Back in 2012, Crate Brewery was born out of a bold idea: to bring great craft beer and pizza to a forgotten yet vibrant, up-and-coming corner of East London. Founders Tom, Jess, and Neil rolled up their sleeves, teamed up with the Hackney Wick creative community, and got building. From the unique taproom fittings made with up-cycled materials, to the iconic handcrafted furniture you still see in the bar today, they transformed a once-derelict warehouse into our distinctive, industrial-chic space. Our Hackney Wick home reflects the creative ethos of the area, and was built by the people, for the people.

Fast forward to 2025, and here we are. 13 years in, we’re still proudly independent, still in Hackney Wick, and still doing things our way. With some changes on the horizon, including expansion into another up-and-coming part of East London (more on that below), we’re excited for what’s coming.

A vessel for connection and community

Over the years, we’ve become more than just a bar and pizzeria. Crate has grown into a place for connection, creativity, and community. Whether it’s terrace parties, movie nights, or taproom takeovers, Crate has always been a place to come together. 

It’s not just what’s in your glass that is important to us, but also what happens around it.

Crate have long supported the people and projects that make East London vibrant. From local grassroots groups to neighbouring venues and emerging creatives, we love to champion others who are doing good.

Just some of the ways we’ve backed our community recently:

• Every week we deliver hot, fresh pizza to the Hackney Night Shelter

• Every fortnight we support Bubble Club DJ’s (local, inclusive programme for for learning disabled artists and DJs), hosting them in the Taproom to learn new skills and enjoy a pizza and drink

• Bola Beach Tennis, who have set up in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, have enjoyed Crate pizza and beer, at our place and at theirs

• Wintergreen, a not-for-profit outdoor social group, wrapped up one of their adventures at Crate with pizza and cans of beer on us

• Ceci n’est pas community photography group brought a group of youth novice photographers through to Hackney Wick for creative inspiration and some margarita pizza

• We supported The Yard Theatre’s rebuild fundraiser and sorted a keg for Notpla’s Earth Day event

• Millie Walton’s ‘Sorry About The Mess’ exhibition, and Ditte Blohm’s ‘Wolf Hour’ exhibition guests were hydrated with Crate beers

• Mindful Strides finished a winter community run in the Taproom, refuelling with hot pizza

We lend a hand wherever we can; helping other venues rebuild bars, hosting local friends, and turning up with complimentary beer or pizza when it matters most. 

This same commitment to care and community runs hand-in-hand with our behind the scenes operations:

Our beer is brewed using one of the world’s most efficient systems; cutting water and energy use by 65%. We pay the London Living Wage; improving employee financial well-being. And, we are trialling a 4-day work week to support our team’s productivity and well-being. 

Looking ahead: Growth, new guests and expansion plans

Our home in Hackney Wick is changing fast. New homes, new neighbours, and new energy is coming to the area. We’re gearing up to support the area’s growth, without losing sight of what makes us special.

Crate is future proofing, without selling out. We’re staying proudly independent, keeping our taps pouring, and making sure every new guest gets the same warm welcome and cold beer we’ve been serving since day one. This Autumn, we have exciting plans to expand into another up-and-coming part of East London, just like we did 13 years ago, here on the homeground. 

We’re setting new roots down in Wood Wharf; a bold, fast-growing neighbourhood at the heart of Canary Wharf. For Crate, Wood Wharf offers the perfect backdrop to extend the Crate experience to a whole new community. We’re excited to inject some fresh energy into the new space, and to create something that feels authentic to the area. Keep your eyes peeled for incoming Wood Wharf content, including behind the scenes action of the build, and your invite to our launch events next month!

If we could send ourselves a message in 2012…

'Buckle up. You’re about to build more than just a brewery. You’re creating a community. The next decade and a bit will be full of fun, challenges, learning, and purpose. And you’ll do it all by staying true to who you are.'

Thirteen years on, authenticity and innovation still drive what we do. We’re all about bringing people together over great beer, great pizza, and great times, and that’s not changing anytime soon. We’re off to build something new, something that is not a carbon copy of Hackney Wick, rather, its own Crate creation. 

We remain rooted in the same values, and ready to meet a new crowd.