection and scanning happen at the performance-room entrance. Ticket prices are usually modest (often £5–12 for rising artists – the Guardian cites £7.50 for one show and “under a tenner” as typical (www.theguardian.com )). (Weekly pub events like quiz, pool or karaoke are generally free to enter.)
Buying tips: Sign up to the Sebright Arms newsletter or promoters’ mailing lists to hear about presales and free RSVPs. Follow their social media or local listings for secret shows. For sold-out events, keep an eye on social media for last-minute returns or small releases. Remember to bring ID – most ticketed concerts and club nights are 18+, so proof of age is needed. If in doubt, check each event’s age policy; the venue’s DesignMyNight page explicitly warns “Over 18” for things like the pool night (www.designmynight.com ).
Seating and Layout
The main stage is in the basement “Live Room,” a low-ceiling space split into two levels. Almost all shows are general admission standing. The stage itself is at one end of the room. There is a raised platform area at the back with the bar on it, and downstairs beer taps as well. The best view depends on your height: one reviewer points out that the front of the raised back area gives shorter people a good sightline, and that the bench seating along the side walls can be stood on in a pinch (www.theguardian.com ). In practice, people tend to stand directly in front of the stage or crowd the front half of the floor for big shows. (If the venue feels full, note that upstairs the pub stays open too, so some folks often watch late-night DJs from a distance upstairs.)
Capacity: The quoted capacity is about 150 people in the basement space (www.theguardian.com ). Official venue specs confirm this: the “Live Room” has around 150 standing capacity (www.sebrightarms.com ). The ground-floor bar areas can hold roughly the same number; informally the pub has space for around 80 seated or 150 standing (www.sebrightarms.com ). There are no fixed reserved seats or VIP sections – everything is open floor & bar seating. Lines form early for popular shows, and once inside you can generally stand anywhere. There is no cloakroom, so keep valuables with you (www.theguardian.com ).
Getting There and Parking
Address: 31–35 Coate Street, Bethnal Green, London E2 9AG (at the corner of Hackney Road). The entrance is at the end of Sebright Passage off Hackney Road. Nearest stations: Cambridge Heath Overground (London Rail) is about a 5-minute walk (www.theguardian.com ); Hoxton Overground is roughly 15 minutes’ walk. (Bethnal Green Tube on the Central Line is slightly farther away – about 20 minutes on foot.) For bus riders, several London bus routes stop on Hackney Road near Coate Street – notably the 26, 48 and 55 (daytime) and N26/N55 night buses (www.theguardian.com ).
Driving/Parking: There is no private car park for the venue. Street parking on Hackney Road and side streets is very limited and usually metered (Tower Hamlets residents’ zones and pay-and-display). On-street spots sometimes free up late at night. Many reviewers note that, by East End standards, you can often find a space “right outside” if you drive (www.theguardian.com ) – but don’t rely on it. An alternative is to use a public lot a few streets away or ride-share. Taxis and ride-hail services (Uber/Black Cab) frequently drop off on Hackney Road right outside the Sebright, which is convenient after a late show. Bicyclists will find some bike rails on surrounding streets (and the area is flat and cycle-friendly).
On foot / cycling: The venue is easily accessible on foot or bike if you’re already in Hackney/Hoxton/Bethnal Green. From Broadway Market or Columbia Road (west of Hackney Road) it’s about a 15–20 minute walk. From Shoreditch or Brick Lane, likewise around 20 minutes. The local streets are well-lit but narrow; stick to main roads after dark if possible.
Inside the Venue
On arrival, the upstairs pub area is usually lively (especially on weekends). The pub side features a large-atrium bar and dining area with wooden tables and big TVs showing live sports (www.wcigt.com ). Downstairs is accessed via a few steps and has its own small bar and stage. Staff usually offer ticket collection or stamping by the stage entrance during shows. There are no lockers or coat checks, so it’s best to carry only essentials. Entry policies are straightforward: typical live-music or club rules apply. Security will check for ID (you’ll need a valid photo ID on 18+ nights) and may pat down large bags on busy nights. Photography for personal use is generally allowed (no flash if it might disturb performers), but strict pro cameras or equipment are usually not permitted.
Atmosphere: Expect the basement gig space to feel intimate and a bit “ramshackle” in a charming way. The decor is simple (exposed brick, modest lighting). It can get hot and crowded quickly during a popular show, and the sound system is solid but not sonic-club-level. In fact, a review warns only “grotty room” – but praises that it’s good enough for catching details in music (www.theguardian.com ). The real highlight is the human scale: you’ll be inches from the performers, surrounded by a sincere, rock-friendly crowd. Above all, the venue is prized for allowing people to linger – as The Guardian notes, “it’s a place where you can spend all evening” (not just dart in for the headliner) (www.theguardian.com ).
