The Pleasure Unit
ADDRESS
359 Bethnal Green Road, Tower Hamlets, London E2 6LG
TELEPHONE
020 7729 0167
Nearby The Pleasure Unit
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The gentrification of Shoreditch has been seeping further east, meaning Bethnal Green has seen an upturn in its fortunes of late. In the same way the Hoxton squalor spawned a brand new slew of bars and clubs, the arrival of some residents with a bit of cash (and their mates in search of something a bit different), means that Bethnal Green's after hours fun is making a mark. The Working Men's Club might be the name on everybody's lips, but if you don't have the patience for their queues remember the Pleasure Unit...
This former gay pub hasn't really had much of a re-fit ever - but the hotch potch of furniture and faded paint work has a certain well-worn charm about it. The whole place shouts retro at you, and on the night we attended the entertainment came from the Actionettes - a group of amateur dancers who spent the evening swinging themselves through synchronised routines to the finest 60's girl pop, with period outfits (and their male counterparts the Action Men) to match. Not to mention the limbo competition. The Pleasure Unit has loads of upcoming live bands on week day nights and some decent club nights at weekends.
What marks this place out from elsewhere in London is the agglomeration of people who are, errm, a bit different, and a friendly vibe of acceptance to go with it. We danced the night away with a bewildered gang of androgynous revellers, an emaciated blonde wigged maniac, some gawky looking teenagers and the lovely Actionettes. Another point in its favour are the retro bar prices, which will give those who go out in central London a pleasant shock (although I was suspicious that the slightly dazed barman was making it up as he went along).
Expect the weird and off-kilter - the Pleasure Unit has bags of character. But be warned - the lack of air conditioning can turn it into a sauna on a warm night.
Location map of The Pleasure Unit
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Ibis London City
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel Double Rooms: 28% off from £119
5 Commercial Street, E1 | 20 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
...More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel Double Rooms: 28% off from £119
5 Commercial Street, E1 | 20 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
...More
Holiday Inn Express London-City
London > Hotels > Budget Chain Hotel Double/Twin Rooms: 81% off from £67
275 Old Street, EC1V | 21 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Modern and functional, you get what you pay for at this middle ranking hotel close to the City and the reasonable rates mean that it fills ...More
London > Hotels > Budget Chain Hotel Double/Twin Rooms: 81% off from £67
275 Old Street, EC1V | 21 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Modern and functional, you get what you pay for at this middle ranking hotel close to the City and the reasonable rates mean that it fills ...More
Andaz Liverpool Street
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel Petite Doubles: 68% off from £115
40 Liverpool Street, EC2M7QN | 24 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Housed in one of the great Victorian station hotels, this showstopper is a mixture of meticulous nineteenth century restoration and the glittering wit of Terrence Conran's ...More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel Petite Doubles: 68% off from £115
40 Liverpool Street, EC2M7QN | 24 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Housed in one of the great Victorian station hotels, this showstopper is a mixture of meticulous nineteenth century restoration and the glittering wit of Terrence Conran's ...More
Loungelover
London > Nightlife > Bars
1 Whitby Street, London, Shoreditch, London E2 | 13 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Opulent Brick Lane haunt, home to the high fashion set and to excellent cocktails. Due mainly to its unassuming location in London’s gritty East End, this exceptionally ...More
London > Nightlife > Bars
1 Whitby Street, London, Shoreditch, London E2 | 13 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Opulent Brick Lane haunt, home to the high fashion set and to excellent cocktails. Due mainly to its unassuming location in London’s gritty East End, this exceptionally ...More
The Vibe Bar
London > Nightlife > Bars
The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London, Spitalfields, London E1 | 13 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Vibe Bar manages to be both chilled out and cutting edge. Located inside the Truman Brewery on trendy Brick Lane, you can come here to drink ...More
London > Nightlife > Bars
The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London, Spitalfields, London E1 | 13 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Vibe Bar manages to be both chilled out and cutting edge. Located inside the Truman Brewery on trendy Brick Lane, you can come here to drink ...More
T Bar
London > Nightlife > Bars
The Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High Street, London, Shoreditch, London E1 | 15 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
This swaggeringly cool dance music space is housed in a former tea warehouse, with no attempt made to disguise the space's industrial origins. A long bar ...More
London > Nightlife > Bars
The Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch High Street, London, Shoreditch, London E1 | 15 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
This swaggeringly cool dance music space is housed in a former tea warehouse, with no attempt made to disguise the space's industrial origins. A long bar ...More
THE BEST
Nightlife near The Pleasure Unit
The Pleasure Unit clubs, bars, cabaret nights, casinos and interesting nightlife.
