Ready for a pint near Kentish Town Station? This lively corner of North London boasts a buzzing array of bars and pubs that promise more than just a good brew. From quirky, music-themed haunts to traditional pubs with crackling fireplaces, there’s a spot for every mood and taste. Whether you’re after a cosy nook to wind down the evening or a vibrant bar to kick-start your night, Kentish Town offers a charming mix of both. So, grab your mates and explore the best watering holes just a stone’s throw from the station!
Bull & Gate
Address: 389 Kentish Town Rd, London, NW5 2TJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Bull & Gate is located in the vibrant area of Kentish Town, North London, which is well-known for its rich cultural heritage and bustling nightlife. The pub is easily accessible via the Kentish Town tube station.
- What’s the Vibe? The Bull & Gate offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a touch of sophistication, particularly evident in its cocktail bar, The Boulogne Bar. The venue blends traditional pub elements with modern touches, making it a popular spot among both locals and visitors.
What’s On Offer
- Gastronomic Delights: The pub serves a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes, including traditional British pub classics, vegan and vegetarian options. Highlights include their Sunday roast and a selection of small plates such as truffle chicken croquettes and curried parsnip soup.
- Cocktails & Live Music: The upstairs cocktail bar, The Boulogne Bar, is perfect for enjoying sophisticated drinks while listening to live music performances from Wednesday to Saturday. This space provides a more upscale experience compared to the typical pub setting downstairs.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 11am – 11pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11am – 12am
- Sunday: 12pm – 10:30pm
- Food service times are slightly shorter, typically ending half an hour before closing
The Assembly House
Address: 292-294 Kentish Town Rd, London, NW5 2TG
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Assembly House is strategically situated in Kentish Town, North London, just a stone’s throw away from the Kentish Town tube station.
- What’s the Vibe? This venue exudes a modern yet cosy atmosphere, with a vibrant energy that makes it a popular choice for both casual visits and special occasions. Its spacious interior includes attractive décor elements like high ceilings and a skylight in the back room, providing a bright and inviting environment.
What’s On Offer
- Live Sports: The Assembly House is a hotspot for sports fans, offering live broadcasting of major sporting events on large TV screens. It’s a great place to experience the thrill of live sports with fellow fans.
- Food & Drinks: The pub serves a range of dishes that cater to various tastes, including pub classics and modern favourites. It also boasts an extensive selection of craft beers and a newly updated drinks menu, ensuring that there’s something to satisfy every palate.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? Monday to Thursday from 12 PM to 11 PM, Friday to Saturday from 12 PM to 12 AM, and Sunday from 12 PM to 10:30 PM.
The Parakeet
Address: 256 Kentish Town Rd, London, NW5 2AA
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Parakeet is situated in the vibrant area of Kentish Town, North London, known for its rich cultural scene and bustling nightlife. This venue is easily accessible, being just a short distance from the Kentish Town tube station.
- What’s the Vibe? The Parakeet offers a cosy yet elegant atmosphere, combining traditional pub elements with modern gastronomy. Its design features include stained glass windows and dark wooden seating, reminiscent of church pews, creating a unique and inviting ambiance.
What’s On Offer
- Exceptional Cuisine: The Parakeet excels in its culinary offerings, particularly its modern British and European-inspired dishes. Known for its use of an open fire for cooking, the menu features items like fresh oysters, braised leeks, and mushrooms with pecorino sauce, as well as large sharing plates of sea bream and ox cheek. The emphasis is on rich, elegantly presented food that stands out in the London gastropub scene.
- Extensive Wine Selection: Wine enthusiasts will appreciate The Parakeet’s extensive selection, which includes choices from around the world like Muscadet from France, Grüner Veltliner from Austria, and various robust reds from Spain and Italy. The wine menu offers both by-the-glass and bottle options, catering to a range of preferences.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Parakeet is open from Monday to Saturday, 12 PM to 12 AM, and on Sunday from 12 PM to 10:30 PM.
Knowhere Special
Address: 296 Kentish Town Rd, London, NW5 2TG
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled in the vibrant area of Kentish Town, Knowhere Special is a subterranean hideaway that promises a unique drinking experience. Easily accessible, it is located just a short walk from the Kentish Town tube station.
- What’s the Vibe? This venue offers a cosy and intriguing atmosphere, complete with vintage furnishings and a touch of the quirky charm of a speakeasy. The eclectic decor, including items sourced from antiques fairs, creates a warm, inviting, and slightly whimsical environment, perfect for relaxed evenings.
What’s On Offer
- Innovative Cocktails with Unique Garnishes: Knowhere Special stands out for its creative cocktail menu, featuring drinks paired with specially designed garnishes that enhance the flavours. Options range from molecular concoctions to reimagined classics, changing seasonally to reflect available ingredients.
- Cafe by Day, Cocktail Bar by Night: By day, Knowhere Special operates as a cafe, offering a selection of coffees, pastries, and cakes. By night, it transforms into a cocktail bar with a diverse menu, providing a seamless transition from daytime refreshments to evening libations.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The bar is open from Tuesday to Thursday from 5pm to 11pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 5pm to midnight. It’s a good idea to make a reservation if you’re planning to visit, especially for larger groups.
The Pineapple
Address: 51 Leverton St, London, NW5 2NX
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Pineapple is located in the serene back streets north of Kentish Town in North-west London, offering a quiet escape within the bustling city.
- What’s the Vibe? This venue exudes a warm, inviting atmosphere with its historic charm and community-focused ethos. Known as a “back street boozer,” it’s a favorite among both locals and visitors, appreciated for its friendly ambiance and characterful decor.
What’s On Offer
- Thai Kitchen: A standout feature of The Pineapple is its well-loved Thai kitchen, which serves a range of delicious Thai dishes. This adds a unique flavour to the traditional pub experience, attracting patrons who enjoy diverse culinary offerings.
- Private Hire: The pub is equipped with a 60-person capacity upstairs function room and a 35-person capacity conservatory, making it an ideal spot for private parties, christenings, and other gatherings. They offer special menus and drinks packages tailored to these events.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Pineapple is open Monday to Thursday from 12pm to 11pm, Friday and Saturday from 12pm to midnight, and Sunday from 12pm to 10:30pm. The kitchen operates slightly different hours, serving food primarily during lunch and dinner times.
Ready to Visit?
Kentish Town in North London offers an inviting selection of pubs and bars, each with its own unique charm and flavour. Just moments from the Kentish Town tube station, the Bull & Gate presents a sophisticated blend of traditional pub vibes and modern touches, including its famous Boulogne Bar where you can enjoy cocktails and live music. Nearby, The Assembly House caters to sports fans with its lively atmosphere and extensive craft beer selection. These establishments highlight the area’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant nightlife, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a memorable evening out.
Share the Love
If you’re planning a night out in North London, why not start at the Bull & Gate or The Assembly House in Kentish Town? Enjoy a pint or a cocktail and soak up the lively atmosphere. Loved your visit? Share this article with your friends and let us know your thoughts by leaving a review. Your experiences help others discover the best spots in town!