Food and drink: The Sebright Arms has an in-house kitchen. They serve pub-grub and pizza every day (www.designmynight.com ) – for example, pizzas are a staple, and on event nights you might find special food pop-ups (past vendors include burger or pizza stalls). (You can also bring takeaway food in if needed, since the venue is essentially pub-style.) The bar offers a wide selection of beers (cask ales, a range of lagers including the venue’s own “Sebright Lager”, plus craft bottles and cans), ciders, wines and classic pub cocktails. Happy-hour and pre-event deals are common (for instance, cocktails before 7pm). The staff are known to be friendly and the upstairs pub retains a neighborhood feel even on busy nights.
Facilities: Restrooms are in both areas and are functional but basic. One reviewer notes the toilets are “functional rather than luxurious” (www.theguardian.com ). There is no special wheelchair-accessible toilet provision. In the pub area upstairs, entry is at street level and wheelchair users can access the bar and restaurant. However, the basement performance space is down a narrow flight of stairs (www.theguardian.com ). If you have limited mobility, you may want to enjoy the pub atmosphere upstairs instead (where you can still hear some of the music through the floorboards). Free water is usually available on request at the bar. Wi-Fi may be limited (many visitors comment that mobile phone signal is more reliable than venue Wi-Fi for streaming).
Nearby Amenities
Restaurants and bars: Sebright is located on the Hackney Road / Bethnal Green border, an eclectic neighborhood spot. In the immediate vicinity you'll find a mix of local eateries and pubs. For quick meals, many people rely on the Sebright’s own kitchen (pizza and burgers). Otherwise, a few doors down on Hackney Road is the Greencoat Boy (a lively Portuguese-leaning pub kitchen), and a little further are Asian takeaways (Bangladeshi and Chinese) and casual cafes. A short walk takes you to popular Shoreditch favorites or to Columbia Road’s cafes. Hackney Road itself has standalone bars and cafes (e.g. the wine bar Sager + Wilde is famous nearby) that serve brunch and dinner gears. In Bethnal Green Road (west of the venue) you’ll find more cafes and late-night spots for post-show drinks.
Hotels: There aren’t major hotels on Coate Street itself, but several budget hotel chains (Ibis, Travelodge) and B&Bs are in walking distance near Cambridge Heath and Bethnal Green. If you need something swankier, the nearby City/Hoxton district (15min by cab) has boutique and mid-range hotels (Boutique hotels on City Road or Shoreditch). For fans coming from out of town, Shoreditch, Whitechapel or central East End lodging is typically the closest to Sebright Arms.
Other tips: If attending an evening show, note that late-night food is limited to pubs and takeaways – many restaurants close around 10pm. If you arrive early or stay late, consider grabbing a drink at one of the nearby pubs or ordering a pizza at the Sebright. Plan your post-show transport: the N26 and N55 night buses run along Hackney Road after hours, and London cabs or ride-shares are readily available at night. Taxis can usually stand by on Hackney Road just outside. Finally, if you want a quick chill-out before or after a gig, the adjacent Sebright Arms Public House (the front room upstairs) is a good spot to relax with a beer away from the loud stage.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Sebright Arms stands out as one of London’s beloved grassroots music pubs. Architecturally it’s unassuming – a sturdy 1930s pub front – but it has tremendous character. It survived right-wing redevelopment attempts (a 2007 plan to demolish it for flats was refused by the council, recognising its social value (towerhamlets.moderngov.co.uk )). Inside, its vintage beer-signage and warm wooden panels give it a timeless East End vibe that even a Guardian critic praised as “old-fashioned appeal” (www.theguardian.com ) (www.theguardian.com ). Musically, it sits apart because headline or support, you’re never far from the stage. Patrons love its intimate scale – as one reviewer put it, Sebright “feels like an old-fashioned place” where you can linger all night rather than dash in for one act (www.theguardian.com ). Many artists mention loving the room: the sound is loud but true, and the crowd is right on top of the performers. Cultural historians note that after some 160 years of serving Hackney, the Sebright is now a rare surviving example of a community-owned music pub in central London (www.eastlondonlines.co.uk ). Fans come for its legendary atmosphere – great beers upstairs (thanks to those indie brewers) and raw live energy downstairs. In short, Sebright Arms is special because it marries genuine East End pub warmth with the spirit of a DIY music scene. Its enduring popularity is evident in online reviews calling it “the epitome of an East London craft beer pub” and “well worth a visit” for its character (www.beerintheevening.com ) (www.beerintheevening.com ).
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The upstairs pub is accessible at street level, but the performance area is down a flight of stairs, so it is not wheelchair-friendly (www.theguardian.com ). There are few disabled-specific amenities in the gig room. If mobility is an issue, you can still enjoy the upstairs bar where you’ll hear music from below.
