The Best Bars and Pubs Near Caledonian Road & Barnsbury Overground

The Best Bars and Pubs Near Caledonian Road & Barnsbury Overground

Ready for a cheeky pint or a fancy cocktail near Caledonian Road & Barnsbury Overground? This vibrant area is brimming with hidden gems and local favourites that’ll have you coming back for more! From cosy, traditional pubs oozing with character to trendy bars serving up the latest in mixology, there’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy. Whether you’re after a laid-back evening with mates or a lively night out, these spots around Caledonian Road & Barnsbury are sure to stir up some fun. Let’s dive into the best bars and pubs this lively London area has to offer!


Doyles Tavern

Address: Doyles Tavern, 379 Caledonian Rd, London, N7 9DQ

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? Doyles Tavern is a family-owned pub situated on Caledonian Road in Islington, North London. This location places it in a vibrant and bustling area, contributing to its lively and community-focused ambiance.
  • What’s the Vibe? Doyles Tavern embodies the essence of a classic community pub. It’s dedicated to being at the heart of the community, often supporting local causes through charity fundraising events. The atmosphere is dynamic and engaging, especially on weekends with DJs, live bands, or Disco-Karaoke, and during live sporting events shown on large screen TVs. The presence of a beer garden adds to its appeal during the summer.

What’s On Offer:

  • Entertainment: Doyles Tavern is known for its vibrant entertainment options. On Friday and Saturday nights, the venue comes alive with DJs, live bands, or Disco-Karaoke.
  • Live Sports: For sports enthusiasts, the tavern shows SKY and BT Sports on 6 HD screens and a 130″ projector screen, making it a popular spot for watching live sporting events.
  • Community Engagement: A standout aspect of Doyles Tavern is its commitment to the local community. Regular charity fundraising events for local causes are a significant feature, reflecting the tavern’s role as a community hub beyond just being a place for food and drinks.

Practical Info:

  • When Can You Visit? Mon-Thurs 11:00-23:00, Fri & Sat 11:00-00:30, Sun 12:00-22:00.  

Doyles Tavern


The Hemingford Arms

Address: 158 Hemingford Rd, London, N1 1DF

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? The Hemingford Arms is one of the oldest traditional pubs in Barnsbury. It’s known for its striking floral display that greets visitors upon arrival.
  • What’s the Vibe? The pub offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, characterised by its unique personality and cosy ambiance. It’s set over two floors and is designed to make guests feel right at home.

What’s On Offer:

  • Thai Menu: The Hemingford Arms features a Thai kitchen, offering delicious Pad Thai, hot ‘n’ sour soups, and a variety of other flavorful Thai dishes.
  • Venue Hire: The pub has a large, quirky function room available for hire, complete with its own bar and an ivy-laced private balcony. 
  • Live Sports: Additionally, it hosts live sporting events, providing a great spot for sports fans to gather and enjoy the games.
  • Additional Features: The Hemingford Arms also boasts a beer garden, facilities for disabled guests, is dog and family-friendly and offers WiFi. This makes it a versatile venue suitable for a wide range of visitors.

Practical Info:

  • When Can You Visit?
    • Opening Hours:
      • Sunday: 11:00am – 10:30pm
      • Monday: 12:00pm – 11:00pm
      • Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00am – 12:00am
    • Serving Hours: 11:00am – 9:00pm

The Hemingford Arms


Meltdown London

Address: 342 Caledonian Rd, London, N1 1BB

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? Meltdown London is situated in a vibrant area, offering a unique blend of gaming and social experiences. Its location on Caledonian Road places it in a bustling part of London, easily accessible and surrounded by the city’s dynamic energy.
  • What’s the Vibe? Meltdown London provides an unforgettable atmosphere, combining the excitement of gaming with a lively bar environment. It’s a place where each event is memorable, fostering new friendships and shared moments of joy. The venue is known for its engaging and welcoming vibe, making it a popular spot for both gaming enthusiasts and those looking for a fun night out.

What’s On Offer:

  • Unique Gaming Experience: Meltdown London stands out for its focus on gaming, offering an immersive experience for visitors. With a variety of games and gaming events, it’s a hub for those who love gaming culture. The venue regularly hosts gaming tournaments and events, making it a go-to destination for gamers.
  • Vibrant Social Scene: Beyond gaming, Meltdown London is known for its vibrant social scene. It serves a wide range of cocktails and has a lively bar atmosphere. The venue is a perfect blend of gaming and socialising, offering a unique experience where visitors can enjoy drinks, meet new people, and engage in gaming.

Practical Info:

  • When Can You Visit? Mon-Thurs 17:00-00:00, Fri & Sat 17:00-01:00, Sun Closed.

Meltdown London


The Depot

Address: 1 Carpenter’s Mews, North Road, London, N7 9EF

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? The Depot is conveniently situated moments from Caledonian Road and Kings Cross, making it a hidden gem in the heart of London.
  • What’s the Vibe? The Depot offers a cosy and inviting ambiance, ideal for enjoying craft beers and ales. It’s a perfect spot for watching Rugby, catching up with friends, or for colleagues to unwind.

What’s On Offer:

  • Craft Beers & Ales: The Depot boasts a wide range of craft beers and ales, catering to diverse tastes and preferences, perfect for sipping while socialising or enjoying sports events.

Practical Info:

  • When Can You Visit? Mon-Sat 12:00-23:00, Sun Closed.

The Depot


The Drapers Arms

Address: 44 Barnsbury St, London, N1 1ER

The Basics: Location and Atmosphere

  • Where Is It? The Drapers Arms is situated in Islington, a vibrant and trendy area in London. It’s a neighborhood pub known for its welcoming and cosy atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
  • What’s the Vibe? The Drapers Arms offers a classic pub ambiance with a modern twist. It’s a place where the charm of traditional British pubs meets contemporary style. The venue boasts a garden and a private dining room, creating a versatile environment suitable for casual drinks, intimate dinners, or private events.

What’s On Offer:

  • Special Menus: The Drapers Arms is renowned for its rewarding food and drink. They offer a variety of menus that change regularly, ensuring fresh and seasonal offerings.
  • Wine List: Additionally, they have a notable wine list, which has earned a listing on an online Wine Guide, highlighting their commitment to quality and variety in their beverage selection.
  • Takeaway Service: In addition to dine-in experiences, The Drapers Arms has introduced a new takeaway service. This allows customers to enjoy the pub’s kitchen offerings from the comfort of their own homes, broadening the accessibility of their culinary delights.

Practical Info:

  •  When Can You Visit? Mon-Fri 12:00-15:00 & 18:00-22:30, Sat 12:00-16:00 & 19:00-22:30, Sun 12:00-20:30.

The Drapers Arms


Ready to Visit?

Caledonian Road & Barnsbury, a bustling area in London, is a treasure trove of delightful bars and pubs. Among these, Doyles Tavern stands out with its vibrant community atmosphere and diverse entertainment options, including live sports and music. Another gem is The Hemingford Arms, known for its cosy ambiance and unique Thai cuisine. These establishments, along with others like Meltdown London, The Depot, and The Drapers Arms, each offer a unique experience, whether you’re in the mood for a classic pub vibe, a gaming bar, or a place with a rich selection of craft beers and ales.

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Why not give one of these fantastic bars a try? Share this article with your friends and plan your next outing. After you’ve visited, we’d love to hear about your experience. Share your review and let others know about your favourite spot in Caledonian Road & Barnsbury!

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