The Kentish Town area is an interesting one. Next door to bustling Camden and impressive Hampstead, this residential area has a lot to offer. Some of the best pubs in Kentish Town have won awards, others have won the hearts of the local community. Kentish Town bars have a knack for curated cocktail menus with unfussy interiors. The area offers a lovely lifestyle experience for students, young professionals, and anyone that enjoys a versatile beer selection or well-made cocktail!
The 10 Best Pubs & Bars in Kentish Town
Although you’re spoilt for choice in the area, it quickly becomes evident that there are significantly more pubs than bars around Kentish Town. There is a wonderful array of establishments that have been around since the 19th century. Most of them are dotting the busy Kentish Town Road, especially closer to the O2 Forum, the live music venue of Kentish Town. A number of these also have pretty great outdoors spaces to enjoy. We have gathered some of the most renowned local destinations below, so you can get a taste of the lifestyle scene of the local area!
The Pineapple
A popular destination among North West London’s crowds, The Pineapple in Kentish Town is a must-know. Located at 51 Leverton Street, it’s just a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of Kentish Town Road, which adds to its allure. There are plenty of spaces to enjoy, from cosy, living-room style halls with leather couches and fireplaces, to outdoors tables and the highlight of the pub: its conservatory! It’s your go-to place for Thai Kitchen in the Kentish Town area, as well as one of North West London’s hidden gems! Get to know the pub via their website.
Assembly House
Assembly House is another Kentish Town pub with plenty to offer. It’s one of the pubs near Kentish Town Forum, the event venue that brings live music and dj sets to the area, and an ideal spot to enjoy a pub before or after a gig! The interior, dominated by wooden furniture, is spacious and welcoming. The menu offers great accompaniments to your ales, as well as takeaway (a convenient plus for the local area). Assembly House is one to keep in mind when thinking of pubs in North London, so it’s probably time to head to their website and learn more.
Abbey Tavern
Not far from Kentish Town West overground station, you’re bound to bump into Abbey Tavern. This Kentish Town pub is well known for its beer garden, large roof terrace, and delicious food menu. The bar snacks & sharing plates are a great accompaniment to your craft beer, but there are also large plates consisting mostly of burgers (at affordable prices, too!). This local drinking spot often covers sporting events as well, so it’s good to keep that in mind if you are a Premier League fan! Peruse their food menu and learn more about Abbey Tavern on their website.
Knowhere Special
Kentish Town bars have a knack for unremarkable entrances, that lead to establishments serving great cocktails. Knowhere Special is a dim basement close by the tube station, that despite its small size averages a grandiose 4.8 score on Google Reviews! One of the area’s most well-known drinking spots, it offers a signature cocktails menu that cocktail enthusiasts will be tempted to try!
The Lion and Unicorn
This friendly pub in Kentish Town tends to get good reviews- and for good reason. The interior is inviting, with wooden furniture lit up by tall windows and a vibrant beer garden to complement it all. The versatile food menu spans pub classics and veggie options, with fresh fish from Cornwall being a part of the mix. Sunday roasts are also served, if you are feeling like spending a Sunday as per British tradition. The Lion and Unicorn is a Kentish Town hangout you should probably keep an eye out for!
Southampton Arms
The Southampton Arms has locals charmed it seems, as it was voted among the best pubs in Kentish Town by Londonist a while back. A traditional pub that has been reanimated, maintaining its old school allure, with a sign that reads Ale & Cider House inviting guests to 139 Highgate Road. A North London boozer where you will find independent UK brewers, real ales and more.
Oxford Tavern
Oxford Tavern’s convenient Kentish Town location is just next to the tube stop, and a short walk from The Stay Club. Whether you’re looking for London locals or renowned internationals, Oxford Tavern’s beer selection has you covered. They also stock West Berkshire Brewery, among other refreshments. The colourful interior has a welcoming feel to it, and the relaxing vibe invites guests to browse through the food menu which flaunts pizzas, burgers and common pub nibbles. There is also outdoors seating so you can take in those sunrays on warm weekends. Curious to explore for yourself? Their website has all the info.
Ladies & Gents
This Kentish Town bar has an inconspicuous entrance, in the form of a staircase leading to an old lavatory. The ambient interior offers an interesting set up for Friday night drinks, and the cocktail menu is visibly well curated! According to their Instagram page, it’s also been renewed recently. The laid back music mostly features either lounge sounds or jazz classics, making it a great spot to enjoy with friends! The fact that it’s received praise from GQ and Thrillist among others is just another reason to visit what surely appears like an interesting cocktail bar experience. Explore their cocktails before your visit on their website.
The Bull & Gate
The Bull & Gate is one of many beloved Kentish Town pubs, situated on Kentish Town Road and a short walk from the tube station. The Victorian pub is housed in a building that dates back to 1871, with a longstanding history as a music venue. Before re-opening as a gastropub, The Bull & Gate had hosted some of the biggest names in the British music scene! The food menu strikes a great balance between traditional pub grub and innovative dishes, with vegan options to enjoy included. If you’re looking for a cocktail menu you will find one courtesy of the Boulogne Bar, the establishment’s upstairs space. This welcoming hangout is also a great place to indulge in a Sunday roast! Discover the pub here.
The Grafton
Traditional pub ambiance? Check! Great selection of beers, from local craft beers to award-winning ales? Check! Sunny roof terrace? Check! The Grafton is an award winning pub and a popular destination with the local community. The downstairs area offers a traditional pub space, with an upstairs bar in a more retro styling and a roof terrace for those that want to enjoy an al fresco eating experience. Other than the abundance of beers, The Grafton offers a filling food menu and a curated wine list, with soft drinks, teas and coffees on offer as well. Another one on the plus side, it’s commonly reviewed as a dog friendly spot, so get ready to come across a pooch or two! You can find more on this lovely and versatile London pub on their website.
Related – Best Restaurants in Kentish Town
Traditional pubs renowned for their Thai menus, to Vietnamese, Senegalese and Ethiopian cuisine and an impressive diversity of dishes!
Related – Kentish Town Area Guide
Kentish Town is considered a residential area, yet its local hangouts, central location and bustling high street makes it perfect for students.
Related – Top 5 Things to Do in Kentish Town
The Stay Club has opened its doors in Kentish Town not long ago, and we’ve had some time to explore the neighbourhood by now.
