Looking for a top pint or a cheeky cocktail after hopping off at Hatch End Overground? You’re in luck! Hatch End’s cosy cluster of bars and pubs delivers everything from no‑frills locals to stylish gastro spots. Whether you’re after a garden‑backed Wetherspoon, a real‑ale gem or a posh lounge with modern British bites, there’s something to suit your mood. Here’s your whistle‑stop intro to the best boozers near the station — cheers to local loving!
The Three Wishes
Address: 32 Bridge Street, Pinner, HA5 3JF
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled on Bridge Street in the heart of Pinner, the pub occupies a clearly visible corner spot in a converted former bank building, just a short stroll from Pinner station and local bus routes.
- What’s the Vibe? Expect a warm, welcoming feel with an industrial‐rustic interior: mixed corrugated‐metal ceilings, brick‑effect wallpapers, vintage breweriana on the walls and a cosy raised seating area at the rear. TVs show sports, and the mix of regulars, quiz nights and friendly staff adds a lively sociable atmosphere.
What’s On Offer
- Real Ales on Tap: A CAMRA‑approved real ale selection is available, including regular pours like Firebird Heritage Sussex Best, plus occasional guest ales. Cask‑conditioned beer fans will be pleased.
- Quiz Nights & Regular Events: A popular weekly quiz night kicks off around 7:30pm, offering prizes and a fun community gathering.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday–Thursday & Sunday: 11:00–23:30
- Friday–Saturday: 11:00–00:30
The Duck In The Pond
Address: 660 Kenton Lane, Stanmore, HA3 6AA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled on Kenton Lane in Stanmore (HA3), this early-20th-century ex‑Benskins pub sits just off Belmont Circle with convenient bus links (H18/H19) and free customer parking.
- What’s the Vibe? A cosy, refurbished lounge‑style pub with two spacious garden areas, warm interiors, patterned wallpapers, feature fireplace and relaxed seating, ideal for families, groups and solo visitors.
What’s On Offer
- Classic British Pub Food with Seasonal Specials: Serving hearty dishes like Hunter’s Chicken, Sunday roasts (e.g. belly pork, beef, gammon), fish & chips, burgers and vegan options such as spinach & mushroom Wellington, all cooked using award‑winning ingredients.
- Real Ales & Themed Evenings: Home to regular cask ales (London Pride, Doom Bar) and rotating guest brews; plus quiz nights, psychic nights and weekly “Grill Night” deals (£5.99 with drink).
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Mon–Thu: 11:00–23:00
- Fri–Sat: Until midnight
- Sun: 10:00–23:00
- Food served daily from 11:30/12:00–22:00
The Load of Hay
Address: 207 Pinner Road, Watford, WD19 4ET
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? A cosy local pub on Pinner Road in the Oxhey/Watford Heath area, just a short walk (about 900 m) from Bushey rail and Underground station, and near the W19 bus route.
- What’s the Vibe? Warm, welcoming and friendly, with a snug interior, a real fire and beer garden. Known as Watford’s only gay‑friendly pub, it attracts a close‑knit, diverse crowd.
What’s On Offer
- Sunday Roast & Home‑Cooked Cuisine: Their traditional Sunday roast, featuring beef, lamb and even vegan options (including vegan Yorkshire pudding!), is frequently praised for quality, generous portions and value.
- Regular Events & Live Music: Hosts weekly quiz nights (Mondays), monthly karaoke (first Thursday), ladies’ nights (last Thursday) and occasional ‘kink nights’ or live entertainment.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday & Tuesday: 15:00–23:00
- Wednesday & Thursday: 12:00–23:00
- Friday & Saturday: 12:00–23:30 (Sat until 00:30)
- Sunday: 12:00–22:30
The Queen’s Head
Address: 31 High Street, Pinner, HA5 5PJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled in the heart of Pinner Village on the historic High Street, this Grade II listed Tudor‑style building dates back to the 16th century and is a local heritage icon.
- What’s the Vibe? Nestled in the heart of Pinner Village on the historic High Street, this Grade II listed Tudor‑style building dates back to the 16th century and is a local heritage icon.
What’s On Offer
- Real Ale & Craft Drinks: A CAMRA-acclaimed ‘Real Ale Pub’ offering 6–8 cask ales (plus seasonal guest taps), alongside 21 lagers, ciders, Guinness, cocktails, guest IPAs and an excellent wine selection. Accredited by Cask Marque and winner of Greene King Pub of the Year 2018.
- Stone-Baked Pizza: Enjoy artisan Barrel & Stone pizzas and Italian ‘piadinas’, served daily from noon.
- Events: Regular events include Quiz Night on Tuesdays, Board‑Game Mondays, lively weekly music and cocktail evenings, plus seasonal beer festivals and wine‑tasting sessions
- Outdoor Space & Dog Friendly Perks: The spacious, heated beer garden is open year-round, complete with dog water bowls and gourmet treats. Small dogs are welcome outside of food service hours on the patio.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday–Thursday: Noon–11 pm
- Friday–Saturday: Noon–Midnight (open from 11 am on Fri/Sat)
- Sunday: Noon–11 pm
- Food Service Times: Noon–10 pm (Sunday until 9 pm)
The Woodman
Address: Joel Street, Pinner, HA5 2PR
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled on Joel Street in Pinner (Eastcote area), this historic Grade II‑listed 17th‑century pub overlooks the local cricket club and offers free parking, including a car park at the front.
- What’s the Vibe? A charming mix of traditional pub character and contemporary refurbishments. Expect cosy wooden interiors, exposed beams, cushioned booths and a warm, family‑friendly atmosphere – plus a Mediterranean‑style garden for sunny days.
What’s On Offer
- Real‑Ale & Craft Drinks: Cask‑Marque accredited with a steady rotation of real ales (like Timothy Taylor’s Landlord), plus ciders, gins, wines and rotating guest beers. Sports fans can also catch live action on TNT and Sky screens.
- Street‑Food Saturdays: Every Saturday evening (from around 17:00–21:00), a different street‑food vendor sets up in the garden – perfect for relaxed, al fresco dining.
- Live Events & Entertainment: Regular events including live music every Saturday, monthly comedy nights (first Wednesday) and themed evenings like karaoke and “Pinch the Mic” sing‑alongs, plus dance and garden parties in summer.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday–Tuesday: 12:00–22:00
- Wednesday–Sunday: 12:00–23:00 (Wed–Sat up to 23:00, Sun–Tue close at 22:00)
- Food:
- Lunch: Monday–Saturday 12:00–15:00
- Sunday roast: 12:00–16:30 (recommended to book)
Ready to Visit?
Hatch End and its surrounds offer a brilliant little patchwork of pubs, stretching from Pinner Village to Watford Heath. Whether you’re after historic charm at The Queen’s Head, a lively local scene at The Three Wishes, or a Sunday roast with entertainment at The Load of Hay, there’s a pint to match every personality. For outdoor vibes and rotating ales, The Woodman ticks the box, while The Duck In The Pond caters perfectly to family gatherings and traditional food lovers. It’s a surprisingly rich area for anyone wanting character, comfort, and a cracking drink near the Overground.
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