Live Music — Pubs in Holloway

Music bar reopened by the Highbury Pub Company following change of tenant in Dec 2019.

Eaglet

124 Seven Sisters Road, Holloway N7 6AE

Traditional Pub Games

Close to Railway Station

Although dating back to around 1869, this pub was badly damaged by a Zeppelin in 1917. Still has some magnificent Watney tiling

Che

10 Annette Road, Holloway N7 6ET

South American-themed bar. Keg Hammerton N7 available.

Owl & Hitchhiker

471 Holloway Road, Holloway N7 6LE

Function Room

Following its acquisition by Laine's (and then their acquisition) the pub closed briefly and has re-opened as Owl & Hitchhiker. The second part of the latest name comes from the fact that author Douglas Adams lived nearby. The first is in recognition of Edward Lear, see below. A mixture of science (!) and nonsense. There is also a very large tree internal to the pub! The pub has very impressive interior. Internal decoration might best be summarised as eclectic. It was formerly the Half Moon. Then it re-opened 2001 as 'The Quays'. It was bought by the group behind Prince Albert NW1, Three Compasses N8 and Adam & Eve NW7 and the name changed to Edward Lear who was an English artist, illustrator, musician, author and poet, born just around the corner in 1812. In Dec 2017, owner the Distinct Group was acquired by Laine's. As a result Laine's beers can now be found. There were 4 handpumps providing three real ales and a cider. But post lockdowns the manager has said that there is no intetion to resume sales of cask beer. "It's the old "we have to pour it away" argument, and he wasn't interested in arguments about choice or about promoting the product. It's "the demographic", apparently..." Their website says they are open daily from noon until late.

Flynn's

504 Holloway Road, Holloway N7 6JA

When this pub changed its name to Tommy Flynns (now just Flynns) it counted as a pub converting to real ale. It had had a handpump which had not been used for many years brought back into use. That has not lasted and in early 2016 we found no beer available, despite the presence of 3 handpumps. Nor was there any interest in selling real ale. The former name - Hercules is pretty permanent signage, you'd make a mess removing it!

Nambucca

596 Holloway Road, Holloway N7 6LR

Close to Railway Station

After months closed, the pub reopened as Nambucca. Live music venue. The manager (actually franchisee) is from the Great Northern Railway Tavern, but this won't be the same type of place. She will keep the Nambucca name and the music orientation, in the belief that they have a loyal following, but it is clearly now a pub as well. Other things like food are still in the pipeline, it's early days.

Islington Sports Bar

274-276 Holloway Road, Holloway N7 6NE

Traditional Pub Games

Note July 2019 - The Islington Sports Bar and Grill is closed while it installs soundproofing to bring it in line with council requirements. It was granted a potential life-saving alcohol licence. Diehard Gooner Mick Doherty, who part-owns the Grill, had been told he needed to apply for a pub licence – the one he held meant food had to be served with alcohol. Previously reported as a restaurant (2016), confirmed in Dec 18 as now open again after a closure, reverting to a pub, called ISLINGTON SPORTS BAR, selling real ale but Sharps Doom Bar and Atlantic unavailable on a visit due to an Arsenal home match the day before, being very close to the Emirates. A pub that has been through a number of changes since the 1990s, from the Prince of Wales, to a Hobgoblin, the Study, and then the Herbert Chapman before being renamed again in 2013 as Filthy's. Run by the small Hathor Inns pubco, who had other Filthy's pubs in Belfast and Nottingham.

Bedford Tavern

160 Seven Sisters Road, Holloway N7 7PT

Evening Meals

Closed in August 2009, but surprisingly re-opened November 2014. Three lots of four keg fonts. In Sept 2020, at least 6 local kegs include two from Gravity Well from Leyton. Also had Neckstamper and Hammerton. Two Guinness keg as well including the special edition Dublin Porter. Reasonable bottled selection. Pub fully opened out with bar along the side. Bare floorboards and lots of small tables. Dim lights and cosy. Mind the two big steps across the pub you have to step up to get to the bar! Handpump removed due to poor cask beer sales.

Duchess Of Kent

441 Liverpool Road, Holloway N7 8PR

Real Cider Available

With the general devastation of pubs in N7, it's good to see one outlet still flying the flag at the corner with Ellington Street. It has received the standard North London makeover - large, mixed size scrubbed tables, comfy chairs, board games and books and a liberal use of candles. There is a TV but volume is used sparingly for large, national sporting events. Being close to the Emirates stadium it can get busy when Arsenal are at home. On those days the pub will have an outside BBQ and unique bar snacks such as balti pasties. Quiz nights Monday and food nights also held, such as Wednesday pie nights, and cheese and beer tastings, see website for detail. Full meals are served Mon to Fri 12.00-15.00 and Sat/Sun 12.00-16.00 and evenings 18.00-22.00 with full table service. There is a snack menu. It still retains a number of original features although a lot has gone to create the L shaped open space. Cask Marque accreditation achieved March 2008.

Doyles Tavern

379 Caledonian Road, Holloway N7 9DQ