please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Some ringers on here. Must be hard work for the landlord thinking up all those different usernames.
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I was amazed at the progress this bar has made in just a short while. The staff and management make you feel right at home and are very welcoming. The food offering is on a par with any decent gastro pub north of the river. The fit out is pretty amazing, an incredible turn around from the magnolia covered walls of old. My family and I went there for the football last saturday and the atmosphere of old is still there, thankfully, but the fine dining offering in the back area allowed the family to relax and eat before we went to the stadium. Well worth a visit if you enjoy a nice cold one in good surroundings.
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I had a wonderful lunch there on Saturday 17th August which was the opening day of the football season and the atmosphere was vibrant and the food excellent.
I later found out that the head chef has spent time with some of the most renowned three star Michelin chefs this country has seen and that he spent a good 7 or 8 years perfectling his trade in a private members club, no surprise there as to why this match day menu works perfectly!
The timing on the service was faultless and the waiting staff excellent, they are efficient, know to ask the right questions when taking the order and work well as a team. The food exited the kitchen in a timely manner and it felt like the perfect short pause between placing the orders, receiving the drinks and then the starter and then between the starter and main course, this was brilliant coordination between the kitchen and the front of house and credit is due to the manager for getting this right.
The place is brilliant, I can't see a rival to it anywhere in the area. The fit out is excellent and it works perfectly as a restaurant and a pub. It's the perfect local gastro pub.
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The pub is one of a few competing for upmarket trade in Highbury, but it performs very badly indeed. The manager, a guy called Tony managed to get into no less than two fights with two separate parties of customers during the evening I went. An odd looking fellow, the manager interacts awkwardly with his customers and a little disturbingly with his female staff.
The owners bought the pub from Punch a few years ago and have done their best, but their best is not enough and an expensive pint does not a Gastropub make. I have lived in the area for many years and prefer the pubs in Highbury Corner to this poor excuse for a local. Locals are supposed to have locals in it, that's why they're called locals, but the manager of the Highbury Barn has done all he can to rid the place of locals, preferring punters out for a night wanting to eat food. He can also rely on the football match day trade which will come whatever the service. The outcome is a pub without personality.
What are the good points? It’s generally clean and tidy and a new makeover gives a fresh feel to what was a stale décor. The outside seating is perfect in summer, but obviously not good in winter and the owners are too tight to turn the heating on when it’s cold. In winter you’ll see everyone sitting round wearing coats. Hardly the cosy atmosphere of a home from home. The ales are badly stored and the lagers too warm to want, but a drink is what you’ll need if you end up here.
In many respects the Highbury barn lives up to its intention, to serve food and avoid being a pub in the true sense. In a location like Highbury, with a huge selection of quality restaurants on Upper Street the food needs to be fantastic, but it’s just average. Where does the Barn go from here, it’s not a pub and not a restaurant. A change of manager with an ability to get on with people would be a welcome start.
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I happened to go to this pub a month ago for an old work's reunion that had been organised there and I have to say what a great time I had!! It was a Friday evening and when I got there at about 7.30 there was already a bit of a buzzing atmosphere going on and a nice little crowd in there (apart from my old work colleagues). The manager had kindly reserved an area for us near the end bar at the front of the pub so that people who were walking in and trying to find us all could find us easily. The bar staff were excellent and I never had to wait at the bar (like some pubs you go to trying to get served). There was a good quality selection of beers on tap and bottle, the Savignon Blanc is perfection and then when the buffet came out at 9 that had been arranged for us - well we were, staggered by the generous amount and lovely quality of finger foods, canopes, sandwiches etc. Vegetarians amongst my group weren't left out either. All in all, a lovely evening was had - my friends all said they'd definitely put the Highbury Barn on their pub radar from now on too!!
