Pubs & Bars in North London
The capital's drinking scene is one of the best in the world, with boundary-breaking cocktail bars taking mixed drinks to the next level, while traditional pubs bring you back down to earth in the best possible way. Should you be looking for the perfect pint or a cocktail beyond comprehension, critics have rounded up their favorite bars and pubs across the capital on best bars and pubs in London. London pubs come in all shapes and sizes, from experts in real ale and craft beer, to cider devotees and scruffy locals with charm by the barrel-load.
Pubs and bars in North London reflect the area’s diverse character, offering everything from traditional boozers to stylish cocktail lounges. Whether you're after a cosy pub with a roaring fireplace and Sunday roast, or a lively bar with craft beers and DJs, there’s something to suit every mood. Many pubs also double as community hubs, hosting live music, quiz nights, and open mic sessions. With rooftop bars, riverside spots, and hidden gems tucked away in side streets, North London is a fantastic place to explore the city’s vibrant and ever-evolving drinking scene.

The first thing you might notice on entering this backstreet Georgian pub is the beautiful island back-bar with a ’60s ‘Watney Red Barrel’ sign; the second will probably be the vast hymn-type board advertising that day’s beers on offer. Staffs are constantly hopping up on to chairs to change the names as a keg run out it’s that sort of place. Nowadays, almost every new pub tries to sell itself on a ‘craft beer’ offer, but not all manage it on this scale.

Each of London’s five Craft Beer Co pubs can boast dozens of taps the Covent Garden branch’s count of 45 is the highest in the UK but the Islington outpost is the only one that could be labelled cosy. A comfortable pub with an excellent beer list is a dangerous proposition, and you could certainly spend many happy hours finding a new favourite pint with the help of the knowledgeable, friendly bar staff.

















