If you’re stepping off the Metropolitan Line at Northwood Hills, you’re just a short wander from a great local pub crawl. With a mix of traditional pubs, lively ale houses and laid‑back lounge bars, Northwood Hills gives you a lovely mix without straying far from the station. Think real‑ale options, garden seating, quizzes, live music – all in charming suburban style.
The Three Wishes
Address: 53 Joel Street, Northwood Hills, HA6 1NZ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Situated directly opposite Northwood Hills Underground station on the Metropolitan Line, this pub occupies a prime spot on Joel Street, ideal for both locals and commuters.
- What’s the Vibe? A recently fitted, welcoming freehouse and sports bar, echoing its past as The Sylvan Moon and The Misty Moon. It combines cosy interiors – feature lampshades, timber‑board walling and striped banquettes – with a sociable, relaxed atmosphere perfect for catching sport or enjoying live music.
What’s On Offer
- Real Ales & Rotating Beer Selection: Offers around three changing cask ales alongside a selection of lagers and craft brews. CAMRA notes support of real‑ale tradition, and beer‑lovers can expect rotating guest taps.
- Sports & Live Entertainment: Equipped with multiple TVs showing live sport and occasional live music nights, including performances by musicians such as Kim Archer and Heidi Mac.
- Comfortable Dining Experience: Serving casual bar food (“munchies”) in a well‑decorated, clean setting, with friendly, attentive staff praised for professionalism.
- Wine & Fizz Fridays: In addition to ales and lagers, there’s a curated wine list with regular offerings of white, red, rosé, and Prosecco – often featured in “Fizz Friday” promotions.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday–Thursday & Sunday: 10:00–23:00
- Friday & Saturday: 10:00–24:00
The Gate
Address: Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, HA6 2RH
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Nestled on Rickmansworth Road, The Gate sits conveniently close to Northwood Underground station and is a short drive from Mount Vernon Hospital, making it an accessible spot for both locals and visitors.
- What’s the Vibe? This Grade II listed, timber‑framed building exudes quintessential British charm. Inside, you’ll find a cosy, warm pub ambience with a fireplace and rustic wooden furnishings. There’s a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere complemented by an inviting garden and a sheltered smoking area.
What’s On Offer
- Real Ales & Drink Deals: Features a good selection of real ales, including Firebird Heritage Sussex on tap, with a £1 discount on real ales every Monday and Thursday.
- Seasonal, All‑Day Menu: Offers classic pub favourites and seasonal dishes like burgers, fish and chips, wings and roast dinners. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available, along with popular Sunday roasts (beef, gammon, turkey, spinacht wellington).
- Events & Facilities: Hosts weekly quiz nights (Tuesdays), live music events and family‑friendly activities. There’s also free Wi‑Fi, disabled access, a smoking area, and car parking.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Mon–Thu & Sun: Noon–10 pm
- Fri–Sat: Noon–11 pm
- Kitchen meals: 11:30 am – 10 pm daily
The Queen’s Head
Address: 31 High Street, Pinner, HA5 5PJ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Situated on Pinner High Street, this timber‑framed, Grade II‑listed pub dates back to the 16th century and sits at the heart of a charming suburban village 12 miles northwest of Charing Cross.
- What’s the Vibe? It’s a quintessential historic inn exuding Tudor charm. Inside, exposed beams, rustic panelling and traditional fireplaces contrast with a lively modern beer selection. Outside, a spacious, heated beer garden offers a relaxed ambience.
What’s On Offer
- Extensive Drinks Menu: With 14 world beers and ales on draught (including craft and session IPAs), plus Guinness, ciders, lagers and cocktails, it caters to discerning drinkers.
- Stone‑baked Pizzas & Casual Fare: The kitchen serves artisanal 12″ stone‑baked pizzas (Barrel & Stone) alongside traditional pub classics, available at lunchtimes and evenings.
- Weekly Events Programme: Regular quiz nights on Mondays, live music, community‑funded events raising money for Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, and seasonal festivities. The beer garden also claimed “Best Pub Garden 2025” honours.
- Dog‑friendly: Welcomes canine companions with water bowls and gourmet dog snacks on sale.
- Historic significance: With cellars dating to the 12th century and inn records from 1540 (possibly preceded by a medieval alehouse), the pub’s heritage is palpable.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Mon–Wed, Thu: noon–11 pm (Thu–Sat: until midnight)
- Fri–Sat: noon–midnight
- Sun: noon–11 pm
- Food Service: Noon–4 pm and 6–10 pm (Sundays until 9 pm)
Ready to Visit?
Northwood Hills is a cracking spot for a relaxed suburban pub crawl, with everything from traditional charm to lively local character within easy reach of the station. Pop into The Three Wishes for cask ales, sports screenings and live music in a cosy, modern setting, or head to The Gate for classic pub fare and weekly quiz nights in a Grade II listed building. For something historic and atmospheric, take a short trip to The Queen’s Head in Pinner—an old Tudor gem with a top-tier beer garden and stone-baked pizzas.
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