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I have lived in Highbury for 10 years and over the last while I have been hearing the Highbury Barn mentioned more and more . I decided to go down with my wife and family to check it out and what an amazing surprise. It was a place that years ago I would not have dreamt of going into as it was very rough and tumble. The staff were super friendly and the drink offering was plentyful and very well looked after. After this great start we decided to park up and try the food. It was great to see that the pub sources all its food localy and the meat comes from Godfreys accross the road, our family butcher for many years. I had the steak and my wife had a pie. They were amazing and the price was just right. I could not reccomend a better place to eat and drink. Hats off to the staff and the managment. We love the place and we will be back very soon.
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The Highbury Barn Tavern has no personality. The food, décor and service is uninviting and the beer flat and stale. It was bought in 2010 and had three changes of management in as many years and the latest incarnation is hardly an improvement. For better Pubs in Highbury Barn try The Alwyne Castle or The Woodbine.
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HAVE JUST LEFT THE HIGHBURY BARN TONIGHT, MY FRIENDS INVITED ME TO TRY THERE MENU AND WHAT A GREAT SURPRISE. HAD CARROT AND CHILLI SOUP TO START AND IT WAS SO NICE. I THEN HAD CHICKEN AND LEEK PIES WITH MASH POTATOES AND GREEN BEANS. WELL WHAT CAN I SAY THE PIE WAS OUTSTANDING, THE PASTRY WAS COOKED JUST RIGHT WITH A GOOD MIX OF HERBS ONLY PROBLEM I HAD WAS MY PARTNER EAT HALF OF IT BUT WOULD NOT SHARE HIS RIB EYE STEAK WITH ME.
IFOUND THE STAFF VERY HELPFULL AND PLEASENT AND ONE OF THEM (ANNIE) RECOMMENDED I TRY ONE OF THERE REAL ALES IN A BOTTLE, I WAS TAKEN BACK THAT THEY HAVE A CHOICE OF OVER 16 ALES FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY AND WENT FOR ONE FROM SOMMERSET WHICH WAS VERY GOOD ON THE TASTE BUDS.
WILL I GO BACK , I BOOKED FOR SUNDAY LUNCH AND NOW WILL TELL ALL MY FRIENDS TO GO THERE AND ENJOY IT AS MUCH AS I HAVE.
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I came here with friends on Saturday night for the first time. I have to say I really enjoyed it. The staff were friendly and approachable, the Guinness was good (approx �3.65ish a pint) and we all sat down and had a good catch up! I have to say though I would not class this as a "comfy" pub. It is very bright in here and as such it did not have the same ambience as some other pubs I have been in around the area. BUT, overall a good place to be :)
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This Pub is fantastic, the food is excellent, the staff very friendly the real ales are kept to perfection! Highbury has finally got a well needed GREAT "food" pub
THANK YOU
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Have to say been in several times over last six months and always found staff and management to be pleasant, happy to serve you and chat. Food good and decent price. Some people may be unhappy because an old style boozer pre football is what they want but this caters for everyone.
celt7 - 12 Apr 2011 16:49 |
Reading one of these recent reviews, it was so apparent that it was written by a spurned member of staff or someone trying to be malicious. This pub is everything a local should be these days, and I find it laughable when I read comments like that. It needs to be removed, as even though it won't damage their reputation with the regulars, sadly, people who don't know the place may judge it on absolute nonsense like this.
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Completely disagree with the below review - think it's a bit exagerated and far fetched. In my opinion, staff are absolutely fantastic, very polite and friendly, and completely approachable.
Food in the pub is great and their is now a fab selection of wines on the wine menu.
Would definately recommend The Highbury Barn - it's a lovely place to be.
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I recently visited the pub, it definitely looks better since to the redecoration!!
However the staff is questionable, two males that I saw working there, were very grumpy, one old man in particular was a horrible man, I'm not one for accusations, however I noticed him pocketing some of the money I handed over to pay for my food and drinks.
I walked over to the managers to tell them, when i noticed they were midbitch about this man being a thief anyway - why he was still there I will never know. so i walked away and left them to it, they were also very unapprochable, the male manager in particular.