The Last Days Of Decadence
London > Nightlife >
Shoreditch High Street, London, Shoreditch, London E1 | 16 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
This dark and (at least downstairs) dingy bar on Shoreditch High Street used to be home of the much maligned Ditch bar and has gone to ...More
London > Nightlife >
Shoreditch High Street, London, Shoreditch, London E1 | 16 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
This dark and (at least downstairs) dingy bar on Shoreditch High Street used to be home of the much maligned Ditch bar and has gone to ...More
Cargo
London > Nightlife > Nightclubs
83 Rivington Street, Kingsland Viaduct, London, Shoreditch, London EC2A | 17 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Cargo were pioneers of the multi-tasking MDF concept (that's Music-Dance-Food, not cheap fibreboard) and boast one of the most imaginative live music line-ups in the capital, ...More
London > Nightlife > Nightclubs
83 Rivington Street, Kingsland Viaduct, London, Shoreditch, London EC2A | 17 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Cargo were pioneers of the multi-tasking MDF concept (that's Music-Dance-Food, not cheap fibreboard) and boast one of the most imaginative live music line-ups in the capital, ...More
The Rhythm Factory
London > Nightlife > Nightclubs
16-18 Whitechapel Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E1 | 17 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Scuzzy venue on the outskirts of Shoreditch which looks like a crummycafe from the outside. Walk past the crowded plastic tables and chairsand through a discreet ...More
London > Nightlife > Nightclubs
16-18 Whitechapel Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E1 | 17 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Scuzzy venue on the outskirts of Shoreditch which looks like a crummycafe from the outside. Walk past the crowded plastic tables and chairsand through a discreet ...More
10 Gales
London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
Arch 10, Gales Gardens, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 6 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
One of Bethnal Green's best kept secrets, 10 Gales is a contemporary art space, live show venue, vintage fashion boutique, coffee shop and hairdressers all under ...More
London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
Arch 10, Gales Gardens, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 6 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
One of Bethnal Green's best kept secrets, 10 Gales is a contemporary art space, live show venue, vintage fashion boutique, coffee shop and hairdressers all under ...More
Rich Mix Centre
London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, Shoreditch, London E1 | 12 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Located in one of London's most thriving and art-driven communities Rich Mix does exactly what it says on the tin, presenting visitors of different interests with ...More
London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, Shoreditch, London E1 | 12 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Located in one of London's most thriving and art-driven communities Rich Mix does exactly what it says on the tin, presenting visitors of different interests with ...More
Rich Mix Cinema
London > Entertainment > Cinemas
Rich Mix Centre, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, Shoreditch, London E16LA | 12 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Located in one of London's most thriving and art-driven communities Rich Mix does exactly what it says on the tin, presenting visitors of different interests with ...More
London > Entertainment > Cinemas
Rich Mix Centre, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, Shoreditch, London E16LA | 12 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Located in one of London's most thriving and art-driven communities Rich Mix does exactly what it says on the tin, presenting visitors of different interests with ...More
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Sights and Attractions near The Pleasure Unit
The best museums, galleries, attractions near The Pleasure Unit
V & A Museum of Childhood
London > Attractions > Museums
Cambridge Heath Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 8 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
The Museum of Childhood houses the UK's largest collection of toys including dolls, dolls' houses, puppets, games, and toys. Collections showcase all aspects of childhood, from ...More
London > Attractions > Museums
Cambridge Heath Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 8 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
The Museum of Childhood houses the UK's largest collection of toys including dolls, dolls' houses, puppets, games, and toys. Collections showcase all aspects of childhood, from ...More
StART Space
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
150 Columbia Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 8 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Art gallery on Columbia Road. You can also pick up a cup of coffee here from 9am till 3pm each Sunday so you can enjoy a ...More
London > Attractions > Art Galleries
150 Columbia Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 8 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Art gallery on Columbia Road. You can also pick up a cup of coffee here from 9am till 3pm each Sunday so you can enjoy a ...More
Spitalfields City Farm
London > Attractions > Attractions for Kids
Buxton Street, London, Shoreditch, London E1 | 9 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
There's loads to do at the 1.3 acre Spitalfields City Farm. Come and meet Gwenivere the Shetland Cow, Pants the Sheep and Bayleaf the Donkey - ...More
London > Attractions > Attractions for Kids
Buxton Street, London, Shoreditch, London E1 | 9 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
There's loads to do at the 1.3 acre Spitalfields City Farm. Come and meet Gwenivere the Shetland Cow, Pants the Sheep and Bayleaf the Donkey - ...More
Beyond Retro
London > Shopping > Clothing