What to bring: Keep it simple. There’s no cloakroom, so carry only essential belongings; redraw large winter coats for the show. Earplugs are a good idea if you’re sensitive to loud music in a small room. A valid photo ID is advisable if you plan to have drinks (bartenders do not allow alcohol without ID on gigs nights). For concertgoers: comfy shoes are a must, as most shows are standing-only. You can use cameras or phones for pictures, but be mindful of any “no flash” announcements. Feel free to dress casually – the crowd is informal rock/indie style.
Venue policies: Standard pub/concert rules apply. No outside food or beverages are allowed (you can buy from the on-site kitchen/bar). Pets are not permitted inside. Smoking (including vaping) is only allowed outside; the couches upstairs are smoke-free. The venue’s alcohol policy means under-18s may be allowed into pub events (like early sports screenings), but most late gigs and club nights are strictly 18+. See each event’s listing for age restrictions.
Timing: The pub typically opens in late afternoon (around 5pm (www.yelp.co.uk )). Concert doors often open around 7–8pm, with shows finishing by 10–11pm (some club nights go to midnight). Check the specific event time in advance, as start times can vary. Note that on busy evenings, bar queues may form before the main act starts; arriving a bit early lets you claim a spot on the raised rear platform (a good vantage for short people) (www.theguardian.com ), or grab a bar stool upstairs to sip a drink.
Avoiding pitfalls: Don’t expect luxury – the venue is known for its friendly scruffiness. Toilets are basic (www.theguardian.com ), and the basement can be very crowded, so leave coatroom expectations at home. It’s also wise to secure your belongings; small music crowds can accidentally knock items over. On exiting, Hackney Road can be busy late at night, so cross with care and stick to well-lit areas or main routes. For food, remember the on-site pizza might close around the main show time – grab snacks beforehand if needed. And if you’re new to the area, plan your transport; out-of-hours buses and taxis run along Hackney Road, but the last Tube (Central line) leaves Bethnal Green around midnight.
Insider tip: Regulars suggest timing your visit so you can enjoy both halves of the venue. For example, start in the pub upstairs one evening for a drink and catching some live sports, then head downstairs for the late show. During live gigs, if the basement feels too packed, you can hear (and slightly see) from the raised bar level at the back. Finally, keep an eye on the signboard outside or venue social for surprise tiny shows – analyzing the line-ups can yield the delight of a “secret” pop-up gig by a major name.
How much do tickets for Sebright Arms concerts cost?
Tickets are generally very affordable at the Sebright. Local shows and emerging artists usually charge around £5–£10, often under £10 (www.theguardian.com ). Bigger or out-of-town acts may go up to mid-teens. Importantly, many club events and openers are free entry. Also watch for wristband schemes (like Bargain Bingo Disco nights) where entry is cheap or included in a package.
Where can I buy tickets or reserve entry for shows at the Sebright Arms?
Tickets can be purchased online through official listings (the Sebright Arms website or authorised ticketing partners). You can also often pay at the door if the show isn’t sold out. For popular shows, it’s safest to book in advance. The venue’s mailing list and social media announce events, so sign up there for presale links. Many smaller events are walk-in – arrive a few minutes before start for a spot.
What is the best way to get to Sebright Arms by public transport?
The closest station is Cambridge Heath (London Overground), about a 5-minute walk (www.theguardian.com ). Hoxton (Overground) is roughly 15 minutes by foot. If you prefer the Tube, Bethnal Green station (Central Line) is about a 20-minute walk or a quick bus ride. On buses, routes 26, 48, 55 serve Hackney Road nearby, and the night buses N26/N55 stop virtually outside (www.theguardian.com ). Plan on walking a short block west off Hackney Road to reach Coate Street.
Is there parking available at or near Sebright Arms?
There is no dedicated parking lot. On-street parking on Hackney Road is very limited and generally metered or permit-only (Tower Hamlets permit zone). Sometimes you can find a short-term spot on nearby side streets in the evening, but it is scarce. Reviewers note it’s sometimes possible to “park right outside” if you’re lucky (www.theguardian.com ), but don’t count on unsupervised spaces. Many people prefer to come by public transit, walk, cycle or use a taxi/ride-share to avoid parking hassles.
Are there seats at the Sebright Arms or is it all standing?
Most events are general admission standing-room only, especially in the basement gig area. There are a few fixed bench seats along the sides of the stage space – short guests sometimes stand on these for a better view (www.theguardian.com ). The main floor is essentially a standing crowd. For a quieter seat, you can use the chairs and tables upstairs in the pub section (especially if you just want to watch an act from above rather than on the dancefloor).
Where should I stand or position myself for the best view of the performers?
