The best pubs in North London for summer

As we find ourselves in the height of summer, July and August still stretching out in front of us, the pub becomes our oasis, escaping the London sun under a garden umbrella, or spilling out onto the streets and standing with a pint in hand.

Between Camden’s locks, the green of Hampstead, and the general merriment that comes with a North postcode, we’ve rounded up some of the best pubs in North London for summer fun.

Macintosh Ales

The menu of this spot in a somewhat derelict-looking ale house in Stokey consists of crisps and pork pies. This is the pub menu that takes top spot. Get one cheese and onion and one of salt and vinegar, split the bags open on the table, and cut the pie in half. Pair with a pint of Pale Ale or Best Bitter, and it’s the makings of magic.

Inside, Macintosh Ales sees tiny fabric-covered stools dotted around, with extra space as the doors fling open so drinkers can spill outside the front. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, it’s a lovely space to soak up the evening sun.

Stoke Newington, N16 | macintoshales.com

The Scolt Head

The food and the jazz are the standouts at this pub, which is named after a small island just off the North Norfolk coast. With a leafy garden, it’s a great escape.

The Scolt Head hosts jazz music nights on the last Thursday of each month, an ideal way to spend a thirsty Thursday in summer. Swaying and crooning along in the heat. Pair it with a dish from one of the best pub menus out there. It prides itself on fresh and excellently sourced produce, with sample dishes including chicken parm and lamb kofte, it’s a flavour-first situation.

Highbury, N1 | thescolthead.co.uk

Abbey Tavern

This is a double bubble of outside fun, with the garden at Kentish Town’s Abbey Tavern spread across two levels. Expect Pimms by the jug, refreshing Spritzes, and beers so chill you’ll be desperate for that first sip, plus lots of low and no options, too.

The Jerk Valley of London slings out a magical menu from the kitchen. There’s smoked and spicy jerk chicken, halloumi made extra crispy, and cauli bites, because finger foods are made for summer.

There’s also a pool table and big screens dotted across the place, ideal for watching it come home this summer with the Women’s Euros.

Kentish Town, N1 | abbey-tavern.com

The Garden Gate

It’s unconfirmed if this is the exact pub given a mention in Taylor Swift's song ‘Cruel Summer’, as her potential local when living with ex Joe Alwyn. But it is confirmed to be a great North London spot to spend a hot summer, with an expansive garden and weekly live music, add this to your pub list right now.

Located in Hamstead, it’s got a rotating menu of both craft beers and seasonal food dishes. May I suggest a pint of Brick Brewery’s Peckham Pale and the homemade Scotch egg, complete with a sharp golden beetroot piccalilli.

Hamstead, NW3 | thegardengatehampstead.co.uk

The Faltering Fullback

It’s not a North London pub list without The Faltering Fullback; it remains a firm favourite of locals and other-borough Londoners alike. The Irish pub in Finsbury Park has a ceiling adorned with knick-knacks as you enter, creating a homely feel to this family-run pub, and promises “good times and good craic”.

Found in a residential area, it’s easy to walk past the leafy exterior of the pub without a second glance. Real ones know what lies inside and know the best spot in its secret garden. It is designed like a multi-layered Ewok treehouse. The different levels of decking create a cosy maze of seating and secret cubby holes. Grab your mates, grab your drinks, and hide away til dusk.

Finsbury Park, N4 | falteringfullback.com

Lock Tavern

A pub and a lock = Camden classic. Lock Tavern in N1 is a traditional pub in that it has about 20 burgers on the menu for when you get peckish, there are weekend DJs to bring you tunes, and Guinnesses are poured with the love they deserve.

The magic here, though, apart from its rooftop terrace, beer garden, and Wing Wednesdays, is the “sweet menu”. Forget cooling down from the long, hot summer with an icy-glassed margarita; try the Lock Tavern’s shakes and ice cream jars. It’s a Snickerbocker Glory for us.

Camden, N1 | mcmullens.co.uk

The Spaniards Inn

This is a fun one. The Spaniards Inn was built in 1585 by two Spanish brothers and is now a Grade II listed London pub, whose history is a lil haunted and also served as inspiration to artists like Charles Dickens and John Keats. It sits right on the edge of the heath, so you can make it your refreshment stop from a leisurely walk or Lime around the park.

On the odd day with a chill in the air, when you realise you haven’t had gravy in months, try the Spaniards’ sharing roast dinner for a quick change of season. Choose aged beef sirloin, roast chicken or lamb rump and devour sides of pigs in blankets, bacon and chestnut stuffing, and red wine gravy. Here’s to a nonconformist summer.

Hamstead, NW3 | thespaniardshampstead.co.uk

Lockside

Lockside sits on Camden’s waterfront with views overlooking the hustle and bustle of the market below. Spritz in hand, it’s the perfect scene. When the sun is beaming down, go for the Passionfruit and Lime Spritz, made with Absolut vodka, passionfruit purée, and Fever-Tree Mexican lime soda. Zesty.

As the night draws in, head inside to continue the party as the pub hosts an eclectic mix of DJs. And if you’re looking for the perfect summer dinner, then it’s got to be fish and chips, and Lockside’s comes battered in Camden Ale.

Camden, N1 | camdenlockside.co.uk

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