112 Cheshire Street, London, Shoreditch, London E2 | 7 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Vast warehouse near Brick Lane packed with vintage clothing and accessories. American vintage clothing outlets don’t get much bigger or better than this. Having bagged a huge, ...More
London > Shopping > Clothing
112 Cheshire Street, London, Shoreditch, London E2 | 7 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Vast warehouse near Brick Lane packed with vintage clothing and accessories. American vintage clothing outlets don’t get much bigger or better than this. Having bagged a huge, ...More
King & Queen of Bethnal Green
London > Shopping > Clothing
41 Temple Street, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 7 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
When one reader, Barbara Buchanan, came across this gorgeous vintage and fashion boutique she wanted to pass on the shopping tip. "I have used your recommendations ...More
London > Shopping > Clothing
41 Temple Street, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 7 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
When one reader, Barbara Buchanan, came across this gorgeous vintage and fashion boutique she wanted to pass on the shopping tip. "I have used your recommendations ...More
Columbia Road Flower Market
London > Shopping > Markets
Columbia Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 8 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Lined with chic boutiques, every Sunday this historic street fills with a bright patchwork of hundreds of flower stalls. Columbia Road is the capital's most colourful ...More
London > Shopping > Markets
Columbia Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 8 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Lined with chic boutiques, every Sunday this historic street fills with a bright patchwork of hundreds of flower stalls. Columbia Road is the capital's most colourful ...More
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Restaurants near The Pleasure Unit
What are the best dining options near The Pleasure Unit London?
E Pellicci
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
332 Bethnal Green Road, London, Shoreditch, London E2 | 2 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Pellicci's is a classic example of fifties post-war cafe and a slice of East End history. The art-deco interior with wood-panelled walls which date back to ...More
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
332 Bethnal Green Road, London, Shoreditch, London E2 | 2 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Pellicci's is a classic example of fifties post-war cafe and a slice of East End history. The art-deco interior with wood-panelled walls which date back to ...More
Laxeiro
London > Restaurants > Spanish restaurants
93 Columbia Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 8 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Superior rough-and-ready Spanish restaurant that is always packed. Laxeiro is a tiny place with a hectic pace, especially on the weekends - and Sundays in particular ...More
London > Restaurants > Spanish restaurants
93 Columbia Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 8 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Superior rough-and-ready Spanish restaurant that is always packed. Laxeiro is a tiny place with a hectic pace, especially on the weekends - and Sundays in particular ...More
The Royal Oak
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
73 Columbia Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 8 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
You might just recognise this pub off the telly - it has featured in the Kray's film, sitcom Good Night Sweetheart and even Blue Peter. The ...More
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
73 Columbia Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 8 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
You might just recognise this pub off the telly - it has featured in the Kray's film, sitcom Good Night Sweetheart and even Blue Peter. The ...More
The Making Space
London > Education > Evening Classes
10 Sunbury Workshops, Swanfield Street, London, Shoreditch, London E2 | 12 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Learn some crafty manouveurs at Making Space where classes on mask making, glass engraving, pyrography (burning patterns into wood or leather), chainmail knitting, and book hollowing ...More
London > Education > Evening Classes
10 Sunbury Workshops, Swanfield Street, London, Shoreditch, London E2 | 12 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Learn some crafty manouveurs at Making Space where classes on mask making, glass engraving, pyrography (burning patterns into wood or leather), chainmail knitting, and book hollowing ...More
Four Corners
London > Education > Adult Education
121 Roman Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 13 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
For 30 years Four Corners has been training, producing and supporting the full range of film and photographic requirements. Services on offer include filmmaking facilities and ...More
London > Education > Adult Education
121 Roman Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 13 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
For 30 years Four Corners has been training, producing and supporting the full range of film and photographic requirements. Services on offer include filmmaking facilities and ...More
Workers' Educational Association
London > Education > Evening Classes
4 Luke Street, London, Shoreditch, London EC2A | 19 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
National charity for adult learning which also runs an excellent selection of theatre, literature, history and politics evening classes....More
London > Education > Evening Classes
4 Luke Street, London, Shoreditch, London EC2A | 19 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
National charity for adult learning which also runs an excellent selection of theatre, literature, history and politics evening classes....More
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Leisure near The Pleasure Unit
The Pleasure Unit gyms, sporting activities, health & beauty and fitness.
