The Natural Philosopher
About This Spot
Stepping into The Natural Philosopher is like slipping into a thoughtful conversation with an old friend—unpretentious, warm, and quietly vibrant. Nestled inside The Macsmiths on Hackney Road, this cocktail bar offers a welcome refuge from the city's bustle, where the hum of shared stories and clinking glasses melds with the ambient energy of East London’s creative pulse.
The atmosphere is intimate yet lively, with a pace that invites you to settle in, explore, and savor. It’s the kind of place where bartenders aren’t just mixing drinks—they’re crafting moments tailored to your evening. Whether you arrive after work or drift in looking for a hidden gem, the mood strikes a balance between relaxed comfort and spirited discovery.
Here, cocktails feel personal—colored by local ingredients and nuanced with unexpected touches, like dandelion root or chilli, that speak to a deeper appreciation of flavors. The menu is a thoughtful journey from the classic Pisco Sour to a vibrant Espresso Martini, while the well-curated selection of wine and beer quietly complements the experience. For those who enjoy a spirited conversation around whisky, the occasional tastings and guest company collaborations deepen the connection beyond just sipping.
Regulars and newcomers alike note the subtle magic woven through the space: from the attentive, knowledgeable bartenders who listen as much as they pour, to the genuine smiles that counterbalance the city rush. The Natural Philosopher isn’t just a bar—it’s a reminder of why we cherish these local spots where the drinks are as much about craft as they are about company and shared moments.
What’s Available Here
-
Identifies as women-owned
- On-site services
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Great cocktails
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Food
- Free water refills
- Happy-hour drinks
- Spirits
- Wine
- Seating
- Table service
- Gender-neutral toilets
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Casual
- Cosy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safe space
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Location & Hours
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday | Closed | |
| Wednesday | 06:00 PM - 11:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 06:00 PM - 11:00 PM | |
| Friday | 06:00 PM - 01:00 AM | |
| Saturday | 04:00 PM - 01:00 AM | |
| Sunday | Closed |
Guest Reviews
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Michael Kashey 25 Dec 2025
An incredible little stop with some of the best cocktails in the city served by some of the best bartenders. Everything we tried was 10/10 and cannot recommend enough. If you haven’t been you are truly missing out!!!
Tom Ware 20 Nov 2025
The Natural Philosopher was a real treat. The menu drinks were fantastic and Josh can create any drink to match your palette. This spot was a great recommendation from the NYT and should not be missed.
Michaela Clayton 03 Nov 2025
Just did a whisky tasting here last night. I didn’t know what to expect. It was absolutely amazing. The person presenting was from East London Liquor. They were really knowledgeable and helpful. I enjoyed the set up that meant we sat together as a group. Highly recommended trying it out - they seem to have guest whisky companies do tastings.
Andy Becalick 23 Oct 2025
Great looking place and very friendly staff. Lots of unique fairly priced cocktails, well made with locally sourced ingredients. Picklebacks are really good too!
Michelle Gil 18 Oct 2025
Such a lovely little gem of a cocktail bar! It caught our eye as we walked past so we went in for happy hour and stayed for awhile. The owner Josh was so lovely and fun to speak to. And the cocktails and picklebacks were delicious! The atmosphere inside is so magical too. We'll be back soon for sure!
Christen Romero 05 Oct 2025
I only stumbled upon The Natural Philosopher recently—and almost in the same breath learned it will close forever at the end of August 2025. The news landed oddly, like being told a dear friend was moving away just moments after meeting them. Within seconds of stepping into its subterranean embrace, I knew this place was something rare. It carried that elusive bourgeois-bohemian charm—warm, layered, intimate—where every detail seemed quietly considered. The menu read like a love letter to craft itself. Behind the bar, Mateo worked not from recipes, but from conversation. I offered only half-formed ideas, vague sketches of flavors I craved, and he somehow distilled them into three of the best cocktails I’ve tasted in years. Its closing is a reminder that magic is fleeting. The places that make a city feel alive are never permanent; they appear for a time—and are gone. If you can, go. In these final weeks, descend those steps, sit at that bar, and let someone who cares deeply about their craft create something just for you. Some losses can’t be prevented. This one, at least, can be savored before it’s gone.
Kiernan Garrett 21 Sep 2025
Stumbling in late one night with my partner on our first trip to London from the States is still one of the best memories of my life. The warmth of the hospitality, the care in the drinks, and the magic of the atmosphere left such a lasting mark on me. That night inspired me to dream of opening a place of my own someday. Sharing a fernet shot with our coins will always be one of my dearest memories.