FAQs
General
Where is Poplar Union?
2 Cotall Street, Poplar, E14 6TL
How do I get to Poplar Union?
By DLR: Westferry (13-minute walk), Langdon Park (12-minute walk), All Saints (16-minute walk), Poplar (16-minute walk)
By National Rail: Limehouse (17-minute walk)
By bus: 309 (stops H & A, Broomfield Street); 277, D6 or D7 (stops WP & WQ, Pixley Street or stops WO & WR, East India Dock Road); 108 (Fawe Street)
By Santander Cycle: Stainsby Road docking station
See our How to Get Here videos here.
What are your opening hours?
The office is open Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm (closed on bank holidays). The venue is open for shows and bookings outside of these hours.
What are the different spaces at Poplar Union?
Betty is our larger studio space, and is where we hold our bigger events including performances, workshops, film screenings, and large hires.
Mike is our meeting room. We use Mike for smaller classes, our health & wellbeing programme, and internal and external meetings.
The Library is attached to Poplar Bakehouse, where we programme music nights, talks and spoken word evenings, and host meet up groups. When the Library is not being used for an event, Bakehouse customers may use this space.
Poplar Bakehouse is Poplar Union’s onsite cafe. It is at the front of Poplar Union (it can be accessed from Bartlett Park) and is used as the main entrance.
The Boatstore at the front of the building is Moo Canoe’s base. This is where they run their waterside programme and is the meeting spot for those joining their paddle boarding sessions or litter picks.
Is there (free) parking?
Street parking is available between the hours of 5.30pm and 8.30am, Monday to Friday and restrictions do not apply on Saturday and Sunday. Street parking is available at any time to Tower Hamlets Resident Permit holders.
Is disabled parking available?
Yes, disabled parking is available at Poplar Union, but is limited so please contact us and book a space in advance of your visit – 020 3039 3333 / info@poplarunion.com.
Are there bike racks?
Outdoor bike racks are available by the cafe at Poplar Union.
What facilities are there at Poplar Union?
Poplar Union comes fully equipped with air conditioning, showers, paid lockers, individual toilet facilities, baby change facilities, water dispenser and free WiFi.
Is Poplar Union fully accessible?
Yes, Poplar Union has full disabled access throughout the site, including toilet facilities and disabled parking. If you are a wheelchair user or have any access requirements that you would like to discuss with us, please call in advance of booking tickets, so we can ensure your requirements are met – 020 3039 3333 / info@poplarunion.com.
Is Poplar Union a fully inclusive venue?
Yes absolutely. We are an entirely inclusive space welcoming everyone. Our arts programme endeavours to reflect the natural diversity within London, around the UK and internationally. We operate a zero tolerance policy for any acts of discrimination, intimidation or exclusionary behaviour towards staff, artists and members of the public using the facilities within the venue.
Are there storage facilities for pushchairs?
Yes, there is space to store pushchairs.
Are children permitted in the café/bar in the evening?
Poplar Union is a family friendly space; however, we encourage parents to be aware that customers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Is there a smoking area at Poplar Union?
Smoking is prohibited in and around Poplar Union, except for in the smoking area on the outdoor piazza.
Coronavirus Information
Are you re-opening?
Yes, we are now open with a full programme of workshops and events.
If I have COVID symptoms and can’t attend, can I get a refund for my ticket?
If an event is still going ahead, we will offer you a full refund or credit to use at a later date.
What additional measures so you have in place at your venue?
For our full COVID-19 health & safety measures we have in place for your visit, please click here.
Are rooms still available for hire?
Yes, Mike & Betty are available for hires. Health & safety measures in line with government guidelines still apply.
Can I book a ticket on the door?
We are currently only taking advanced bookings so you must book via our website or call our box office to book your ticket(s) for an event. If you do not have a ticket when you arrive, you may be turned away. This is to ensure we can manage numbers entering the building in the safest way.
Do I have to wear a mask?
We ask all visitors to abide by government guidelines and wear a face covering when moving around the building. You may remove the covering when you are sat down for your event. If you are exempt from this rule, please make it known at our box office on arrival.
Will your staff be wearing masks?
Yes, all staff will be wearing a face covering throughout your visit.
What safety measures have you put in place to make me feel safe to come to Poplar Union?
We have a breakdown of all the safety measures we have in place to keep everyone safe in our building. Please visit our COVID response page for more information.
What if the rules change?
