Best Pubs in North London

North London is always buzzing, as its vast collection of pubs prove. From quirky Camden haunts to bold and beautiful boozers in Angel, Homerton hideaways providing the finest in vegan dining to live shows in Kensal Green, this area is never one to disappoint. Expect unbeatable atmospheres, hearty pub grub, cocktails and creative craft brews as you explore our guide to the best pubs in North London.

Last edited by Scarlett Welch

Last updated on 4th October 2024




The Three Johns

Tucked away on Islington's White Lion Street, The Three Johns is a cosy, wood-panelled pub known for its impressive variety of pale ales and delicious sourdough pizza. Take your pick from an eclectic range of draft beers like Lagunitas IPA or Austria's Schremser Roggenbier, with 14 options on tap, or explore the extensive selection of 72 bottled brews. When it comes to food, treat yourself to a mouthwatering thin-crust pizza with a a refreshing salad on the side, featuring radish, celeriac, watercress, and pecorino in a zesty dill dressing.

The Regent

One of the best pubs near Upper Street, The Regent is a North London gem that front tasty food, a great line-up of craft beers and some excellent live events. If you're looking to get your sip on with a side order of comedy or quizzing, this might just be the place for you.

The Victoria Stakes

Kids eat for free

The Victoria Stakes is situated at the bottom of Muswell Hill in Crouch End, just over the road from Alexandra Park. This is an old-fashioned, peaceful pub that dates back over 100 years, formerly a coach house and stables. Today, you can still find traditional brickwork, wooden beams and a pretty courtyard outside, as well as a scrumptious menu that includes everything from half native lobster to chicken and chestnut mushroom pie or Angus beef carpaccio.

The Fox At Crouch End

Mother's day

With contemporary interiors that include dark walls, hanging plants and an exposed wooden bar, The Fox At Crouch End is a welcoming pub with a great selection of lagers and craft beers to choose from. Whether you're coming for a bottomless brunch, their weekly quiz night or just a laidback meal with friends, you can tuck into everything from braised ox cheek in a red wine jus to a spinach gnocchi with arrabiatta sauce.

The Highbury Barn Tavern

An Arsenal FC pub up near the Emirates, The Highbury Barn Tavern is always bolstering loyal support for the team throughout live screenings, while also making sure you're well fed with gastro-style grub. Think roast dinners, pork and cider pies, and brisket burgers - plus a choice of roaring fires or a beer garden dependent on the weather.

The World's End

A legendary spot serving up live music since 1667, The World's End is an iconic North London landmark that attracts an eclectic mix of people, reflecting the nature of Camden itself. A must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the city's unique alternative pub scene and live music culture, this boozer serves epic brews across two bars, a mezzanine balcony seating area, and the best atmosphere you'll find in the city.

Rose & Crown

This North London pub is quite the looker, boasting bay windows, a real log fire, wooden panelling and many other original features across its Grade II listed building. If that wasn't enough to convince you, then check out the lineup of Sunday roasts and juicy burgers, which are paired with real ales or great wine.

The Edinboro Castle

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When being in North London takes you around Camden way, The Edinboro Castle is the place to head. Found nestled between the markets and Regent's Park, this pub has you covered whatever the weather; from a cool space inside complete with skylights, fireplaces and colourful walls to an outdoor pub garden that's the envy of all others. Better yet, they've got all your favourite pub classics like steak, sausage and mash, pies, and fish and chips.

The Angelic, Islington

You can always rely on The Angelic in Islington if you're on the hunt for North London drinking dens. Step inside this cosy boozer which is adorned with dark wood features and large windows for some hearty eats. Think gyozas, Sunday roasts or burgers. Yum.

Flask

A historic joint with roots dating way back, The Flask is one of Highgate's oldest and coolest hangouts, having big-shot writers, playwrights, and rockstars waltzing through its doors for centuries. A beer lovers paradise, they've got Fuller's ales and a rotating selection of guest brews. So, swing by for a brew and maybe a pie, and soak in this boozer's historic vibes.

The Westbury

After a Wood Green pub? The Westbury is a contemporary pub offering up interiors of exposed brick walls and local artwork, while its heated terrace is perfect for alfresco drinks come rain or shine. Better yet, there's a quiz night and monthly DJ.

Signal Box

You'll find Signal Box in the heart of Euston Station offering commuters a welcoming break from the chaos of the city. It features modern, charming decor in the form of white tiled walls, plenty of booths and golden light fixtures. As well as showing the latest sports fixtures, it also whips up some delicious food in the form of king prawn linguine, beer-battered haddock alongside chips and an all-day breakfast.

