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 Lauren Cole
Last updated on 30th October 2024
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 Stag in Hampstead offers a beautiful beer garden for summer nights with private heated Cabanas for when the temperatures drop. Should you choose to stop by, expect an ample menu of 24 beers on tap, with plenty more in the fridge, alongside a menu of seasonal pub food.
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.
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.
A laid-back Irish boozer in Islington, Homeboy blends modern industrial chic interiors with a soundtrack of RnB, innovative cocktails and simple yet effective pub grub, including their stunning Irish roasts on Sundays. The result? A top neighbourhood pub that's certainly one of North London's finest.
With a relaxed pub ambience by day and an up-tempo feel with vinyl DJs until late Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Lock Inn Camden is a versatile venue whatever you need. Enjoy bottomless Sunday roasts, sink a few pints of their own brewed craft lager, or take in the party vibes until the early hours.
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.
One of the best pubs in North London, The Duchess of Kent is serving up delicious grub on its seasonal menu while also delivering on top-notch beer and cocktails. Want to sit outside? Score a seat on their street area for a view of the city.
For pubs in Highgate, North London, The Wrestlers is a top choice thanks to its history and traditional elements. Having stood on the same site since 1547, you can expect the original fireplace, wood-panelled walls and stained glass windows to look at while you sip real ales.
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.
Looking for a pub in Kentish Town? Make your way over to Vine. Inside, you'll find charming, contemporary interiors alongside shuffleboard tables, plus this venue boasts a sprawling alfresco space to enjoy Sunday roasts, pub grub and tipples.
If you're looking for a traditional pub in Finsbury Park, you'll certainly want to check out dog-friendly boozer The World's End. While surrounded by ornate ceilings, leather booths and live sports screens, get stuck into roast dinners or wild mushroom arancini and listen to live music.
Located in Carpenter's Mews, The Depot is a stunning North London pub bursting with personality. At the heart of the boozer is a grand, vintage bar offering a wide range of tipples. Their menu features tasty pizzas as well as everchanging dishes in the form of small plates, burgers and more.
Come on down to the Elephant Inn and revel in great beer, traditional Thai food, and a friendly atmosphere. Their sports bar, with live music on Fridays and an open pool table, is unrivalled in the Finchley area and guarantees a warm welcome for all visitors - including your four-legged friends.
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.
Located on Kentish Town Road, this unique boozer offers some of the best music nights in North London. Fronting ska, reggae, vintage rockabilly and electronica events, this is more than just a place to sink a few pints - though it is very good for that too.
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.
If you're on the hunt for the best pubs in North London, then Ranelagh Bowes Park should be on your list. From the top-notch drinks behind the bar, to its pub grub, range of events and opportunities to catch live sport, you can't go wrong here.
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.
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.
The Arnos Arms is a gorgeous pub found just a short skip and hop away from Arnos Grove Station. The country-style boozer offers a tasty menu of hearty classics, with two beer gardens boasting plenty of space for outdoor drinking and dining.
Harrow pub The Junction is the ideal place for lovers of sports and live music, thanks to a choice of the impressive outdoor space with huge screens, indoor TVs and a roster of musicians. Better yet, cocktails and ice-cold craft beers will accompany.
The Racketeer is a top Kings Cross haunt putting a modern twist on the idea of the classic London pub. Shrugging off the aesthetic of a classic beer-laced boozer, it instead opts for a slick cocktail-focused menu with bold interiors to match.
A mainstay in Primrose Hill, The Princess of Wales has earned its reputation by providing top-notch gastro dining, an excellent menu of booze and a laid-back vibe that's hard to beat. Tie that together with their regular event calendar and you'll see why it's a guaranteed winner.
Wolfpack is a cool West Hampstead pub where cocktails, their own craft beer, smash burgers and the best chicken wings around await. Not only that, but there's music and TVs to catch the live sport too, so you can make a night of it whether it's mid-week or the weekend.
If you're on the hunt for a traditional North London boozer, The Lansdowne is an unmissable Camden haunt. Toting an old school feel, the venue features a blackboard menu which brings together Mediterranean and British influences, while keeping the classic Sunday roast (of course).
One of the best pubs in North London, this Kentish Town favourite is a must whether you're looking for a few pints or a full-fledged night out. Offering an impressive lineup of beers, wines and spirits, it's a top spot for hangouts with friends.
Nestled in Camden Town, and just a short stroll from Regents Park, Spread Eagle is a neighbourhood nook offering colourful and homely interiors. One inside, you can chow down on a menu of classic British pub grub at one of the frequent dinner and drink events.
