North London pub and bar guide

Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of North London - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.

The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

picture of The Wenlock Arms, Hoxton

Address: 26, Wenlock Rd, London, N1 7TA [map]
Phone: 020 7608 3406
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Nearest tube stations: Old Street (0.5 miles), Angel (0.6 miles), Barbican (0.8 miles)


Nearest train stations: Old Street (0.5 miles), Essex Road (0.7 miles), London Barbican (0.8 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Yep! thats Vince. Often served me recently and certainly knows his stuff! He also is very personable, treats everyone with a good deal of respect and gets to know you fast and has a lot of respect for the regulars. Keep it up. And in respect of recent reviews, the Wenlock is a PUB not a carpet showroom!
2 Sep 2008 18:23
I'm an irregular visitor to the Wenlock, maybe about once or twice a month. I can't say that I've noticed any decline in beer condition but then maybe I've been lucky. On the other hand, Dave the Cellar man has been absent on my last two visits so maybe some else is looking after the ales.

Bar staff are always fine when I visit, except for the surly Irish one who is O.K. if you're nice to her. A new lad of about 19 with floppy dark hair was serving when I was last in. He knew his beers too, surprising in one so young.
1 Sep 2008 23:24
Carpet ought to be replaced, but that's purely a cosmetic thing. Sorry to hear you have had a bad pint here as until recently such a thing's been very rare. While I will choose what ale to drink based on experience with the brewery, etc, I've seen one or two people have their beer chosen for them by the skinhead chappie who's just turned 18 by the looks of it. As I always ask for tasters this hasn't happened to me, but make sure you ask for one in future, your views on the Wenlock will improve forthwith!

Still 10/10 never mind the carpets
1 Sep 2008 14:13

The Garden Ladder, Harringay

picture of The Garden Ladder, Harringay

Address: 501 Green Lanes, Haringey, London, N4 1AL [map]
Phone: 020 8348 8553
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Nearest tube stations: Turnpike Lane (0.7 miles), Manor House (0.8 miles)


Nearest train stations: Harringay (0.4 miles), Harringay Green Lanes (0.4 miles), Hornsey (0.6 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Last comment I wrote was when I first moved to the area,now been around a while and I still think this is the best pub in the area,All staff are friendly and many of the locals have become friends.Also the new decking area out the back is a master-stroke, improving an already great smoking area. go there for a real full English and the open decks nights are back! see you there soon x
16 Jul 2008 19:31
Interan wrote: "it is apparent you find it highly offensive for me to explain to your good self (and anyone interested) why there is not a review section on the Garden Ladder web site".

Interan - I'm happy to hear your explanation
9 Jul 2008 18:07
And unfortunately I was trying to tell you about the 'cheek' of the web developer (me) for not adding the chance to review from the site. But you seem to have 'targeted' me, as you so eloquently put it. Nothing wrong with having friends, or even those that own licensed premises.

I shall not reply anymore, it is apparent you find it highly offensive for me to explain to your good self (and anyone interested) why there is not a review section on the Garden Ladder web site.

Take care.
7 Jul 2008 22:37

The Ranelagh, Bounds Green

picture of The Ranelagh, Bounds Green

Address: 82 Bounds Green Rd, Bowes Park, London, N11 2EU [map]
Phone: 020 8361 4238
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Nearest tube stations: Bounds Green (0.1 miles), Arnos Grove (0.7 miles)


Nearest train stations: Bowes Park (0.3 miles), Alexandra Palace (0.9 miles), New Southgate (0.9 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

a
All my bad reviews seem to have dissapeared. This is a crap pub. Why have my reviews gone ?
2 Aug 2008 04:38
Had the worst burger in here I've ever eaten. Overcooked, dry and generally vile. The salad was going rotten. I really should have complained.

