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.
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With an exciting calendar of entertainment, 2019 is another special year in London. Find out what's happening throughout the capital with our thorough guide to the best 2019 London events.
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Room 1
London > Apartment > Apartment from £101 21% off
Patriot Square, E2 | 8 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
The Town Hall building in Bethnal Green has been beautifully restored creating a unique designer hotel which fuses old and new. With a mix of bedrooms, ... More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel from £112 23% off
100 Shoreditch High Street, E1 | 12 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Hip US hotel group Ace hotels arrived in Shoreditch in September 2013, expanding from their US sites to add a London outpost. The property has transformed ... More
London > Hotels > Luxury Chain Hotel from £155 39% off
335-337 Old Street, EC1V | 14 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Prison cells are VIP booths in the bar at the Courthouse Hotel Shoreditch, a 128 room hotel in the Old Magistrates Court and Police Station, opposite ... More
London > Nightlife > Bars
359 Bethnal Green Road, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | Same location as The Pleasure Unit
Opened in 2008, The Star of Bethnal Green has been a landmark of the London pub scene for a ... More
London > Nightlife > Bars
199 Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green Gardens, E2 | 6 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Fugitive Motel co-founders, best friends David Burgess and Liam Tolan, share an obsession for craft beer ... More
Nightlife near The Pleasure Unit
London > Nightlife > Pubs
379 Bethnal Green Road, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 3 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Sitting at the heart of Bethnal Green Road, The Old George is a beautifully restored London boozer, originally built in the 1700s. With a large emphasis ... More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
441 Bethnal Green Road, E2 | 3 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Originally opened in 1851 as The Sun Inn, this Bethnal Green drinking den is c onsidered a bar by the present ... More
London > Events > Foodie Events Dates: 26th September to 10th December 2019
The Pleasure Unit, Pedley Street, E1 | 6 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Take a train to the Underworld as you experience a dark and romantic fairytale while feasting on a devilishly tasty last meal curated by a MasterChef: ...More
London > Events > Exhibitions Dates: 23rd November 2019 to 4th January 2020 - 11am-6pm
The Pleasure Unit, 21 Herald Street, E2 | 6 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Exhibitions & Art, Photography....More
London > Events > Comedy Dates: Sunday 15th December 2019 - 7.30pm-10pm
The Pleasure Unit, 231 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 | 6 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
The 2019 Britain's Got Talent finalist hosts an evening of laughter with Mr Cee, Babatunde, Dane Baptiste, Marlon Davis, Funmbi, Eddie Kadi, Glenda Jaxson, Special P, ...More
London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
Arch 10, Gales Gardens, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 5 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 > Comedy Clubs
231 Cambridge Heath Road, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 6 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
The famous Backyard Comedy Club, one of East London's hottest comedy spots, was originally opened in 2000 by comedian Lee Hurst. In 2004 the comedian ran ... More
London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
29-32 The Oval, Hackney, London E2 | 7 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Oval Space is a multi-use arts and events space with 6,000 square feet of space in Bethnal Green in East London with stunning views over the ... More
Sights and Attractions near The Pleasure Unit
London > Attractions > Museums
Cambridge Heath Road, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 7 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 > Art Galleries
150 Columbia Road, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 7 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 > Attractions for Kids
Buxton Street, Shoreditch, London E1 | 7 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
There's loads to do at the 1.3 acre Spitalfields City Farm. Come and meet Bayleaf the donkey and Bentley the goat - just a few of ... More
London > Shopping > Clothing
112 Cheshire Street, Shoreditch, London E2 | 5 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
41 Temple Street, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 5 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 > Markets
Columbia Road, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 7 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
Restaurants near The Pleasure Unit
London > Restaurants > South American restaurants
366 Bethnal Green Road, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 1 minute from The Pleasure Unit
... More
London > Restaurants > Cafes and Delis
332 Bethnal Green Road, 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 > Mediterranean restaurants
329 Bethnel Green Road, Bethnel Green, Shoreditch, London E2 | 2 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Mediterranean Cuisine... More
London > Education > Evening Classes
