Three Colts Tavern is a modern East End pub in Bethnal Green that pairs craft beer with a delicious and experimental pizza offering from Short Road Pizza. Set on the historic site of the ancient Three Colts, the space blends the feel of a traditional British pub with a contemporary edge, drawing in groups of friends, families and after-work crowds for relaxed get-togethers. The decor is dark and moody, with rich navy blue walls, eclectic artwork and pops of greenery throughout. Large windows flood the room with natural daylight during the day, while booth seating and ambient lighting make it a cosy venue at night.
Serving lunch and dinner, the menu focuses on the award-winning pizzas and tasty sides. Think thin, crisp bases topped with bold flavour combinations that nod to both Italian roots and American influence. The award-winning Short Road Marinara layers pomodoro, garlic puree, spicy chimichurri, burrata and Sicilian anchovies.
Elsewhere, the Smoky Marg reworks a Margherita with added smoked provola cheese and cracked black pepper, while the Bianca pie combines mozzarella with soy marmite mushrooms and porcini dust. Alongside these are classics such as Margherita, pepperoni and seasonal vegetable options. Small plates like crispy Sicilian potatoes, chicken bites, arancini and padron peppers round out the menu, and toasted panettone with vanilla gelato provides a sweet finish. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, so groups with differing dietary requirements are well taken care of.
Behind the bar, 14 lines of carefully conditioned craft keg and cask ales showcase brews from their own Exhale brewery, which is located five minutes down the road in Walthamstow. The range spans pales, IPAs, sours and stouts, alongside guest beers. Cocktails include espresso martinis, Palomas and Long Island iced teas, while the wine offering is natural and organic and champions independent producers.