Top Student-Friendly Pubs in North London

About the author: Hi, I’m Lara Parsons! I recently graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Journalism, Media and Culture. Originally from London, I've loved experiencing the buzz of both cities and I'm excited to share my tips on the best places to explore near you!

London is famous for its extensive array of pubs. From the quaint and quirky to the vast and chaotic, every area has a pocket of venues that attract all kinds of students. The pubs in North London are particularly popular among students, often housed in grand and beautiful buildings that feel straight out of a classic British film. Keep reading to discover some of the best and busiest pubs in your area!

The Faltering Fallback – Finsbury Park

Tucked away on a residential street in Finsbury Park is an enchanting Irish pub, and true North London gem. 

The Faltering Fallback has a buzzing atmosphere all year round, making it a go-to spot no matter the season. Cold and rainy outside? No problem – just inside the entrance you’ll find a horse-shoe shaped bar lined with round tables, perfect for intimate moments with your favourite people. Order some classic Thai food, the pub’s signature cuisine, if you’re feeling peckish or need to quell an impending hangover. 

For a livelier crowd, head through the doorway into a larger space nicknamed the Sin Bin, complete with long tables and benches that accommodate large groups of people. This room hosts pub quizzes on Mondays and regularly screens sports matches.

When the sun is shining, The Fallback’s multi-story beer garden is the ideal hang-out spot. Designed to resemble a tree house, the secret cubby holes dotted around this magical garden make sipping on drinks an experience like no other.

The Spaniards Inn – Hampstead

Romanticise the act of going for a casual pint by visiting The Spaniards Inn, a grand pub located in between Hampstead and Highgate. Built in 1585, this venue is oozing with history, even featuring in Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. 

As autumn commences, ending a long, muddy walk on the grounds of Hampstead Heath is the perfect way to spend your future Sundays – especially since they serve British dishes like the classic roast dinner. Its interior is welcoming, with an open fireplace and traditional furnishings to create a cosy and timeless feel within each wooden room. 

The Camden Head – Camden Town

The Camden Head attracts a lively crowd to the streets of Camden Town. Situated on the corner of the high street, this venue is hard to miss, with its bright lights and booming music seeping out from the inside. 

Joyful chaos is a core characteristic of this pub, providing fun for everyone. Long wooden picnic tables are lined up right outside – ideal for date nights or a cheeky pint after a long day at work. However, as the night progresses, and people start flocking inside, the dance floor comes alive – often helped by a DJ mixing a range of classic tunes to get everyone's feet moving. 

Up a narrow staircase is a function room that often hosts live music and comedy shows, with well-known comedians, such as Stephen Merchant and Bob Mortimer, having previously performed here. This pub truly is the heart and soul of Camden Town.

The Woodman – Highgate

Conveniently located next door to Highgate Underground station lives The Woodman, a traditional gastropub serving high-quality food and a wide range of drinks, from real ales to complex cocktails. 

Its appearance reflects its character, with its vast beer garden giving a cosy and friendly feel. The outdoor area wraps around the building, with ivy and fairy lights dripping from overhead wooden structures that shade the outside space. If the decor doesn't draw you in, the cheerful chatter and echoes of laughter seeping out into the night surely will!

The Myddleton Arms – Islington 

Be transported through eras at The Myddleton Arms, an old pub with a 19th-century exterior. Its etched windows and wooden bar echo its Victorian heritage. 

This beautiful venue is located in the heart of Islington, making it a neighbourhood favourite yet also the perfect place for a spontaneous visit. Passers-by often saunter in to enjoy the live jazz music which is frequently performed by local artists. Every week has Winyl Wednesday, where a DJ is invited to play records, and customers are encouraged to bring their own in exchange for a free drink – a niche and attractive feature.

At the back, there’s a decked beer garden with plump cushions and fairy lights – providing a snug area that can be utilised even in colder months. A tiny hut also sits outside, serving delicious snacks to accompany your beverage. The Myddleton Arms has it all!

Our UniHomes Content Ambassadors are current students across the UK who share tips about student life in their city to help you make the most of your time at uni. If you're interested in writing for our programme, click here for more details. 

Whilst you’re out having fun in your new uni city, remember that UniHomes promotes responsible drinking, and any alcohol products featured within this article are for ages 18+.

The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.