The only other place in which I've eaten a worse burger is the Flask in Hampstead. Same owners, funnily enough!
24 Jul 2008 15:02
the last time we went in they had bbq in garden and my partner ordered the bbq chicken burger with salad which they forgot to tell the bbq man to cook and arrived 15min after my meal. the chicken had no seasoning or sauce, was poor quality meat and left half eaten for fear it might be a bit off. the 'salad' was a few leaves of iceburg and a bit of tomato. now considering that the bbq chicken burger cost a couple of quid more than the burger off the usual menu which also comes with nice fat chips and the same boring side salad, i think they are taking the piss. Also, the dirty glasses are washed in seconds using those bar level glass washers which make the beer taste of cleaning fluid.
11 Jul 2008 18:47

The King Charles I, Kings Cross

picture of The King Charles I, Kings Cross

Address: 55-57 Northdown Street, London, N1 9BL [map]
Phone: 020 7837 7758
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Nearest tube stations: King's Cross St. Pancras (0.2 miles), Angel (0.6 miles), Russell Square (0.7 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Kings Cross (0.2 miles), London Kings Cross - Thameslink (0.2 miles), London St Pancras (0.3 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Great little pub, best in Kings Cross by a long stretch. Run by two very friendly young chaps. Great jukebox, good selection of bottled lagers along with the excellent Westons Cider. 4 ale taps which are rotated constantly. Wish it were open earlier than 5 on weekends.
28 Jul 2008 13:18
Look, its fine to have a small dark pub with only students in and its even ok not to open till 5 on a Saturday....but its a basic to have at least one beer on and not run out of everything by 6.30pm!!!!!
27 Jul 2008 07:24
This has to be one of the most pleasant pubs to visit in the Kings Cross area. Good ale (Bateman's, Courage and Adnams were available last night), pleasant 'local' atmosphere and interesting decor.
Definitely worth a visit.
17 Jul 2008 11:52

The Griffin, Whetstone

picture of The Griffin, Whetstone

Address: 1262 High Road, London, N20 9HH [map]
Phone: 020 8445 1110
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Nearest tube station: Totteridge and Whetstone (0.2 miles)


Nearest train stations: Oakleigh Park (0.7 miles), New Barnet (1.4 miles), New Southgate (1.8 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

I went in here on Friday evening for the first time since it was a Scruffy Murphy's and was terrible in those days. After reading some good reviews on here I thought I would give it a try and I was surprised at how much better it is now completely changed now seems more roomy than before and with very good Ales in good condition. Only stayed for two Pints as it Was Packed with office staff being a early Friday evening so couldn't find a seat. I will try it again when I get time during the the weekdays but from first impressions I say well worth a visit.
31 Mar 2008 01:34
The Griffin is by far the best pub in N20. With my mates we spent many a drunken nights there and we were never dissappointed. We have had quite a lot of functions held there and it's always been a lot of fun. The garden there is fabulous and the smoking area's quite cosy too.
Recently we went there on a Sunday, with our hubbies and children and it was great too. Not only are they children-friendly (unlike most of the pubs on the High Road!) but also willing to do kids meals eventhough not on the menu.
We had a fab time and the food- as always- was simply exquisite. If you're up for a good time, few drinks and delicious fresh home-made grub then The Griffin is the place to go to.
26 Mar 2008 23:32
No doubts, the best pub on the High Road between The Elephant Inn and Red Lion (North Finchley - High Barnet, nice 3 pub crawl!) with very well kept Bombardier and Deuchars. Usually have live music on a Saturday which on the most recent was a solo guitar player/singer. Lovely food too, well worth a visit.
11 Feb 2008 10:33

The Oakdale Arms, Harringay

picture of The Oakdale Arms, Harringay

Address: 283 Hermitage Road, London, N4 1NP [map]
Phone: 020 8800 2013
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Nearest tube stations: Manor House (0.6 miles), Seven Sisters (0.7 miles)


Nearest train stations: Harringay Green Lanes (0.5 miles), Stamford Hill (0.6 miles), Seven Sisters (0.7 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Excellent once again on Friday night (01/02/08). One of the guest beers was a 3.6% IPA from a microbrewery - absolutely exquisite, and more-ish. Furthermore it was good to see Jupiter back on, alongside several other low-strength nevertheless high-flavour session ales available.

The jukebox is now fully illiminated once again so the practice of bringing candles and lighters up to it is now redundant.

I have to modify my commentary of 02/01/08 regarding the food shop on Seven Sisters Road - sadly it appears to have closed down (or at least be closed in the evenings), so visitors please ignore that paragraph and eat beforehand.

