10 of the Best: Bars & Pubs in Kentish Town

Categories: 10 of the Best, Kentish Town, London Living

THE BEST WATERING HOLES OF KENTISH TOWN

Nestled between the high class neighbourhood of Hampstead and the ever-changing scene in Camden, Kentish Town is a place that offers a sociable lifestyle for students, young professionals, and anyone that relishes a flawless cocktail or very dependable beer selections. You'll be spoilt for choice, though there are significantly more pubs than bars in the immediate vicinity of Stay Campus London Kentish Town. Along the busy Kentish Town Road, especially near the O2 Forum (the live music venue) you'll see a vast array of drinking establishments, most with long histories dating back centuries! As an ode to some of our favourites, we share our Top Ten local venues below in no particular order (we love them all!), giving you a little taste of what to expect in Kentish Town.

1.

Oxford Tavern

Conveniently located next to the tube station and only a short walk from Stay Campus London Kentish Town, Oxford Tavern's beer stock has you covered. Upon entrance you'll be hit by the flamboyant décor and chilled vibe which, in our opinion, is very welcoming, With a classic pub food menu boasting the usual burgers, pies and pizzas, and an outdoor seating area that captures the summer sun, we rate this as one of the best local establishments.

Update! As of March 2023, The Oxford Tavern is said to be re-opening under new management and a new name: The Parakeet. Go check it out!

Stay Campus London Top 10 Bars & Pubs Kentish Town Oxford Tavern

2.

Knowhere Special

Established in 2014, Knowhere Special has quickly become one of the best drinking spots around. A basement bar on the Kentish Town Road, with a very ordinary entrance, they have a wonderfully large and varied cocktail offering and a seasonal food menu. In 2020 they opened their second bar in Islington, offering the same great service they've become renowned for. Take a peak at Knowhere Special's website to have a look at their story.

Stay Campus London Top 10 Bars & Pubs Kentish Town Knowhere Special

3.

Southampton Arms

One of Kentish Towns most popular pubs, The Southampton Arms was voted second by locals in a survey by Londonist in 2014. A traditional British pub that has been regenerated whilst maintaining its old school appeal, the pub claims to be the only dedicated Cider and Ale House in London. It is also a firm favourite for any North Londoner looking for independent UK brewers, real ales and lots of meat. For more information, visit the Southampton Arms website.

4.

The Pineapple

A very popular North West London destination, The Pineapple on Leverton Street is a must-know. There are plenty of spaces to enjoy - from cosy, living-room style halls with leather couches and fireplaces to the leafy conservatory. It’s also one of the go-to places for Thai food in the local area, as well as one of Kentish Town's hidden gems! Get to know more about The Pineapple via their website.

Stay Campus London Top 10 Bars & Pubs Kentish Town The Pineapple (2)

5.

Ladies & Gents

Ladies and gentleman, introducing.... Ladies & Gents Cocktail Bar! With a rather unremarkable entrance in the design of a staircase leading to an old lavatory, the rustic and industrial interior lends an interesting backdrop for weekend drinks. With a constantly revolving cocktail menu and the chilled sounds of smooth jazz, Ladies and Gents has quickly become an attractive place to hang with friends, even receiving coverage in GQ magazine! Peruse the unadulterated cocktail menu on their website before you plan your visit.

6.

The Assembly House

Nearby to the O2 Forum, Assembly House is definitely worth a visit before taking in a live gig. A spacious and welcoming interior commanded by wooden furniture and a menu that offers great accompaniments to your ales, this one is sure to please any palate. The pub even has a takeaway service, which is extremely convenient and unique for Kentish Town. Head to their website and keep Assembly House in mind when thinking of hitting a pub one evening.

Stay Campus London Top 10 Bars & Pubs Kentish Town The Assembly House

7.

The Abbey Tavern

The Abbey Tavern, a pub well known for its food menu, beer garden and large roof terrace. The bar snacks and sharing plates are a great accompaniment to your craft ale or beer, but they also offer larger options - at affordable prices! If you're a football or rugby fan then look no further - most weekends you will find this pub covering events, so you'll never have to think about where to watch your favourite team again. More can be learnt about The Abbey Tavern, their food menu and all major sporting events via their website.

Stay Campus London Top 10 Bars & Pubs Kentish Town Abbey Tavern

8.

Lion & Unicorn

A splendidly attractive and unique pub from the moment you set eyes on it, the Lion and Unicorn gets rave reviews and it doesn't take a genius to figure out why. The interior is an inviting mix of traditional and modern, with lots of natural light sweeping in through their tall windows. They boast a vibrant and bustling beer garden which really comes into its own in the hot summer months, and is nicely complemented by the versatile food menu - their Sunday roasts are not to be missed. But what makes it unique? Above the pub is a theatre. A theatre... in a pub. Every summer they play host to the Camden Fringe Festival. A staple of Kentish Town, the Lion & Unicorn is a pub that you should really make time for.

Stay Campus London Top 10 Bars & Pubs Kentish Town The Lion and Unicorn

Stay Campus London Top 10 Bars & Pubs Kentish Town The Lion and Unicorn (2)

9.

The Bull and Gate

With a long and varied history, The Bull and Gate is one Kentish Town's most popular pubs. They've made home in a Victorian-era building that dates back to 1871, which had been a well established music venue. The food menu strikes a great balance between traditional pub grub and innovative dishes, with vegan options to enjoy included. Upstairs you'll enter the Boulogne Bar, where you can sample a great cocktail offering. A welcoming hangout suitable for family and friends, they also cook up a mean Sunday roast! Discover more about The Bull and Gate online.

10.

The Grafton

Simply put... The Grafton is an award-winning pub (British Pub of the Year 2015). The venue boasts the traditional ambience expected in a British pub and has an amazing selection of local craft ales and beers, making it a firm favourite with the locals. You can split the pub in half: the downstairs area offers a traditional pub space, while the upstairs bar is laid out in a more retro styling and even has a roof terrace for those who want to go al fresco. In addition to the richness of their beer offering, The Grafton offers a filling food menu and a finely curated wine list. You can find out more on this beautiful Victorian pub here.

Stay Campus London Top 10 Bars & Pubs Kentish Town The Grafton

IN SUMMARY

It’s easy to see why Kentish Town is quickly becoming one of the go-to areas in North London. The diversity of the area’s drinking spots and the ease of moving from pub to bar is appealing for locals and revellers alike. If you are keen to learn more about the area and Stay Campus London Kentish Town then head to our website or drop us an email and we'll be happy to push you in the right direction or join you for a tipple!

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