Mascara Bar in Hackney

On a Saturday night, when it was nearly empty, they refused to play requests or kareoke. Seriously the dj said straight no he wouldn't entertain anything. Rubbish

A wonderful Irish pub, can't say enough good things about Maggie! Loved chatting with her and delighted to find this great hangout in our local area.

My new favourite bar in Stokey. Great craic, top class Guinness, lovely staff.

Absolutely love Mascara, especially the owner, Maggie. I'm a local, and she's always accommodating when I'm in. It's a great place to stop, especially late night.

I recently visited Mascara Bar, and I must say, my experience was far from enjoyable. The establishment enforces a ridiculous rule that customers must purchase a drink to even be allowed inside the premises. If you dare to enter without a drink in hand, be prepared to be chased down by the aggressive bar staff and coerced into buying one. During a conversation with the owner regarding this preposterous policy, I expressed my dismay at the unfriendly and unwelcoming atmosphere it creates. It is appalling that an establishment claiming to be a place for social gatherings and community building would resort to such heavy-handed tactics to extract money from its patrons. The owner's response was dismissive and unapologetic, displaying a complete lack of concern for customer satisfaction. It is clear that Mascara Bar prioritizes profits over creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for its guests. Furthermore, the mandatory drink purchase policy reminded me of corporate giants like Pret, where customers are required to make a purchase to use basic facilities like restrooms. Such profit-driven tactics have no place in a community-oriented establishment and only serve to alienate and frustrate customers. I would strongly advise anyone considering a visit to Mascara Bar to think twice before supporting an establishment that values profit over customer experience. With so many other welcoming and customer-centric venues to choose from, there is no need to subject yourself to the disrespectful treatment and oppressive policies at Mascara Bar.

I love coming into Mascara bar, always an amazing vibe about the pub. Yesterday was the first day of the rock festival and the atmosphere was unmatched🔥 Definitely the place to be if you’re looking to have a good night and great company!

Any positive reviews posted on here are clearly from lucky customers who did not have the displeasure of interacting with the owner Maggy. Most rude to all, as pointed out in multiple other reviews. Easy to catch her vibe and lack of customer skills in her review responses too. Open late and not a terrible vibe in there when she is not around though!

Do not attend if looking for a relaxed and friendly environment especially if queer or LGBT. While I can appreciate that the Irish landlady must have a stressful job running a bar that is open late, she was extremely hostile to paying customers who had done nothing wrong. Very aggressively asking people to move down inside the venue when there is no room as they let far too many people inside the very small establishment. When one of my gay friends tried to nicely explain that they couldn’t as there was no room but were trying, and addressed the landlady as ‘babe’ while doing so, she became extremely hostile and took offence. While she is warranted to be offended by whatever she may; when my friend apologised and said they wouldn’t do it again, and tried to explain that they were LGBT and is a phrase that gay men will often use in their casual language, she became even more aggressive and rude and kicked them out. Very mean in a way that is far beyond what would be considered the type of stern behaviour that may be required by bar staff or anybody for that matter. ESPECIALLY in such a situation for an establishment that supposedly advertises themselves as queer friendly. Sad to say, do not attend. At least until the landlady/owner can hire some staff better equipped to deal with any situations that may arise than she is. Stuck in the past.

Loads of character and cheerful Irish vibes, music every night, superb Guiness pouring, simple but yummy bar food, and community-friendly!

If the menopause was eligible to hold a licence to serve alcohol, you know it'd be just like drinking here.

Lovely bar with a European vibe. Great staff and good atmosphere. I'll return soon. x x

Best pub this side of the themes. Great staff. Lovely atmosphere and nice rolls. I cannot recommend this place enough. One of the last great real Irish pubs in London.

Great spot with some really friendly and accommodating staff. Always a fun atmosphere and good tunes.

10/10 for late night karaoke sessions..