I walked past them sitting around on a later occasion, on my way to the toilet. when I overheard the female manager snapping at a young female bar staff. I found this very rude an unprofessional! The managers were clearly stressed and unhappy to be there. It had rubbed off on the staff and it was definitely rubbing off on me. The food was decent. However the atmosphere the managers and a couple of the staff projected will definitely mean I won't be returning! I have told all the locals I know already. But I definitely wish I had been warned before my trip down there.
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I've been coming here for more years than I care to remember, but recently it was the first visit in 3 years because it had simply lost its appeal. Well, it's got it back. Decent food on the menu again - good value for money - friendly staff who actually look happy to be there and they've finally got a proper wine list and some decent guest Ales. Took the kids for Sunday lunch - was a good as my own and that takes some doing!
Now, this is what I call a local pub!
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Since new management has gone into the pub, it has transformed. It is now a very friendly environment to be in and the pub holds a great atmosphere. The food is absolutely lovely. I would definatly recommend The Highbury Barn and overall, it is a lovely pub to be in. Friendly to all.
nolam - 16 Nov 2010 10:45 |
As the Barn is only 3 minutes walk from my house I regularly drop into the Highbury Barn Pub for a quick beer. But I won't go again. Not a single member of their staff knows how to smile and if that were not enough they are actually rude. I was there 10 minutes ago, asked for the pub lunch and a Lemon, Lime and Bitters. I was told 'we don't do bitters' in the most dismissive voice you can imagine. I said 'really ? no bitters?' and he replied 'na' as if he was now quite proud of himself. No alternative offered. No regret. No smile. I cancelled my order and left. No issue that that pub chooses not to stock bitters, but that they choose to employ only rude staff is hard to understand. I suspect they think their job description is - pour drink, take money. And that I guess they are able to do. But they won't take my money.
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Ignore my previous post...this place has gone to the dogs.
Went yesterday to meet some mates before the game. Told all ales were off...then told there were no bottled ales. When I said, "So, no ales then" the charmless barman said, "Yeah - that's what I said." When I said I might as well go, he added, "Yeah, go on off you go!"
Add to this the two idiots on the doors who both questioned whether I was an Arsenal fan, despite me wearing a 1979 top WITH A F***ING CANNON ON IT!!!! One of them told me to cover it up!
So I took my money to the Bank of Friendsip instead.
Utter, utter s**t.
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This used to be a dedcent pub, until the owners decided to "gastrofy" the place.
What was once a top Arsenal pub, it has really drifted off into mid-table.
Prior to home games they remove the furniture in the front part of the bar to cram more drinkers in.
Also, when I went in before a game on a hot day last season, the heating was on! Another ruse to try and get you to drink more and faster.
These people must think customer's heads are buttoned up at the back.
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The best pre-match pub, though it would benefit from a wider range of beers. Food isn't bad.
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Extremely friendly staff and nice comfortable decor. I didn't go here pre-refurbishment, but it's a nice pub now. Choice of two ales and Bombadier
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This pub is great if you're a gooner. It has just been refurbished, and I will be going there this evening to watch the football and see if it has made a difference. There can sometimes be some "characters" in there, but what "normal" boozer doesn't have this! My only complaint (which I hope has been sorted out) is that the sound on the TV�s is interrupted every time someone's food order is ready. Not good when you're into the latter stages of the Champions League!
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Bloody 'orrible pub - beer was awful, bar was hot & smelly, video screen had patchy marks all through it, toilets were like Dante's Inferno, and the place was full of extras from Shaun of the Dead. I walked around past the dartboard and one bloke started barking at me.
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Pleasant enough pub for a quick pint. Not really a place to hang out for a long time. A bit pedestrian and not very comfortable. Quite a number of the regulars are from the local council estate, it appears.
But the staff must have changed since the summer as I've had nothing but good friendly service when I've stopped by for a Bombadier. Big sofas in the back room to watch big screen sport events. Haven't tried the pizza but the ones I've seen served near me look pretty good.