All the pub needs now is a few hooks to hang coats on, and for its loyal clientele to continue rewarding the team's efforts with continued regular custom.

Well done, Rob and the team.
4 Feb 2008 01:20
Stunning pub atmosphere due to Nell back behind the bar the other night we visited.

Good to see you in your rightful place as everyone misses you, customers and staff alike.

Sorry to hear you and rob split after being together over a year. * hugs * xx

The vacancy behind the bar is very obvious without you there.

If family resort to those tactics, well, .. , we're your family too. xx

Hope to see you soon, take care!
2 Feb 2008 23:33
Seven of the nine pumps were in use last night (Monday): mainly Milton beers (of course) but with one or two guest beers. It's a friendly local pub with its own style. I'll drop in again later this week.
15 Jan 2008 20:30

The Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park

picture of The Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park

Address: 19 Perth Road, London, N4 3HB [map]
Phone: 020 7272 5834
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Nearest tube stations: Finsbury Park (0.3 miles), Manor House (0.6 miles), Arsenal (0.8 miles)


Nearest train stations: Finsbury Park (0.3 miles), Crouch Hill (0.4 miles), Harringay (0.7 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

I live opposite the pub so go their a lot. Its a lively place, especially at the weekend or when London premiership clubs are playing, but the back area is usually big enough to accommodate people (gets a bit crammed when arsenal are playing).

Lots of seating in the 'sin bin' (back room).

Friendly crowd and bar staff. There isn't a duke box in the back room and its generally not that loud (except weekend nights when it can be a bit loud). If its not the weekend I'm sure they'd turn it down if you ask at the bar.

Its got a good reputation and people travel to get here, I've been asked a couple of times for directions to it.

Decent outdoor area.

Nice Thai food thats cheap.
15 Apr 2008 12:25
I have heard through the grapevine that this pub is closing down or being taken over. Is this true???
23 Feb 2008 13:41
Best pub in London.
Music is too loud in back room though or maybe i'm just old.
1 Feb 2008 23:48

The John Baird, Muswell Hill

picture of The John Baird, Muswell Hill

Address: 122, Fortis Green Rd, Muswell Hill, London, N10 3HN [map]
Phone: 020 8444 8830
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Nearest tube stations: East Finchley (0.9 miles), Highgate (0.9 miles)


Nearest train stations: Alexandra Palace (1.3 miles), Bowes Park (1.6 miles), Hornsey (1.8 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

This place is relaxed, friendly, clean and a real-ale drinker's paradise. Everything here feels well run and organised, including the delicious Thai kitchen. Well worth a visit.
10 May 2008 11:19
Fist visit to this place on Saturday night. We ate in the Black Orchid, Thai restaurant which is attached. Very nice food, reasonably priced and really good service. As for the pub, well it was having a West Country beer festival and the three I tried were very nice. Staff very freindly and efficient. all in all a really nice place to spend an evening.
28 Apr 2008 11:00
Nice but..............
When a customer points out a lack of toilet paper in the ladies...
Do something within minutes and don't ignore the problem
15 Mar 2008 22:34

The Woodbine, Highbury

picture of The Woodbine, Highbury

Address: 215 Blackstock Road, London, N5 2LL [map]
Phone: 020 7690 4530
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Nearest tube stations: Arsenal (0.4 miles), Finsbury Park (0.5 miles), Canonbury (0.8 miles)


Nearest train stations: Finsbury Park (0.5 miles), Drayton Park (0.7 miles), Canonbury (0.9 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

A genuinely very nice pub indeed. Went on a whim and will definitely be coming back. The atmosphere is really warm, the beer's fairly good and the little garden at the back is cosy.
12 May 2008 20:02
Cracking pub - Good beers, great jukebox, amusing crowd, but the bar staff are astonishingly surly. Add a drink to your order at your peril, the slightly beardy Irish chap will bite your head off!
But it's my favorite pub in the world, and wouldn't change anything about it.
4 May 2008 13:33
great little laid back pub with a nice crowd. Thai food good and reasonably priced as is the beer. I have visited this pub many times and cant fault it. the irish couple working there are always friendly and helpfull.
24 Oct 2007 16:42

The Compton Arms, Islington

picture of The Compton Arms, Islington

Address: 4, Compton Avenue, London, N1 2XD [map]
Phone: 020 7359 6883
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Nearest tube stations: Highbury and Islington (0.2 miles), Canonbury (0.6 miles), Holloway Road (0.8 miles)


Nearest train stations: Highbury & Islington (0.2 miles), Essex Road (0.4 miles), Caledonian Road & Barnsbury (0.5 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

A rather nice backstreet local which could be a million miles away from its location in Zone 2.