The venue is only two levels high. For a clear view, stand up near the stage in the front of the room – anywhere in the front half will do. If you’re shorter, try the raised back area by the bar: as one guide notes, “the front of the raised] area will give the shorter gig-goer the best sightline” ([www.theguardian.com ). Also note the side benches: these can be stood upon if crowding is severe. At less-crowded shows, you can alternately watch from the upstairs pub area overlooking the stage (you’ll hear everything and see on a big screen).
Does Sebright Arms have wheelchair access?
The performance area is in the basement and is reached by a set of stairs, so it is not wheelchair-accessible (www.theguardian.com ). The upstairs bar is at street level and can be entered without stairs, but from there one cannot go down to the gig space. In summary, patrons with mobility impairment can enjoy the pub and listen to music from above, but cannot access the stage area below. Check with venue staff in advance if you require special accommodations.
Can I bring a bag or camera into Sebright Arms?
Small bags (purses, camera bags, etc.) are typically allowed, but be prepared for security checks on big evenings. The venue often does a quick bag search at the door for large bags or suspicious items. Large backpacks or tripods are usually discouraged. As for cameras, casual use of a phone or small non-professional camera is generally fine unless otherwise announced. (拍ims with flash can bother performers, so use discretion.)
Are there age restrictions at Sebright Arms?
Most ticketed music events and club nights at the Sebright are 18+ due to licensing. For example, the weekly pool and karaoke events are advertised as over-18s (www.designmynight.com ). The upstairs pub area (before concerts start) may admit minors if accompanied by an adult, but they will need to step outside before evening gigs start (generally at 7pm or later). Always check the event details: any 18+/21+ rules will be clearly stated on tickets or listings.
Is photography or video recording allowed during shows?
In general, amateur photography and video is tolerated (many fans snap pics on their phones). Avoid using flash during a performance, as it can be distracting. Professional cameras (with detachable lenses, audio recorders, etc.) typically require prior permission – usually not issued for public gigs. If in doubt, ask the door staff. As always, respect any band’s explicit “no photos” request; these rules are generally noted on the event’s ticket page if they apply.
Is there a dress code for Sebright Arms?
No formal dress code applies – the crowd is very casual. Most patrons wear jeans, t-shirts or casual shirts and comfortable shoes. If attending an outdoor summer event, a lightweight jacket or hoodie is handy for the walk home. For late autumn/winter shows, you’ll want layers since the basement can heat up. The main tip is to dress comfortably (and expect to stand), rather than trying to look fancy.
Does the Sebright Arms serve food, and what kind?
Yes – the venue has its own kitchen. The menu focuses on casual pub fare like pizza and burgers. According to their listing, they even serve “tasty pizza” 7 days a week (www.designmynight.com ). At many events you may find food pop-ups (past vendors include Albys Pizza). Upstairs, you can order at the bar between performances. For late shows, note that the kitchen may close once the concert ends, so consider eating before the main act or picking up a takeaway afterward.
Is there a cloakroom or lockers at Sebright Arms?
No, there isn’t a dedicated cloakroom or lockers. Coat checks are not provided (www.theguardian.com ). Audience members typically bring only what they need and keep coats on themselves or hung on available chairs. If you have a small bag or backpack, you’ll need to carry it around or stash it at your feet. It’s best not to bring valuables you can’t easily carry.
Does Sebright Arms have Wi-Fi or charging facilities?
The upstairs pub often has free Wi-Fi for patrons (typical of pubs), but the signal may not reach the basement show room well. For important connections (streaming directions, ride apps), rely on your mobile data. It’s wise to keep devices charged before you come. The venue does not advertise public phone-charging stations, so bring a backup battery if your phone is crucial.
What time should I arrive for a Sebright Arms event?
For gigs, doors usually open about 30–60 minutes before the advertised start time, which is often around 7:30–8:00pm. The upstairs pub actually opens earlier (around 5pm (www.yelp.co.uk )) if you want an early drink. If it’s a busy show, arriving at least 20 minutes before the first band is recommended to queue and pick a good spot. For pub events like trivia or karaoke, expect openers around 8:00–10:30pm as advertised; the WCIGT listing for karaoke says it kicks off at 10:30pm (www.wcigt.com ).
Are there weekly trivia, quiz, or pool nights at Sebright Arms?
Yes. The Sebright is known for regular entertainment nights. Monday nights are quiz rounds, Tuesday is a pub pool tournament, and alternate Fridays feature karaoke (www.designmynight.com ) (www.wcigt.com ). These events are popular and free (just pay your bar tab). It’s a friendly neighbourhood vibe – you can drop in and join a team or challenge friends to pool. Check their website or social page for exact dates (the quiz/pool/karaoke nights are recurring every week).