I worked here for about 6,7 months worst experience of my life, I found the staff to be patronising and rude, I'm an older mature woman and needed to earn for my family, the staff were younger had no respect, mocked me and made me my work experience the worst ever. Tracey and rita were the best. I've never quit a job in my entire life and I quit this place the only reason I stayed as long as I did was because of the customers and tracey and rita..the 2 most genuine,hardworking women, who deserve RESPECT!

Closest I’ve found to an American style dive bar in London

Nice local pub. Very reasonable prices. Organises lots of live events. And of course, stays open until 3 am.

Not many pubs left like this in London - a place with a great mix of people & ages. Taps always in top condition too.

Awful service, overpriced drinks, terrible experience. One of the worst pubs I’ve ever been to in London

Was asked to leave before my friend and I had finished our first drink.beleave it was because where members of the travelling community. Funny thing is so is Maggie the owner.even if she is ashamed of it.

As someone who used to work at Mascara Bar for 2 1/2 years, just felt the need to say I never felt 'bullied' in my time there; in fact, it was incredibly enjoyable and I still go for a drink to this day to have a drink and see regulars, staff, and Maggie and I always have a good time. I feel like a lot of reviews here sink to petty and personal insults and are being mean for the sake of being mean and don't represent the vibe of the pub or management at all. Anyway, Mascara Bar, best night out in Hackney and a great place to hole up for an afternoon session and have laugh.

Not a big fan of Jazz but the venue looks good and prices are reasonable

Landlady Maggie bully very rude seems to to be very rude to new customers and her own staff feel sorry for the poor girls who work there she will shout at them infront of customers unprofessional thay are young girls also if you don't speak to her tell her what you do for work seems to think you are a police officer now why would that bother a respectibel Landlady what would you have to hide cant belive this person is also the pub chairman in the local area not suitable for the role was shocked to hear she is this horrible Landlady has the role Been drinking in area for over 15 years pub get away with this behaviour because has late licence open till late people should not be desperates because of that loads of other late night Bars open. And better. In area or nere to. I will not be going back has an uncomfortable feel to it when she's there .anyway dose that 10 minimum thing so your need cash also can't use ur Bank card for one drink.

Crazy woman operating the bar who clearly hates other women.

Absolutely INSANE grey haired woman who kicked us out for going to the toilet as a pair… we had banging on the door and violent threats because my friend needed a tampon, not very woman friendly ! She then proceeded to frog march us out of the bar screaming that she doesn’t allow people to share the toilet?! We obviously wouldn’t have gone together if we knew it was such a a massive issue. The POOR MAN on the door was an absolute hero and clearly had to put up with a lot of crazy stuff from her. Frankly bizarre behaviour and she was lovely to all the blokes. Just another classic case of an older woman hating younger women sadly. It’s not berghain, don’t employ such a ridiculous person just because she has some menopausal power trip.

Arrogant staff. I was in the communal area of the toilet area with 1 friend, to which one bartender ejected us from the premises. She stated there was only one person allowed in the toilet area at one time. I don’t understand how I was supposed to know this. I was incredibly upset by this as no warning had been given up until this point regarding our behaviour, however I hope this review is helpful for future patrons. Basically, don’t let “nature call” otherwise you’re a bad person

The moment I arrived I felt very welcomed, I didn't know anyone but the bar staff treated me very nicely. Both Mila and Ruby. The music and the environment is great.

Great little place. Food, reasonable drink prices, music and sports shown. Little outside area and friendly staff.

lovely bar with great music and quick service the cheese rolls are lovely with a pint! friendly bar staff and great atmosphere

Terrible staff, incredibly rude!

Nice Bar, staff friendly and welcoming. Nice place to chill out.

Absolutely love Mascara, Maggie, Ellie, Olivia, Nancy, Maddie always give you a great night. Only “old school bangers”!!!

This is a fine establishment. Loved every minute in there - a home away from home.