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Clueless staff, horrible burned pizza, dirty toilets... but the manager was so nice that I'll come back. Congratulations, he was telling us he's wife had a baby son...
anonymous - 23 Jun 2005 13:16 |
not a nice place at all... the staff is really loud and unpleasant... food takes forever and the assistant (Maggie) doesn't have a clue how to deal with a complaint... and most part of people who complain about something is because are not happy about the service, or the product, it's nothing personnal!Wont be coming back...
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Nice looking pub - spacious and friendly staff. Well worth a visit, especially if you are a Gooner.
Starbuck - 11 Nov 2004 08:43 |
I go there before most Arsenal matches. The Adnams Broadside is very good, it's just a shame that we can't be trusted with it being served in a glass as opposed to plastic. Spoils a decent pint and none of the other local pubs feel a need to do that.
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excellent venue before and after footie, quick service amazing how easy it is to get a drink when busy, the staff are always smilling and improve your mood even after a bad result. I live near by and often pop in for food which is of the best quality and very large. Top pub now with new manager firmly ensconced and having sorted out the previous problems.9 out of 10
Ian - 28 Jan 2004 12:49 |
The refurb and the new manager has brought me back to this pub. Great on footie days, great pizzas and some very attractive staff. Pity about the Arsenal fans really...
Dave - 20 Nov 2003 13:06 |
A great local, with nice mix of regulars, students and the rest.. Food is great... sunday lunches..mmmmm....! Oh yeah, the staff are lovely too....
Liz - 18 Nov 2003 10:12 |
Well run Gunners drinking den, food is pretty good and so are the staff.
Tom - 10 Nov 2003 22:05 |
There seems to be a transformation. The new landlord is very professional. Seems to know his job. Treats the customers very well. As do his staff. A well run ship.
zak - 7 Nov 2003 12:39 |
What a difference since the new manager took over. Great beer, great service & the food's not bad either! Will definitely be my local from now on.
anonymous - 7 Nov 2003 09:42 |
Has taken on a new lease of life since new mgr started. One of the few pubs where you can actually gat served on a match day. It seems that they have realised that putting good staff behind the bar means you'll get served quicker. All in all a great experience (match day or not).
Mike - 6 Nov 2003 23:35 |
Mustard since this new guy took over can't wait till Nov.8th 'Come on you Gunners!'
Batman - 30 Oct 2003 09:45 |
Hey guess what, new manager! Has improved greatly since last visit during last season, you can even get a beer quickly now. Have made a note of wanting to come here on a non match day. Quite fancy the pizzas.
anonymous - 29 Sep 2003 16:44 |
Mark has it spot on. This pub appears to have no landlord and is run by a very rude gang of bouncers who's main objective is to be on their way home by 11.05. One of their favourite techniques is to pull the table away from you and your friends while you are still drinking up. Nice
ade - 8 May 2003 15:07 |
Warning- The pub has very aggressive bouncers that will try to get you out of the pub from 11.00 onwards. They have no concept of 'drinking up' time. The are completly graceless and rude. Other than that the pub is ideal for people if you like the ambience of a cross channel ferry. It is a pub that makes the thought of hanging around Finsbury Park station, wearing carpet slippers and drinking cans of Tennants Extra seem like an attractive alternative.
Mark Azzopardi - 8 May 2003 14:18 |
It's rubbish. They try to get you out at 11.05 having just served you. No wonder it's empty. And we shouls know; we're locals
anonymous - 8 May 2003 13:43 |
Staring work there today...hope to see a few of you in there... it is a match day after all !!
Wendy - 7 May 2003 13:17 |
Yeah and it's one of the few pubs in the area that's got some life in it on non match days.
John - 4 Apr 2003 11:28 |
Awesome pub especially on match days, just been refitted and theres a kebab shop opposite, what else could you ask for?
Haydes - 15 Jan 2003 17:30 |