10 Sunbury Workshops, Swanfield Street, Shoreditch, London E2 | 10 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 > Adult Education
121 Roman Road, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 11 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 > Evening Classes
4 Luke Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A | 16 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
Leisure near The Pleasure Unit
London > Leisure > Sports Facilities
5-15 Old Ford Road, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 8 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 > Health and Beauty
York Hall Leisure Centre, Old Ford Road, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 8 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 >
The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, Shoreditch, London E1 | 10 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Spread over three floors L!FE is a unique space within The Old Truman Brewery where yoga, food and music sit side-by-side. ... More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
379 Bethnal Green Road, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 3 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Sitting at the heart of Bethnal Green Road, The Old George is a beautifully restored London boozer, originally built in the 1700s. With a large emphasis ... More
London > Nightlife > Pubs
441 Bethnal Green Road, E2 | 3 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
Originally opened in 1851 as The Sun Inn, this Bethnal Green drinking den is c onsidered a bar by the present ... More
London > Restaurants > Gastropub
73 Columbia Road, Tower Hamlets, London E2 | 7 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
Meeting venue hire near The Pleasure Unit
London > Business > Venue Hire
23-27 Wadeson Street, Hackney, London E2 | 12 minutes from The Pleasure Unit
... More
London > Business > Venue Hire
2 Fournier Street, Broadgate, Spitalfields, London E1 | 13 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
380 Old Street, Shoreditch, London EC1V | 14 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
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Hotels Near The Pleasure Unit What's On Today Near The Pleasure Unit  Journey To The Underworld Foodie Events | Until 10th December 2019 Arch 63 Pedley Street 6 minutes walk from The Pleasure Unit Take a train to the Underworld as you experience a dark and romantic fairytale while feasting on a devilishly tasty ...More  Kneehigh: Ubu! A Singalong Satire Theatre | Until 21st December 2019 Shoreditch Town Hall 14 minutes walk from The Pleasure Unit Savagely funny, Kneehigh's Ubu! A Singalong Satire comes to Shoreditch Town Hall in December as the perfect alternative Christmas show ...More  Plonk Crazy Golf Christmas Pop-Up Sporting Events | Until 24th December 2019 Plonk Crazy Golf Hoxton 16 minutes walk from The Pleasure Unit Brighten up those dark winter nights with a round of mini golf under the UV lights. Your friends at Plonk ...More Scarypoolparty Concerts | On 9th December 2019 Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen 16 minutes walk from The Pleasure Unit Grungy pop-rock from the American singer-songwriter and pianist. With support from Violet Skies....More  Queen of Hoxton Rooftop: The Emerald City Clubbing and Nightlife | Until 1st May 2020 The Queen Of Hoxton 17 minutes walk from The Pleasure Unit Follow the yellow brick road up to The Queen of Hoxton Rooftop this winter for its latest pop-up extravaganza, The ...More  The Winter Forest Seasonal | Until 20th December 2019 Broadgate Circle 20 minutes walk from The Pleasure Unit A fairytale pop-up, The Winter Forest returns to Broadgate Circle this winter with snow-covered pine trees, twinkling lights and festive ...More New on LondonTown Message In A Bottle Dance | From 6th February In a first-time collaboration between Sadler's Wells and Universal Music, Message In A Bottle is a brand-new dance show from triple Olivier Award-nominee Kate Prince. Set to the music of 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sting, ...More  British Baroque: Power and Illusion Exhibitions | From 5th February In 2020, Tate Britain presents the first-ever exhibition ...More Pretty Woman: The Musical Theatre | From 13th February Everyone's favourite Hollywood love story comes alive on the London stage this February when Pretty Woman: The Musical transfers from Broadway to the West End with a run at the Piccadilly Theatre. The direction and ...More  NYE at Greenwich Grind Seasonal | On 31st December Eclectic café-bar brand Grind gets in on the New Year's action this year with a ...More Manor Theatre | From 7th April National Theatre: Lyttelton Theatre A new play by Moira Buffini, Manor sees Olivier Award-winning actors Nancy Carroll and Ben Daniels take to the National Theatre stage. When a violent storm sweeps the coast, several strangers seek refuge in Diana ...More Jack Absolute Flies Again Theatre | From 15th April National Theatre: Olivier Theatre Oliver Chris and Richard Bean - the writer responsible for One Man, Two Guvnors - present their new play, Jack Absolute Flies Again, at the National Theatre this April. 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Stay at ...More  Kimpton Fitzroy London Article Overlooking Bloomsbury's Russell Square, Kimpton Fitzroy London launched in October 2018. Its Grade II listed ...More Worlds Best 50 Bars in London Article The list of the World's 50 Best Bars was revealed in October 2019 and we learned that London has 10 of them. That's more than any other ...More 
Hotels near The Pleasure Unit
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