Shaftesbury Tavern

Featured reviews

• G

  Google user

  ·1 month ago

  “Top london boozer, nice function room Good Guinness. Nice food. North London forever”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 months ago

  “The Thai food served at the Shaftesbury has always been and still is amazing. Probably some of the best in London and worth a visit just for that. Having been a customer of the pub for the last 3 years, the staff have always been polite and friendly. This made it considerably more frustrating to see how the staff handled a complaint during the England match yesterday. After a man wandered in from the street with his own alcohol, sat down on a table uninvited and then began aggressively berating the group and clearly making them uncomfortable. A member of the group complained to the staff and was clearly distressed, it was a huge shame to see the staff member then allow this man to stay until the end of the match to avoid any personal confrontation. It almost certainly ruined the event for the young group (and the rest of us having to hear and see this happening) and is disappointing to see the lack of care and protection for the pubs patrons. I will return to the pub in the near future but probably won't do for a sporting event. I would strongly recommend investing in security for big games and events. That would change this review to a 5-star.”

• G

  Google user

  ·4 months ago

  “Absolute gem and so glad it’s my local. Decent prices for the area, and nice changing beers. Service always great and the pub itself is stunning. Beautiful old curved bar and reeded glass with a very impressive main room and fire place. The Thai food has always been great.”

• G

  Google user

  ·6 months ago

  “Great pub. Incredible food. For real. Some of the best Thai food I’ve had in London. This ain’t no run of the mill pad thai. This is 5D Thai. Recommend the Lab Gai.”

• G

  Google user

  ·1 year ago

  “One of our favorite pubs in North London. Food is great, but would stick to the thai menu! Dissappinted they took the seacider off the menu, new cider is nowhere near as good. I got the meal and pint deal, It was great but the guiness was not included which was anoying as that was not mentioned on the menu. Would always recommend this pub. 4.5/5”

• G

  Google user

  ·1 year ago

  “Popped in to this traditional pub whilst we waited for an ex-colleague to get changed for a birthday party held in the back room. Great range of beers and non alcoholic beers and ciders. As we were passing through, and I had a last train to catch, we didn't have any food, but neighbouring tables had some interesting plates! Great outside seated area, however it's right on the busy Hornsey Rise/Road. I personally don't mind as I love the buzz of the city and it was my ends for over 20 years, so I'm a little biased there. Next time I'm down in the area, I shall partake of a meal and a write up 🤤”

• G

  Google user

  ·1 year ago

  “Charming decor, wonderful friendly service, eclectic bunch of locals and the food is great. Try the sweetcorn fritters! Fantastic local pub”

• G

  Google user

  ·2 years ago

  “🚇 Archway 🍺 £6.00 Pillars Pilsner A Beautiful Traditional Tavern. The Shaftesbury Tavern is located at the end of a row of shops overlooking Elthorne Park in Upper Holloway, Islington. The nearest Tube is Archway, it’s around a ten minute walk to get here. This pub was originally built in 1861 then rebuilt in 1897. Close to the pub is Islington Boxing Club which was founded in 1974. This is a traditional two room pub that has been lovingly maintained. You arrive into an ‘L’ shaped bar that is very easy on the eye. The servery follows the line of the bar and has a beautiful ornate back bar and an open kitchen to the right. The seating is traditional chairs and pews around sturdy solid wood tables. Just off the main bar is the former billiard room which has an attractive chequered floor, comfy sofas, a piano, a fireplace and a stylish Victorian atrium. The stand out features of this pub are the stunning etched mirrors and etched glass partitions. At the front of the pub is a partially covered front patio area which is guarded by black railings. The beer choice was excellent and included London craft beers and three cask ales. I decided on a Pillars Pilsner from Wathamstow brewers @pillarsbrewery , my pint hit the spot, price point was average. The food menu here is Thai, Pad Thai costs £12. If you visit on a Sunday, Roasts take centre stage. I arrived around 3pm on a mild Saturday afternoon in January. The pub was fairly quiet in the main bar and busy with a function in the back room. The atmosphere was relaxed with a few locals dotted around enjoying a Saturday afternoon beverage. The service was on point, the member of staff who served me was welcoming and gracious. The @shaftesburytavern is part of the Remarkable Pubs stable of pubs. I have visited a number of their pubs over the years and have to say every visit has been a memorable one. The Shaftesbury Tavern was no exception, the beer choice is excellent, the tasty Thai food is well celebrated and the decor is beautiful. This definitely a must visit London Pub. ℹ️ Info correct on visiting 06.01.24”

• G

  Google user

  ·3 years ago

  “Great beer but the Sunday roast is terribly disappointing. Chewy, grizzly, dry (overcooked) beef, undercooked swede mash that was over seasoned and roast potatoes that resembled something more like a baked potato. All for 15.50. Don’t bother. Instead, come during the week for the Thai.”

• G

  Google user

  ·4 years ago

  “Have always longed for roast lamb with mint sauce and today finally got to eat at this lovely pub. Dad and mi youngest son had the roast beef, which mi son surprisingly ate more than 3/4 of his plate. He's normally a burger/pizza and for him to eat that much means he enjoyed the roast, while his brother ate the nut roast. The highlight is the musician playing all fav tunes on the piano which gives one the feeling of actually being at home with family. Staff are very friendly. Definitely recommend.”