A fair range of beer (it's a Greedy King tied house) but I do recall them having a seasonal and a guest, which for GK pubs is always quite impressive. The beer was good, too.

Small and atmospheric inside, only sign of the 21st century was a TV with the football on.

Well worth seeking out if in the area.
25 Jun 2008 11:57
Lovely pub as all the reviews say but was quite dissappointed about the fact that I was told on the phone they showed both NL-Romania and Italy-France EUROS 2008 but once I got there they just showed IT-FR. It was not even technically possible for them to show two different games at the same time.

As the majority of my mates prefered to see IT-FR we decided to stay but as a Dutchy I was very disappointed to have dragged my mates here and not being able to see my men in orange.

As it won't happen that often that two games are played at the same time I doubt many people will experience the same, therefore I won't rate them for it as otherwise it seems a lovely tucked away pub.
19 Jun 2008 14:23
What an excellent little pub this is tucked away in the back streets. Went there pre-football and it was very pleasant. Still very acceptable 2 hours before kick off. Very well kept Old Hooky.
30 Jan 2008 15:02

The Salisbury, Harringay

picture of The Salisbury, Harringay

Address: 1, Grand Parade, Green Lanes, London, N4 1JX [map]
Phone: 020 8800 9617
See full pub details


Nearest tube stations: Turnpike Lane (0.7 miles), Manor House (0.8 miles)


Nearest train stations: Harringay (0.4 miles), Harringay Green Lanes (0.5 miles), Hornsey (0.6 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Note to JohnBonser....actually, the majority of people who drink in The Salisbury are not Turkish or Cypriots. That is the beauty of the place - it is a mish-mash of all ethnic communities and backgrounds.
You really should try to broaden your mind a little, and if you don't like the location or clientele, you should do as dalglish suggests and go drink in a pub somewhere within an "English Community".
12 May 2008 13:30
Usually a good night out at the weekend if there is a band or DJ on, but otherwise can lack atmosphere. The jukebox is great and the bar staff are friendly enough, if somewhat slow to serve.
The food is okay, from what I've tried, and not badly priced.
All-in-all, not a bad place, but as I mentioned before, can be a bit lifeless.
12 May 2008 13:26
The Salisbury is my local. The beer (Litovel etc) is good, the atmosphere's ok but the food isn't what it should be. A few years back, after the re-fit, it was great and I took a large party of European colleagues for dinner there one night which was sublime. The entertainment could be better, too - they need a consistent programme catering for a variety of tastes - but the building is fab. I echo the previous comments about slow and sometimes reluctant service from the bar staff.
12 May 2008 10:41

The Catcher in the Rye, Finchley

picture of The Catcher in the Rye, Finchley

Address: 317, Regents Park Rd, Finchley, London, N3 1DP [map]
Phone: 020 8343 4369
See full pub details


Nearest tube stations: Finchley Central (0.2 miles), West Finchley (0.8 miles), Mill Hill East (0.9 miles)


Nearest train stations: Hendon (2.4 miles), Mill Hill Broadway (2.6 miles), New Southgate (2.7 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Its always great to find a watering hole that is well run. The landlord obviously knows what he's doing. The staff are well trained and the food is excellent. Definatley recomended
8 May 2008 11:04
First time here and certainly won't be my last. Popped in after work for a bite to eat and stayed much longer than I should. Stunning decor and very clean. Excellent food and extensive wine list. Definatley reccomended
4 Mar 2008 11:46
Nice pub, as to the food, only ever had sandwiches here [Sausage and Red Onion] which were delicious.

Not expensive, but certainly not a Spoons!

Staff are good, last time I went there, lovely bloke served me, very friendly and approachable.

Toilets are nice and clean.