We are keeping an eye on the latest Government information and advice and will update our safety measures accordingly.
What if our event is cancelled due to tighter restrictions?
We will let you know (via email and telephone) if your event has had to be cancelled. We will process a full refund or credit your Poplar Union account as per your preference.
Events
How do I book tickets?
You can book tickets through our online box office. You can also purchase tickets by calling 020 3039 3330 and speaking to a member of the team (office hours only).
Can I purchase a ticket on the door?
Currently we ask that you book in advance so we can manage numbers in the building.
Can I reserve tickets for an event/show to pay on the door?
Unfortunately, tickets cannot be reserved.
Is there a booking fee when ordering tickets?
There is no booking fee.
Are concessions available?
Yes, there are various concessions available for all our events including students, people who are registered as disabled, people who are on unemployment benefits and seniors (over 65). Proof of concessionary status is required.
Can companions come for free when attending with a guest with a disability?
Absolutely! Please call us on 020 3039 3333 and we’ll get a complimentary ticket held for anyone attending as the companion of a disabled person who is not able to attend the event unaccompanied.
Does Poplar Union offer refunds/exchanges on tickets?
We are currently offering refunds if you have COVID-19 symptoms or if we have had to cancel your event.
How will I be informed if an event is cancelled?
If an event is cancelled, you shall be notified via email or/and telephone and given further information regarding ticket refunds/exchange.
What if I’m running late?
Please let us know if you are running late for an event. If your event is fully booked and you are over 15mins late and haven’t let us know, we will give your ticket to someone on the waiting list.
Is there accessible seating?
There is accessible seating available at all Poplar Union events. If you have specific access requirements that you’d like to discuss with us, please call 020 3039 3333 or email info@poplarunion.com in advance of your visit.
Are there free events?
Yes, Poplar Union runs a variety of free events throughout the year – please see What’s On for all events.
Where can I get regular updates/news on events at Poplar Union?
To stay up to date with all news, events and updates, you can join our newsletter (see top of page), like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. We also have physical copies of our seasonal programme, so please feel free to pick one up on your next visit!
Poplar Bakehouse
Who are Poplar Bakehouse?
Poplar Bakehouse (previously called e5 Roasthouse) is Poplar Union’s onsite cafe and is run by the folks behind e5 Bakehouse. They roast their own coffee onsite, as well as serving breakfast, lunch & beverages everyday using ethically sourced, seasonal produce.
What are Poplar Bakehouse’s opening hours?
Mon-Sun: 8am-4pm
Is there outside space?
We have a lovely patio area overlooking Bartlett Park. Perfect for summer lunches and warm evenings before a show.
How can I contact Poplar Bakehouse?
You can call Poplar Bakehouse on 020 7537 2979, email them at e5roasthouse@gmail.com or pop in and speak to one of their friendly team.
Is the café family friendly?
Both Poplar Union and Poplar Bakehouse are family friendly spaces, with fully accessible, gender neutral baby changing. We do, however, encourage children under 14 to be accompanied by an adult.
Is the cafe dog friendly?
Yes, you are able to bring your dog to Poplar Bakehouse but it must be on a lead at all time.
Does the café offer a food menu?
Yes – Poplar Bakehouse serves seasonal menus for breakfast and lunch which change daily.
Do you serve alcohol?
Yes – you’ll be able to enjoy a glass of wine or beer at a show or with lunch.
Are highchairs available?
Yes, just ask a Poplar Bakehouse member of staff!
Workshops & Classes
Are there free workshops & classes?
Poplar Union offer a variety of free workshops and classes throughout the year. See What’s On for details.
Are there specific age requirements for events/workshops/classes?
Depending on the event, there may be age limitations. Information regarding age requirements/limitations will be available on the event listing. In all cases, unless otherwise noted, under 16s must always be accompanied by an adult.
Are there secure storage facilities for participants of workshops/classes?
Yes, we have small lockers available to use in the changing rooms for a non-refundable fee of 20p. For larger items, please let us know before your visit so we can organise storing securely for you.
How will I be informed if a workshop/class is cancelled or rearranged?
Poplar Union will email/call all participants in the event of a workshop/class being cancelled or rearranged. Also check our website and social media for any updates.
Hires & Room Bookings
Where can I find information about hiring one of your spaces?
Information about hiring a space at Poplar Union can be found under Hire, by emailing us at hire@poplarunion.com or calling us on 020 3039 3333.