York Hall Leisure Centre
London > Leisure > Sports Facilities
5-15 Old Ford Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 10 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
York Hall Leisure Centre in Bethnal Green includes a gym, day spa, 33-metre swimming pool, Turkish bath and offers a wide range of exercise classes but ...More
London > Leisure > Sports Facilities
5-15 Old Ford Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 10 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
York Hall Leisure Centre in Bethnal Green includes a gym, day spa, 33-metre swimming pool, Turkish bath and offers a wide range of exercise classes but ...More
spa LONDON
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
York Hall Leisure Centre, Old Ford Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 10 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Bethnal Green's former Turkish baths have been refurbished and turned into a spa complete with aroma steam rooms and a plunge pool. Spa LONDON is run ...More
London > Leisure > Health and Beauty
York Hall Leisure Centre, Old Ford Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 10 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Bethnal Green's former Turkish baths have been refurbished and turned into a spa complete with aroma steam rooms and a plunge pool. Spa LONDON is run ...More
All Star Lanes, Brick Lane
London > Leisure > Activities
95 Brick Lane, London, Spitalfields, London E1 | 13 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
The third of these increasingly popular 1950s retro-America style bowling alleys opened in late 2008 to much critical acclaim. Located in the Old Truman Brewery on ...More
London > Leisure > Activities
95 Brick Lane, London, Spitalfields, London E1 | 13 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
The third of these increasingly popular 1950s retro-America style bowling alleys opened in late 2008 to much critical acclaim. Located in the Old Truman Brewery on ...More
The Royal Oak
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
73 Columbia Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 8 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
You might just recognise this pub off the telly - it has featured in the Kray's film, sitcom Good Night Sweetheart and even Blue Peter. The ...More
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
73 Columbia Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 8 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
You might just recognise this pub off the telly - it has featured in the Kray's film, sitcom Good Night Sweetheart and even Blue Peter. The ...More
The Camel
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
277 Globe Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 12 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
...More
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
277 Globe Road, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 12 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
...More
Florist
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
255 Globe Road, Bethnal Green, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 12 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
...More
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
255 Globe Road, Bethnal Green, London, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 12 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
...More
THE BEST
Meeting venue hire near The Pleasure Unit
Where to have your meeting, conference, exhibition, private dining or training course near The Pleasure Unit.
Bistrotheque
London > Business > Venue Hire
23-27 Wadeson Street, London, Hackney, London E2 | 14 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
...More
London > Business > Venue Hire
23-27 Wadeson Street, London, Hackney, London E2 | 14 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
...More
Christ Church Spitalfields
London > Business > Venue Hire
2 Fournier Street, Broadgate, London, Spitalfields, London E1 | 16 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Built in 1729, Nicholas Hawksmoor's Christ Church creation was declared dangerous and closed in 1956. Vigorous campaigning, from the poet Sir John Betjeman among others, eventually ...More
London > Business > Venue Hire
2 Fournier Street, Broadgate, London, Spitalfields, London E1 | 16 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Built in 1729, Nicholas Hawksmoor's Christ Church creation was declared dangerous and closed in 1956. Vigorous campaigning, from the poet Sir John Betjeman among others, eventually ...More
Shoreditch Town Hall
London > Business > Venue Hire
380 Old Street, London, Shoreditch, London EC1V | 17 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Site of the legendary Whirly Gig parties in the nineties, Shoreditch Town Hall lends itself well to any type of gathering. Re-opened in 2005, following a ...More
London > Business > Venue Hire
380 Old Street, London, Shoreditch, London EC1V | 17 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Site of the legendary Whirly Gig parties in the nineties, Shoreditch Town Hall lends itself well to any type of gathering. Re-opened in 2005, following a ...More
Also in Bethnal Green Road
Our recommendations in the same street as The Pleasure Unit
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Hotels near The Pleasure Unit
From cheap budget places to stay to luxury 5 star hotels see our discounts for The Pleasure Unit hotels, including Andaz Liverpool Street from 68% off. |
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