Good mix of clientele, Finchley's well heeled set, along with us more normal types.

Recommended.
28 Jan 2008 16:05

The Londesborough, Stoke Newington

picture of The Londesborough, Stoke Newington

Address: 36, Barbauld Rd, London, N16 0SS [map]
Phone: 020 7254 5865
See full pub details


Nearest tube stations: Dalston Kingsland (0.7 miles), Canonbury (0.9 miles)


Nearest train stations: Rectory Road (0.6 miles), Stoke Newington (0.7 miles), Dalston Kingsland (0.8 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Peanut73 (plus others) are correct - too many uncontrolled children. I've had kids under my table as I've tried to eat, while their oblivious parents natter away on the other side of the pub.

I've also seen more than one person nearly have an accident attempting to negotiate the groups of kids who sit unattended on the step in the middle of the pub. If one of the darlings got hurt in the process, their daddies QC would shut this place quicker than you could say Health and Safety.

I guess that chap stokenewingtonsurfclub was too busy thinking about his epilepsy inducing myspace page to notice this.

Ultimately, to get the best out of this place avoid weekends and stick to weekday evenings.
19 Mar 2008 01:26
Yes to chips!

No to selfish "Stokey" parents who want to get drunk with their mates while neglecting their obviously bored kids.
25 Jan 2008 17:55
Chips. CHIPS. Not Wedges. Chips. I think Monsieur Le Chef should take notice. Charge £100 a plate. I reckon people will probably pay.
25 Jan 2008 17:41

The Flying Scotsman, Caledonian Road

picture of The Flying Scotsman, Caledonian Road

Address: 4 Caledonian Road, London, N1 9DU [map]
See full pub details


Nearest tube stations: King's Cross St. Pancras (0.1 miles), Euston (0.6 miles), Russell Square (0.7 miles)


Nearest train stations: London Kings Cross (0.1 miles), London Kings Cross - Thameslink (0.1 miles), London St Pancras (0.2 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Shake your moneymaker baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaby,
When The Regent wants to take a walk on the wild side, this is the place I come to with my fellow lieg men. If you come here for the beer, you are sadly deluded, brother. Good old fashioned striptease, none of that Americanised pole/lap dancing which is about as erotic as the thought of Hilda Ogden decked out in Agent Provactuer lingerie, not a nice thought. The Flying Scotsman says want it does on the tin, keep up the good work. 5/10 for the pub 10/10 for the jack the rippers (strippers)
10 May 2008 17:27
Well, shit beer one side but go next door and wa-hey!!!
You see EVERYTHING although some girls are better than others(like life).
5 Apr 2008 01:41
Ah, the Flying Scotsman, a Kings Cross institution and long may it remain so, however much the area is developed and sanitised for the hoards of tourists everyone seems to be expecting to arrive on Eurostar. Every couple of years I check it out expecting to see it closed and whilst it always looks boarded up the door to London’s seedy side is always open. It’s a truly appalling pub of course but as so much of Kings Cross seems intent on rushing headlong into a brave new world the Flying Scotsman reminds us of it’s ignoble past.
20 Jan 2008 18:10

The Elephant Inn, North Finchley

picture of The Elephant Inn, North Finchley

Address: 283, Ballard's Lane, London, N12 8NR [map]
Phone: 020 8343 6110
See full pub details


Nearest tube stations: West Finchley (0.4 miles), Woodside Park (0.6 miles)


Nearest train stations: New Southgate (1.7 miles), Oakleigh Park (2.1 miles), Bowes Park (2.8 miles)


Reviews by BITE users:

Best pub in the area and well worth travelling to - I should know, I moved in round the corner!
11 Feb 2008 10:24
PLEASE DO NOT PHONE THE TELEPHONE NUMBER LISTED ON THIS WEBSITE FOR THE ELEPHANT INN. IT IS AN OLD SITE, AND THE NUMBER NOW GOES THROUGH TO A PRIVATE HOUSE. WE ARE BEING INUNDATED WITH CALLS FOR THIS PUB.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE STOP USING THIS NUMBER!!!!!!!!
4 Feb 2008 19:43
Ideal if you like a quiet pint or two and Fuller's ales kept in top condition.
2 Jan 2008 23:11

More information

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