Salisbury Arms

Sunday Roast and 4 other offers

Situated close to Grovelands Park, The Salisbury Arms is surely a North London staple. Not only does this cosy boozer boast beautiful Victorian features combined with modern additions, but also a sun-drenched beer garden and regular quiz nights. And if you get thirsty? There's a broad range of craft brews, cask ales and wines, pairing nicely with their scrumptious meat or plant-based burgers and Sunday roasts.

Crown

Looking for a new Islington local? Those of you around these parts won't want to miss Crown on Cloudesley Road - a Fuller's pub with a traditional look, plus a lovely little garden for sunning yourself and a menu of British food with a gastro leaning to boot. Think washing down slow-braised beef short rib and truffle croquettes, pan-roasted gnocchi and sea bass fillet with the finest wines or ales. Plus, the Sunday roasts are worth a look too.

The Old Bell Kilburn

A Kilburn mainstay, The Old Bell is as traditional as they come - with all the modern elements of a sports pub blended in. Expect to enjoy screenings of live games across projectors and TVs showing Sky or TNT, alongside everything from wings, BBQ mac 'n' cheese burgers or a classic tikka masala to accompany.

The Black Lion

If you're on the hunt for one of the best North London pubs, then head along to The Black Lion. Located just a stone's throw from Brondesbury and Kilburn stations, this best-loved boozer is a great spot for mouthwatering Indian food or laidback vibes.

Great Northern Railway Tavern

🃏 Kid's Table Every Sunday 🃏 and 1 other offer

A Grade II-listed gin palace dripping with lavish original features, like exquisitely etched mirror glass and elaborate Art Nouveau metalwork, Great Northern Railway Tavern on High Street is a 19th-century pub and the home of delicious grub and beer. From Tiny Rebel to Siren and SeaCider, they've also got a wide range of unique indie beers and ciders on offer; plus, they make their own infused gins with goodies like peach and peppercorn. Head over for a spot of roasted Romsey pork chop, and don't forget to return for plenty of live music and pub quizzes.

Three Compasses

Nestled in the heart of Hornsey ids a beloved boozer that oozes old school charm. Serving up a menu of delicious British eats with a plethora of craft ales behind the bar, and against a backdrop of cosy furnishings, there's no wonder why it's one of North London's top spots. 

The Bohemia

Quiz Night every Tuesday! and 4 other offers

You'll find The Bohemia tucked away in the heart of North Finchley sporting industrial-style ceilings with low-hanging silver spotlights and dark green furnishings. It's the ideal spot to enjoy a fresh pint as its beer is brewed onsite and poured fresh from tank to glass. Among the flagship Upright and the pale lager Rhapsody, you can expect a fantastic selection of guest brews and ciders, as well as classic cocktails and wine. 

Famous Cock Tavern, Islington

Highbury & Islington mainstay Famous Cock Tavern is ideal for anyone looking for a fuss-free visit to their local boozer, a quick pint after work, or a round of drinks with friends before heading to watch Arsenal at the Emirates. Found just seven steps from the station, this conveniently placed pub has an award-winning food menu, plus all your favourite pints stocked behind the bar and an extensive wine list too.

Horseshoe

Situated in Hampstead, right next to the tube station, Horseshoe is a traditional pub that specialises in top-quality beer and an extensive collection of wines. Relax in their welcoming, cosy space that's full of comfy leather booths and simple wooden furnishings. While you're sipping your pint, why not sample their carefully curated menu too? Dishes change seasonally, including the likes of avocado crab burgers, dry-aged ribeye steaks and pan-fried seabass, with sumptuous Sunday roasts up for grabs too.

The Victoria Tottenham

Happy Hour £4 Pints

If you're after a traditional boozer with a welcoming atmosphere, then head to The Victoria in Tottenham. This friendly, cosy space offers a cracking selection of craft beer, wine and spirits, and you can even order Yard Sale Pizza straight to the venue.

They host a brilliant quiz night on Wednesdays, but that's not all the entertainment on offer. There's a jukebox, a pool table and screens showing live sport to boot.

Birdcage Stoke Newington

Check out Birdcage Stoke Newington, a cool and airy pub near Stoke Newington train station. Built in 1752, this stunning spot boasts high ceilings, tall windows, and a marble central bar and hanging plants, making it the perfect place to grab exceptional craft beer, classic pub grub, and great cocktails. Whether you're into hearty monster burgers or traditional pub classics with a twist, their chefs are dedicated to making every bite a delight.

The Island

The Island in Kensal Rise is a treasure trove for great vibes and delicious grub. This top-notch British gastropub is all about fresh, locally sourced eats and a boozy lineup of ales and wines from near and far. And if you're not feeling the alcohol, they've got a boatload of booze-free options, like kombucha and non-alcoholic beers.

The Spread Eagle

They're London's first 100% vegan pub with an old-school neighbourhood feel that's hard to come by. Head over to The Spread Eagle in Homerton and you'll get to sip on vegan brews while chomping on Club Mexicana's enticing food offerings.