Canonbury Tavern

Featured reviews

• D

  Darren Turkat

  ·2 weeks ago

  “Proper local gem. The Canonbury Tavern has a brilliant atmosphere, especially when the weather's nice and you can get out in the garden. Staff are welcoming, service is spot-on, and the food is consistently good. Whether you're popping in for a quick pint or settling in for a proper meal, it’s hard to fault. Highly recommended”

  Read more
• N

  Namita Kumar

  ·4 weeks ago

  “So stood at the bar for ages to get a drink. It was like I was invisible. Tall men behind me got served. Had to ask to order and for the bill. Service automatically added and not a thank you once I paid. A few staff were really nice. There were enough of them around so not sure what the problem was. Food was nice. Small meat portions hidden by enormous Yorkshire puddings!”

  Read more
• M

  Michael

  ·2 months ago

  “A beautiful pub with a great garden. Also has a nice fireplace inside if you come in the winter. Dogs welcome!”

• D

  Dair Rennie

  ·3 months ago

  “Ordered off of the fancy looking fish menu it came in a cardboard bowl with wooden cutlery. It cost £20. I wouldn’t have paid more than £10. It was dry and tasteless I have never regretted spending £20 on food more than this. To add to this bad experience a conker from a tree in the outside seating area hit me in the head rather hard.”

  Read more
• R

  Rachel Chan

  ·4 months ago

  “Our party of three came here on a weekday night for dinner. We had a reservation but when we arrived there were plenty of other tables available. However it was the bar area that was bustling with people particularly as the night went on. The bar area became increasingly chaotic and loud, at the end of our meal when we tried to leave we had to push through the crowd to get out the door! However eating in the Tavern was a quintessential British experience. The restaurant has all the charms of a classic English pub and top it off we also chose the fish and chips as well as the chicken pie. These dishes were cooked really well - the fish and chips were crispy but not too dry and still moist and flavorful and the chicken pie had a crispy pastry with creamy filling. I’d highly recommend coming here for a meal if you’re in the area.”

  Read more

• S

  Suzy Fox

  ·5 months ago

  “Lovely Sunday lunch off Canonbury Square. We had a table booked inside so we all had a nice Sunday roast. We then headed out to the garden for some drinks in the sun. Found a nice table and the atmosphere was great. Only reason it’s not 5 stars all the way was that the wait at the bar took about 30 minutes to order and more than half the drinks we were wanted were not available on the app to order to table but available at the bar. We will definitely be back as food, garden and the vibes were great!”

  Read more
• S

  Sabareesh

  ·5 months ago

  “This place perfectly blends a cozy pub vibe with an incredible coastal seafood shack. Going with friends was ideal for sharing everything from phenomenally fresh, sweet catches to perfectly crisp, golden-battered classics. Big shoutout to the seafood shack chef—they absolutely smashed it with a total masterclass in seafood. With great drinks, welcoming staff, and a relaxed atmosphere, it made for a brilliant night out with mates and a definitive 10/10 spot.”

  Read more
• T

  Tegan Tucker

  ·6 months ago

  “We booked out the Spencer Room for my partner’s birthday. The room was gorgeous - very spacious and the table setting was great. Minimum spend was extremely reasonable and we had the room for 5 hours for a lunch booking, which was very good in comparison to other places! Arranging food orders etc ahead of time was also very smooth and the venue was flexible. Emma the bookings manager was always very prompt in responding to any questions as well. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a nice private room for a celebration!”

  Read more
• L

  London Pub Map

  ·7 months ago

  “🚇 Highbury and Islington 🍺 £7.90 Asahi The Canonbury Tavern is located on a quiet, leafy street in the heart of Canonbury in North London. The nearest Tube is Highbury & Islington. This pub dates to the early 1700s. In 1846, it was demolished and rebuilt on the same site. In the early 20th century, the top floor was removed following a fire and never replaced. George Orwell, who lived nearby, is said to have written part of his dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four in the garden in the 1940s. This is a large, traditionally decorated pub with three distinct sections. As you enter, you’ll find the main bar area, which is L-shaped around the servery. To the right of the servery is a centrepiece fireplace, with a spacious dining room on the other side. At the rear of the pub is a huge beer garden. The decor consists of boarded floors, bold coloured walls, lots of traditional and comfy seating, and a number of historical photos and prints celebrating George Orwell. There are nice details around the ceiling, and the roaring fire was great to see. The beer selection is solid and offers a lineup of popular, well-known brews, including cask ales. I decided on an Asahi; my pint was excellent, though the price point was high. Food-wise, it’s classic pub gastro fare—fish and chips cost £19.50, and roasts are available on Sundays. We arrived just after 12pm on a rainy Saturday in February. The pub quickly filled with locals and Arsenal fans having a pre-match pint. The atmosphere was relaxed, making it easy to settle in, and the service was excellent—the Guv’nor and team were attentive and friendly. There is a weekly quiz every Sunday, and major sporting events are shown. A smart backstreet local with gastropub credentials, yet still welcoming for those just after a beer. Prices are a little high—though I chose the most expensive pint—but the food is well reviewed, especially the roasts, and the George Orwell connection adds to its charm. Slightly off the beaten track, but well worth a visit. 📅 7th February 2026”

  Read more
• S

  Samurai Overton

  ·8 months ago

  “Georgie was SPECTACULAR. They were kind when we had questions about the menu, quick to help when we accidentally spilled a drink, and even offered us recommendations when we mentioned being from out of the country. Food was delicious too. Thank you Georgie!”