The strike rate at Mascara Bar for a fun night out is impossibly high. The first time my friend lost their phone at the afters elsewhere, of her own doing. The second most recent time I met Maggie and a few of her team behind the bar and made a fool of myself. The most recent time was the night after the second most recent time, and Maggie was there once again and I was told that I had met people last night who I don’t actually think I met. Never a dull night, always a cheery chinwag.

So after work for the last week I've come into this pub for a few pints before going home. The owner was welcoming at first, but after finding out I worked for another pub she gets passive aggressive. And making smark remarks about the company I work for. I know a lot of people who've been barred from here for petty reasons. And tonight was honestly the last straw with me. The only thing Irish about this place is the Irish people drinking here the Guinness and the fact the owner is Irish. You would not get a pub in Ireland like this. I drank here to chill out after a shift, not to be belittle for working for another company. There are a lot better Irish pubs in London. Irish pubs are at all times welcoming no matter who you work for or your background.

Legendary place, still have its own unique style. Loving it

It’s just bad vibes to be honest.

Great stuff. Good people. You should go look.

Friendly, unusual place, lovely jazz music and vibe.

Nice little vibes place for a nice drink 🍸 and two

This is an amazing little pub bar which manages to mix amazing live bands and live sports. Last night we had amazing live jazz and football. I watched the dart world championship final with amazing jazz open mic music. You can't find this anywhere else. Fantastic staff and great beer. A must go, especially on Tuesday night for live jazz.

Been here with my familly just before christmas, it was caraoke evening. Had really fun time, great place to have a pint of Guinness, and to watch some football. The pub just radiates with Irish hospitality and spirit. You can feel that the owner and Staff puts a lot of heart to make this place such a unique experiance. Easily 5 stars would recommend anyone in Hackney

If you’re are black don’t go. They way we got treated was absolutely disgusting

Haters are gonna hate, but this is an absolute icon of the stoke Newington nightlife scene. Brilliant owners, classic tunes and a 'welcome to all' atmosphere. It'll be a sad day when mascara bar pours it's last pint.

Дуже крутий автентичний паб, гарних ввічливий персонал

great little spot ro meet friendly people on a late night drink

If you want to hear rock, metal, numetal - ignore the whiny reviews. This is the only place in hackney to enjoy it 😊

Very dull and boring, very very rude and unpolite staff, customers want to know your business and get angry. It's more like a wineos bar

My favorite place in Hackney, lovely staff and nice local people. Also, very clean. Fantastic music events.

Open 24/7 - one of the few places in London left to do so! Decent staff and music is decent too

One of the most welcoming establishments I've been to in London, and as a Londoner that's a fair few. I cannot recommend highly enough!

Absolutely love the place staff are so friendly also have lovely convos with random local customers. Staff are amazing. Can't sing any hight praise. I JUST LOVE IT ❤

Late licence and that all it has going for it.. otherwise it's a dump!

I love this place (5 stars, so don’t ****ing bar me) but, beware… there’s a great juke box, and you shouldn’t put money in it. The reason? It’s likely not to be connected to the PA, because the bar staff think they have better music taste than you.

Great Craic and open late. We had a lot of fun.

Amazing place! The owners are amazing and the place is on fire. Shout-out to Maggie. She is it !

Perfect spot for the last beer and chat! A place around the corner open until 2am. I'm a fan!

This is possibly the worst review I have ever left online about a public house or venue I've visited. As a concerned human and resident of Stoke Newington I feel compelled to say the following in the hope it might save someone else the awful experience I suffered. The awful embarrassing cold-hearted treatment- is something no-one should should be subjected to. The landlady (Maggie) is possibly the most nastiest callous rude bullying power hungry individual I've ever met. She made my decision to step foot inside her bar one my worst in terms of choosing somewhere to socialise and enjoying a quiet pint People like this should not be allowed to run a public houses and her sheer harshness and lack of care or concerns is probably something close to things you've heard about the dark ages.. Not sure what her motives are or even if indeed there may be a mental health issue invloved but the situation is you could be banned if this ugly low vibrational and mean spirited landlord does not like your look, the colour of your hair your skin, dress code or just if she happens to be in a bad mood which by all accounts is most days. Please avoid this establishment like the plague. One star from me. But the one star exceedingly soars above what is truly deserved. It's just that you have to choose one and there are no minus stars to select.

