Did you know that Primrose Hill, beyond its breathtaking views and celebrity allure, houses vibrant pubs that are more than just places to grab a drink? Tucked away in this charming London neighbourhood are pubs brimming with character and a unique sense of community.
Join me on an expedition through this captivating area as we unveil the often-overlooked yet remarkable drinking establishments that contribute to the heartbeat of Primrose Hill.
The Queen’s
Media from queensprimrose
Location: 49 Regent’s Park Rd, London NW1 8XD, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7586 0408
Once a 19th-century hotel, this establishment has been recently refurbished, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Adorned with intricate stained-glass windows and gleaming woodwork, The Queen’s is a prime addition to your list of must-visit spots in Primrose Hill.
On those sunny days, securing a table on The Queen’s cosy terrace is a must. Here, you’ll be treated to one of the most splendid views of the iconic Primrose Hill itself.
Of course, this is the place where the beer flows like a river, featuring an impressive selection of craft ales, local brews, and refreshing lagers. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or a casual sipper, there’s a perfect pint waiting just for you.
The Lansdowne
Media from lansdownenw1
Location: 90 Gloucester Ave., London NW1 8HX, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7483 0409
If you ask locals for their go-to pub, chances are The Lansdowne will be a frequent mention. This delightful boozer has been a hub for pint-pulling and serving up satisfying dishes since its inception in 1992.
From day one, The Lansdowne set out to elevate the pub dining experience in the area, and true to its roots, it continues to uphold that tradition decades later.
The menu at The Lansdowne is a delightful fusion of British and Mediterranean flavours, promising a diverse culinary experience. You can expect an array of tantalising dishes, from the intriguing Salmon and Cod Souvlaki to the delectable Smoked Chicken Rillettes.
The Princess of Wales
Media from princessofwalespub
Location: 22 Chalcot Rd, London NW1 8LL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7722 0354
Once you set foot inside the expansive wonderland that is The Princess of Wales, you might just find yourself swept away into a delightful time warp.
With three floors to explore and a spacious patio that beckons, don’t be surprised if you end up losing a day here – it’s a common tale among its patrons.
Their menu boasts a delightful array of classic pub dishes with a sophisticated touch. And if we’re talking about best-sellers, their succulent fish and chips, with crispy batter and flaky fish, is an absolute crowd-pleaser.
The Engineer
Media from theengineerpub
Location: 65 Gloucester Ave., Greater, London NW1 8JH, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7483 1890
The Engineer is an absolute staple in local life, drawing in folks with its fabulous menu and a chic yet relaxed pub vibe.
Let me tell you – that ivy-covered garden? Oh, it’s a sight to behold, and it’s no wonder it often finds itself on those lists of London’s best beer gardens. It’s the prime location for whiling away a sunny day or indulging in one of their genuinely excellent meals.
And if there’s one thing that sets The Engineer apart, it’s their culinary symphony! The menu boasts an array of scrumptious dishes, but let’s talk about their crown jewel – the succulent beef burger, served with hand-cut chips and homemade relish.
The Albert
Media from albertprimrose
Location: 11 Princess Rd, London NW1 8JR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3301 5867
This charming gastropub exudes cosiness with its dark wood panelling, leather banquettes, and flickering fireplace – the perfect backdrop for a pint and hearty British fare.
Of course, you can’t visit The Albert without ordering their Scotch eggs. These delicacies are perfectly jammy eggs wrapped in sausage meat, then breaded and fried to golden brown perfection before getting a nice bath in mustard sauce. Paired with a hoppy IPA, they’re sublime.
Beyond the eggs, The Albert does gastro-pub food right – classy takes on fish and chips, burgers, and seasonal favourites.
The Pembroke Castle
Media from PembrokeCastle
Location: Pembroke Castle, 150 Gloucester Ave., London NW1 8JA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7483 2927
Stepping inside The Pembroke Castle, you’ll find a labyrinth of rooms full of classic pub features: dark wood, antique mirrors, floral upholstery, and a gleaming bar stocked with local ales.
While the look and feel of The Pembroke Castle whisk you back in time, the food menu keeps things current with gastropub twists on favourites. Their fish and chips battered in Camden Hells lager are fried to perfection – crisp and greaseless.
But locals rave about the Castle burger. This behemoth creation piles a 7oz patty, oozing with cheddar, atop a brioche bun loaded with pickles, bacon jam, and their house Pembroke sauce.
The Enterprise
Media from camdenenterprise
Location: 2 Haverstock Hill, Chalk Farm, London NW3 2BL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7485 2659
This gastropub prides itself on making patrons feel right at home with its warm, inviting ambience accented by wood beams, oriental rugs, and a roaring fireplace (a rarity in London!)
Their menu showcases modern British fare like fish and chips with crushed minted peas, roasted half chickens in lemon and thyme, and decadent Scotch eggs wrapped in black pudding. But it’s their Sunday roasts that have achieved local fame.
Of course, a stellar pub has to offer great drinks and The Enterprise really shines here. With a frequently changing selection of local craft beers and ales, you’ll always discover something new to sip.
The Edinboro Castle
Media from edinborocastlepub
Location: 57 Mornington Terrace, London NW1 7RU, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7255 9651
While this place nails the ambience category, The Edinboro Castle really excels when it comes to beer. As a proud CAMRA-affiliated pub, they pour some of the best real ales in London from frequently rotating, small-batch breweries.
Sip your way through their selections with a tasting paddle. Or opt for one of their signature IPAs and take it out to the beer garden on a nice day.
Once you’re here, make sure to try their fish and chips battered in fresh cod in-house and fried to crispy perfection. Served with mushy peas and tartar sauce, it’s the quintessential British meal.
The Sheephaven Bay
Media from thesheephavenbay
Location: 2 Mornington St, London NW1 7QD, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7380 1323
Beyond the cosy vibe and standout grub, The Sheephaven Bay shines when it comes to Irish brews. With 20+ Irish beers on tap plus a host of rare Irish whiskeys, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
On weekends, live music fills the bar ranging from traditional Irish bands to local rock acts. With its ambience, live music, and scrumptious Irish fare, The Sheephaven Bay offers a magical escape right in Primrose Hill! Sláinte!
For your main event, order the Guinness lamb stew, slow-cooked chunks of meat braised in Guinness until tender and combined with veggies in a rich broth. It’s hearty comfort food at its finest.
The Good Mixer
Media from goodmixerpub
Location: 30 Inverness St, London NW1 7HJ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3076 0002
The Good Mixer is a social playground. Whether it’s striking up conversations with locals, sharing stories, or just enjoying the tunes, this place has a way of making everyone feel like a regular.
Now, if you want to know about a best-seller, their famous cocktail, “The Mixer Mule”, is a true winner. It’s a zesty concoction of vodka, ginger beer, and a splash of lime that’s known to hit all the right notes to help you groove on the dancefloor.
From live music sessions to casual evenings with friends, The Good Mixer knows how to cater to different tastes. It’s a spot where you can cosy up by the bar or let loose on the dance floor, making it a versatile, dynamic venue.
