Looking for a great spot to grab a pint near Arsenal Tube? Whether you’re celebrating a match day win or just enjoying the North London vibe, the area around Arsenal station has some fantastic bars and pubs to discover. From cosy traditional boozers to lively spots for craft beer lovers, there’s something for everyone just a short walk away. Get ready to raise a glass and explore the best local watering holes!
The Tollington Arms
Address: 115 Hornsey Road, Islington, N7 6DN
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Tollington Arms is located in Holloway, just a stone’s throw from the Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal Football Club. It’s an ideal spot for match-day fans and is a short walk from both Holloway Road and Finsbury Park tube stations.
- What’s the Vibe? This pub is renowned for its lively and welcoming atmosphere, especially during match days, when it becomes a gathering spot for Arsenal supporters. It offers a community-focused vibe, with a mix of locals and sports fans enjoying its warm, casual environment. The decor is simple, with wooden furnishings and plenty of seating, both inside and in the outdoor beer garden, making it a comfortable space to relax. On quieter days, it’s a friendly local pub where patrons can unwind.
What’s On Offer
- Live Sports: The Tollington Arms is a popular destination for sports enthusiasts, featuring eight large plasma screens to ensure you never miss a game, whether it’s football or other major sporting events. It has also won accolades as a top sports pub, including being recognised as a top Arsenal pub.
- Thai Cuisine & Pub Classics: The venue stands out for its unique blend of traditional pub fare and a Thai fusion menu. You can enjoy hearty Sunday roasts or dive into the flavours of their well-regarded Thai dishes, making it a versatile dining spot whether you’re craving classic British or Asian cuisine.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM – Late
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
The Plimsoll
Address: 52 St Thomas’s Road, Finsbury Park, N4 2QQ
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Plimsoll is nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Finsbury Park, just a short walk from the Finsbury Park underground station. It sits on the corner of St Thomas’s and Plimsoll Roads, making it easily accessible to locals and visitors alike.
- What’s the Vibe? This pub offers a blend of old-school charm and modern gastro pub sophistication. Originally a traditional Irish boozer, it retains some of that laid-back pub atmosphere with classic seating and vintage features. However, since its revamp by the chef duo behind Four Legs, it’s become known for its lively, buzzy atmosphere, with a focus on excellent food that has earned it quite the following among foodies.
What’s On Offer
- Exceptional Food Menu: The Plimsoll’s kitchen is helmed by the renowned Four Legs team, offering an ever-changing menu of experimental and flavour-packed dishes. The standout item is their cult-favourite Dexter cheeseburger, often described as one of London’s best. The menu also features a mix of unique small plates and mains, but expect to see the unexpected with dishes like pigeon bhuna or battered octopus.
- Curated Drinks Selection: In addition to the stellar food, the Plimsoll offers a solid range of drinks. From a concise but thoughtfully chosen wine list, featuring natural and small producer wines, to craft beers and creative cocktails like the blood orange margarita, there’s something to please all palates. The pub also offers a range of digestifs to enjoy after your meal.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The Plimsoll is open Monday to Friday from 3 pm to 11 pm, and on weekends from 12 pm to midnight.
The Gunners
Address: 204 Blackstock Road, Islington, N5 1EN
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? The Gunners is located in the heart of Highbury, Islington, just a short walk from the Arsenal football stadium. It’s a quintessential neighbourhood pub, deeply connected to the local football culture, especially for Arsenal fans.
- What’s the Vibe? The atmosphere is energetic and lively, especially on match days, when the pub fills with Arsenal supporters. The walls are adorned with Arsenal memorabilia, giving the space a nostalgic and fan-centric feel. When there’s no football, the pub often has a more laid-back vibe, attracting locals with its regular live music events and cosy beer garden.
What’s On Offer
- Football Screening: The Gunners is a haven for football fans, showing all major football matches, with a clear emphasis on Arsenal games. The pub is equipped with multiple screens, ensuring that no matter where you’re seated, you won’t miss a second of the action.