Wicked for up and coming bands,very chill vibes

Niesamowity irlandzki pubik z muzyką na żywo. Wspaniałe miejsce. Minus to niezbyt dobra obsługa, ale tak to wszystko super.

I performed at the Mascara Bar and the venue was really nice but the staff was terrible. One of the waitress went to grab my friends (that had already paid 10 pounds for the ticket to get in the venue) and she said that if they didn’t buy any drinks she would kick them out?! Giving the argument that they don’t get any cuts from the gig. But even so, when you host a gig you get more costumers, that’s the point, so I really doubt they don’t get more money on a night like this one. I don’t see why she had to grab my friends that had ALREADY paid to see the gig and kick them out if they didn’t buy anything. This is just so wrong.

Fab venue, Maggie the owner was amazing and seeing Good Health Good Wealth play live there was excellent so great to have these London venues supporting live music and emerging talent. Well done Mascara Bar!

Proper pub, very clean. Staff and Maggie are great, I have never been to a pub in London where I was made to feel as welcome as the Mascara bar. Great beer great music and great prices. And all the staff have good people skills.

Great bar, great staff and landlady, highly recommend any time of day.

Great venue for intimate gigs, you almost feel part of the performance, friendly staff with wide selection of beers from the bar. Clean environment

Best bar/pub all around!! All staff are incredibly hospitable and chatty. Best prices and pours in the area and beyond. Special mention to Maggie, Charlotte and Maddie who always make the night one to remember! Thank you ladies!!

Downer stuff unfortunately although late opening hours

Incredibly rude staff. Came here with a group of friends, everyone ordered drinks except me as I did not want anything in that moment. I asked for some tap water and a bag of peanuts. The waitress told me that if I didn't buy a drink I had to leave. She said the peanuts were too cheap to count as a purchase and that I could buy water (she didn't give me tap water). I wanted to order drinks after a bit but to be honest I was so angry at not being allowed to sit with my friends with some peanuts that I didn't want to buy anything from this place anymore. The waiter thankfully told the waitress to just let me go and I sat with my friends, but she ruined my evening.

Classic dive bar with good events going on during the week and cheap drinks and eats.

I ask the owner if she's busy and she said i don't answer those questions, my first time being there /: don't go if you don't know the place

Cool grungy long thin bar with great events & a very late funky vibe. Grumpy but nevertheless cool no nonsense owner; be patient with her, she does eventually loosen up & even occasionally smile! ;)

Best place I love the music and the people kiss 😍😘💖

My favourite pub in the whole of London. Can't wait to have a lovely pint with great friends.

thanks for kicked me out for no reason by an old blond women, anyway nice atmosphere

Harika otesi herkese tavsiye ederim :-)

Best bar in Stokey, suprised by the negative reviews and the one suggesting the good reviews are prompted by the manager which is ludicrous! Authentic, warm, eclectic and completely unique bar I love it.

Excellent staff very friendly and genuine music great

Great place for any occasion. Great gigs and djs

Genuinely the best night out I've had in a really long time. It's a relaxed place, we struck up conversations with strangers and really enjoyed watching the Karaoke. It's a proper bar.

The landlady is the rudest person ever to serve you in London. She will make sure to make your evening a disaster. Avoid this place, Stoke Newington is full of lovely places. In Mascara bar you’ll only get bullied for your money!

Beautiful exelente service.. Nice place to have a good time I love

Great night.. brilliant tunes with lovely people

Lovely place to dance with everyone!

Probably the best bar in London.