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.
If you're searching for a top-notch North London boozer, The Adam and Eve is a firm choice. Located on The Ridgeway, this haunt not only offers gorgeous interiors and a Victorian-walled garden, but they also have a mouthwatering menu to boot.
Located moments away from Wood Green Station, Nags Head is a great pub for cheap drinks. Enjoy getting stuck into delicious bar snacks and freshly pulled pints while playing a few rounds of pool with your mates or soaking up the sun outside.
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.
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.
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.
On the hunt for a West London boozer? The Lion & Unicorn is a great option. Grab a street-side table or head out to the green pub garden for alfresco dining. If it's a little chilly, make your way inside for sports showings, hearty eats and plenty of bevvies on tap.
Looking for a top-notch pub in North London. Then make your way to The Canonbury, just a short distance from the station, you can enjoy great food and drink while soaking up the chilled atmosphere.
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.
For a pub in Tottenham, look no further than Ferry Boat, which is perched right on the river. Think a huge heated beer garden featuring garden games and more, alongside hearty pub grub and award-winning ales.
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.
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.
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.
Paradise By Way of Kensal Green is one of North London's best pubs for its quirky vibe and eclectic selection of regular events. Furthermore, the kitchen prides itself on creating bottomless brunches, sumptuous Sunday roasts and delicious dinner offerings to boot.
If you're on the hunt for pubs in West Hampstead, The Black Lion is a real winner. Flaunting roasted porchetta, chicken cobb salads and other comfort eats, the venue also has pints aplenty and cheap cocktails. Plus, its outdoor area is gorge during the summer months.
If you're searching for the best places to drink in North London, then be sure to check out The Beehive, a cool pub in Tottenham. As well as housing a range of locally-brewed beers, it also has an epic beer garden, pool tables and darts boards.
If you're looking for the best pubs in North London, there's no way you can miss out on The Camden Head. This historic haunt will keep you coming back with its packed event schedule, filled with stand-up comedy, live music and food from resident burger slingers Smoke 'n' Buns.
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.
Housed in the heart of Kentish Town, The Bull & Gate is a diverse combination of spaces, bringing together gastro dining, decadent drinking and a Mad Hatters tea party aesthetic all into one grand space. If you're looking for a pub with extra charm, this is a great option.
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.
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.
For pubs in Finsbury Park, The Brownswood is one of our favourites. Housed with a beautiful Victorian building and fronting a lovely beer garden to boot, this place has been lovingly restored to a modern look, while still retaining two real fireplaces and huge curved windows.
Islington pub The Horatia is a top pick of places to drink on the northern side of our capital city. Not only can you expect a rustic look complete with old paintings, but also Friday and Saturday night vinyl sessions, and food from Little Bao Boy.
Inspired by two of North London's most famous authors, The Owl and Hitchhiker prides itself on creativity and quirkiness. From the wall murals to futuristic contraptions lining the bar, the Islington boozer offers a unique experience while chowing down on a menu of booze and burgers.
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.
North London pub The Star of Kings is here for all your drinking and dining needs in the capital. With Cheeky Burger dishing up the mouthwatering patties and the bar serving affordable drinks, plus an outdoor beer terrace to enjoy in summer, you can't go wrong here.
The Lord Palmerston is one of the best pubs in Tufnell Park. While offering traditional boozer vibes, this place also has a contemporary edge, with quirky decor and a delicious menu of pub grub to boot. To wash it down? Choose from real ales, flavoured gins and spicy red wines.
In Camden, we recommend making your way to The Bucks Head for some delicious pints, a rooftop terrace and a buzzing atmosphere. If that wasn't enough, there's plenty of lip-smacking pub grub and classic brunch dishes.
The Whittington Stone is a Highgate pub that's delving out American-inspired classics alongside traditional British grub. Not only that, but there are colourful and cosy interiors with screens for live sport throughout, alongside a quaint patio beer garden.
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.
Wondering where to drink in East Finchley? The Old White Lion comes to mind. Not only is this traditional British pub home to comedy and quiz nights, but it also boasts a sprawling garden that's ideal for sunny sipping. And to fill your tum, there's a fab menu of comfort food on offer.
Places to drink in Islington rarely come as comforting as The Brougham. Boasting white brick walls and velvet armchairs, it's the perfect place to get stuck into Sunday roasts, British classics and a long list of tasty tipples, from cocktails to craft beers.
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.