- Live Music: In addition to football, The Gunners hosts live music nights every week, showcasing local talent. With a mix of rock, blues, and open mic nights, it’s a great spot for those looking to enjoy live performances in a relaxed setting.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit? The pub is open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
The Bedford Tavern
Address: 160 Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park, N7 7PT
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Situated on Seven Sisters Road in the heart of Finsbury Park, The Bedford Tavern is conveniently located near both Finsbury Park and Arsenal stations, making it an easy stop for locals and visitors alike. It’s only a short walk from the Emirates Stadium, making it a popular spot for football fans on match days.
- What’s the Vibe? The Bedford Tavern boasts a cosy, laid-back atmosphere with low lighting and a warm, rustic interior. With its darkly painted walls, exposed brick, and wooden furnishings, it exudes a modern yet comfortable pub feel. The venue is often bustling, especially during Arsenal match days, attracting a friendly mix of locals and football enthusiasts. Despite the lively buzz, it remains a welcoming place for a quiet pint or casual meal.
What’s On Offer
- Craft Beers & Rotating Taps: The Bedford Tavern is well-known for its excellent selection of craft beers, with a focus on local London brews. Regular favourites come from breweries like Beavertown, Hackney, and Hammerton, alongside rotating taps that feature names like Cloudwater and Magic Rock. This makes it a go-to for craft beer aficionados. Their draughts and bottled beers are affordably priced, adding to the appeal.
- Pop-up Kitchens & Speciality Food: A standout feature of The Bedford Tavern is its food offerings, with frequent pop-up kitchens bringing unique culinary experiences. Currently, Lenny’s Apizza offers New Haven-style pizzas, which are a hit among patrons. Match day burgers and other pub classics are also on the menu, making it a great spot for both drinks and hearty pub grub.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Tuesday to Thursday: 4pm – 12am
- Friday: 4pm – 12am
- Saturday: 12pm – 12am
- Sunday: 2pm – 12am
- Closed on Mondays
The Woodbine
Address: 215 Blackstock Rd, London, N5 2LL
The Basics: Location and Atmosphere
- Where Is It? Situated in the heart of Highbury, North London, The Woodbine is a welcoming local pub on Blackstock Road. It’s easily accessible from nearby Finsbury Park, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
- What’s the Vibe? The Woodbine has a cosy, traditional Irish pub atmosphere. It’s a friendly spot where you can catch up with friends over a pint, enjoy a meal with family, or watch live sports. The décor is warm and inviting, and it’s known for its great community spirit, hosting regular events like pub quizzes and live music.
What’s On Offer
- Thai & Traditional Pub Food: A standout feature of The Woodbine is its fusion of delicious Thai food served from Monday to Friday from 4 pm, alongside classic pub fare on weekends. Their Saturday pub menu is available from noon to 8:30 pm, and Sunday roasts are a highlight, served from noon until 7:30 pm.
- Weekly Events: Regular events include a lively Tuesday quiz night and “Wine Wednesdays,” where you can get a free bottle of wine when you buy two large glasses. The pub is also known for its extended hours on Friday and Saturday, making it a great place for a late-night pint.
Practical Info
- When Can You Visit?
- Monday to Wednesday: 3 pm – 11 pm
- Thursday: 3 pm – Midnight
- Friday: 3 pm – 1 am
- Saturday: Noon – 1 am
- Sunday: Noon – 11 pm
Ready to Visit?
Located around Arsenal Tube station, North London offers a great selection of pubs and bars perfect for a post-match pint or a casual evening out. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional vibes or modern gastropub fare, there’s something for everyone. Highlights include The Tollington Arms, a lively spot with Thai fusion cuisine near Emirates Stadium, and The Plimsoll, a buzzing gastropub with an innovative food menu led by the Four Legs team.
Share the Love
Why not stop by The Tollington Arms or The Plimsoll on your next visit? Share this article with friends, and don’t forget to leave a review after your experience!