Frosty reception, just the bar lady and one other punter, she begrudgingly took my order and asked me what I did for work, I said not very much and I could see her becoming more angry. When I mentioned it was quiet she hit the roof. A very insecure and angry individual. I promise to never return to such an insipid bar. Enter at your peril. Beer selection is as worse as it gets. Avoid at all costs

Love this place. Always welcome and friendly staff.

Neighbourhood pub with poetry readings and comedy. Scruffy but a great colourful bar

Absolutely gorgeous location with stunningly supportive bar staff. This is the place to be in Stoke Newington/ Stamford Hill. What a beautiful selection of experiences

Excellent staff and service. Nice atmosphere and drinks.

More or less a standard bar but a nice, cozy-ish atmosphere

Only over from Ireland and ended up here one night . My new local. Great boozer ... Well worth a visit

Friendly place with approachable staff. Put on the rugby for us without problem. Good beer selection and good prices.

Great northern soul night. Every 2nd sat in the month. Steppin out!

The pub-landlady Maggie is a bully. She has problems with attitude. This bar is not a place i would recommend. I've been around Stoke Newington for over 25 years and never have I known such a bitter and twisted woman as her. Plenty of other bars around. I'd give this place a wide berth If I were you.

Don't be fooled by all the lovely little comments on here. I am convinced they were written by a few regulars, on request by the pub-landlady. This is probably the worst pub I've been to in my 14 years in London, and definitely the worst venue I've been to in over 20 years of working in the lifestyle industry. Incidentally, this is the first ever bar I went to, in #stokenewington. It is also the only bar in the neighbourhood I am writing something negative about. At first I thought Maggie, the pub-landlady is just abrupt and unfriendly as it's her character. But it didn't take me long to realise that she is just downright rude and arrogant. She basically snapped at me for every question I asked while chatting to her, and I thought it was funny to wind her up! She was also rude to me when I went there with a local business owner, and even worse... was also rude when I went there with a friend just before going to celebrate his birthday. I told her I would never be back, and that I will tell everyone I know, in the neighbourhood. This side of Stoke Newington has a limited number of bars - about 2-3. Unfortunately for Maggie, me being a journalist and reviewer that also runs social gatherings and networking events for locals, means I know a of people. So I notified everyone by email and whats' app group message. I am not going to lie! It puts a smile on my face when I walk past and see the place empty, or at least nearly empty. Word of mouth is still a very powerful PR tool. And yes, there are people who DO look at reviews before going to a place. And in such a small part of the neighbourhood, word gets around. Staff keep changing, from what I have seen and heard. One staff member bumped into me at a local supermarket and said she'd been sacked because Maggie the pub-landlady got angry with her. I have constantly noticed a "Staff Wanted" sign here. Musicians have complained that the land-lady goes through their bags and things, without asking for permission first. They don't even tell you they take cash only, until you've ordered the drink and they've poured it for you. This means, you have to go to the cash point across the road. This is a dirty business tactic. Customers who don't have cash, are more likely to go through the inconvenience of going to the cash point, as the drink has already been poured and is front of them. Psychologically, it's a visual thing. The drink is in front of you, so you feel compelled to pay for it. This place may have been hip & happening at some point in the past, but it certainly isn't, these days! The few people who go here seem to have either given up on life, or are getting to the end of it, or want to end it all! There's a rather negative energy about this place, with a stale and depressing feel to it. Please AVOID, AVOID, AVOID!!! And oh... tell others.

Quirky place with real charm. Great jazzy punky vibe.

Small, friendly bar, with a decent dance floor & sound system. Informal & relaxed where a diverse crowd can dig the music without inhibition.

Post Game T's away against Hackney RFC. Great atmosphere very friendly and welcoming staff!

A great atmosphere with lovely people and fantastic service! I would highly recommend for a night out or a casual drink up. It’s £3 per pint during be day and great quality Guinness, it can’t be beat. Ask the paddies at the bar!

Poor service and we'll over the top pricing