The 10 best pubs for Arsenal fans
Islington, North London is hot bed for some of the best pubs in Britain. The area is known for having a vibrant and diverse pub scene, boasting a wide variety of pubs, ranging from traditional British pubs to trendy gastropubs and craft beer bars. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a pint of ale, a lively atmosphere for watching sports, or a place to sample artisanal brews, Islington has something to offer for every taste.
The best pubs are not positioned directly outside Arsenal's stadium. But fear not, walk a few hundred meters in any direction and you're sure to find a great English pub. Found below is a shortlist of the 10 best pubs within short proximity of the Emirates Stadium, curated by an author residing in the Highbury & Islington area.
The 10 best pubs for Arsenal supporters
- The Tollington Arms - 2 mins walk
- The Twelve Pins - 4 mins walk
- The Gunners - 6 mins walk
- The Famous Cock Tavern - 6 mins walk
- The Hemingford Arms - 30 mins walk
- The Blackstock - 8 mins walk
- The Emirates Tavern - 2 mins walk
- The Faltering Fullback - 30 mins walk
- Alwyne Castle - 10 mins walk
- The Bank of Friendship -
12 mins walk
1 The Tollington Arms
Distance from Emirates Stadium:
Approximately 0.1 miles (2 minutes walk)
The Tollington Arms, located near Emirates Stadium in Islington, London, is a historic pub steeped in tradition and football culture. Situated at 115 Hornsey Road, it has been a fixture in the area since the late 19th century, witnessing the evolution of both the neighborhood and the football scene. The pub has a vibrant atmosphere, particularly on match days, when it becomes a bustling hub for football supporters. Inside, customers are greeted by traditional pub decor, with wooden furnishings, cosy seating areas, and sports memorabilia adorning the walls.
The Tollington Arms offers a wide selection of drinks, including beers, ales, ciders, wines, and spirits, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a pint before or after a match. Additionally, the pub serves classic pub fare, ranging from burgers and sandwiches to pies and sharing platters, ensuring there's something to satisfy every appetite. With its lively ambiance, great drinks, tasty food, and convenient location near Emirates Stadium, The Tollington Arms ranks as our best pub for Arsenal supporters.
2 The Twelve Pins
Distance from Emirates Stadium: Approximately 0.2 miles (4 minutes walk)
Situated a short stroll from the Emirates Stadium, The Twelve Pins is an inviting Irish pub known for its warm hospitality and vibrant ambiance. As an official Arsenal supporters pub, it attracts fans from far and wide, offering a lively atmosphere on match days. As with most typical Irish pubs, large TV screens can be found throughout, so it's never hard to get a view of the match. Plus, there's a great selection of beers and ales, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the match or head to for a pre-match pint as the atmosphere builds.
3 The Gunners
Distance from Emirates Stadium: Approximately 0.3 miles (6 minutes walk)
It's not hard to tell where this pubs loyalties lie. The name is a bit of a clue. If you hadn't figured out before stepping inside then you soon would. The Gunners pub exudes history and nostalgia, adorned with Arsenal memorabilia that reflects its deep-rooted connection to the football club. Located within walking distance of the Emirates Stadium, it provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for fans to enjoy pre and post-match drinks. With its traditional English pub setting and bustling ambiance, it's a favourite amongst the Arsenal supporters.
Did you know: The derby is named after the statue of the Virgin Mary, which sits atop the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) in the city center. The term "Madonnina" refers to the statue's depiction of the Virgin Mary as the protector of the city of Milan.
4 The Famous Cock Tavern
Distance from Emirates Stadium:
Approximately 0.3 miles (6 minutes walk)
As one of the iconic pubs in the vicinity of the Emirates Stadium, The Famous Cock Tavern boasts a rich history and a lively match-day atmosphere. The pub is conveniently located right next to Highbury & Islington station, which is not the nearest station to Emirates Stadium, but is only a 5 minute walk away. With its large projector screen and multiple TV screens, it offers a great sports viewing experience for fans.
The Famous Cock Tavern, located in Islington, London, has a history dating back to the 17th century. One interesting fact about the tavern is its association with the performing arts. Over the years, it has been frequented by numerous actors, musicians, and artists, earning a reputation as a cultural hub in the area. The tavern's cozy interior and historic ambiance have provided inspiration for creative minds, making it a beloved destination for those seeking a dose of artistic inspiration along with their drinks.
5 The Hemingford Arms
Distance from Emirates Stadium: Approximately 1.5 miles (30minutes walk)
The Hemingford Arms is less known for being an Arsenal supporters base and more known for being one of Islington's finest drinking establishments.
The Hemingford Arms is a cherished pub in the residential enclave of Barnsbury within Islington, London. Nestled at 158 Hemingford Road, it exudes a timeless charm with its traditional Victorian-era decor, comprising wooden furnishings, vintage fixtures (and all sorts of stuff) hanging from the ceiling, and a welcoming fireplace. This ambiance creates an inviting space for customers to unwind and enjoy a drink or meal. Renowned for its diverse selection of beverages, the pub offers an array of beers, ales, ciders, wines, and spirits, catering to various tastes. Additionally, its menu features a tempting array of pub classics or sometimes Thai dishes.
The Hemingford Arms boasts a spacious beer garden, providing ample outdoor seating amidst lush greenery—a perfect setting for socializing during warmer seasons. The pub also hosts occasional live music performances, quiz nights, and other events, enhancing its vibrant atmosphere and community spirit. Whether seeking a cozy spot for a casual pint or a lively venue for social gatherings, The Hemingford Arms embodies the quintessential British pub experience, making it a beloved destination in the heart of Islington.
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Hemingford Arms has been one of my favourite pubs since moving to Islington a couple years ago, it's well worth a trip if you've never been before.
Did you know:
The Hemingford Arms was once frequented by notable literary figures, including the renowned author George Orwell. Orwell, famous for works such as "Animal Farm" and "1984," lived in the vicinity of Barnsbury during the late 1940s. The pub has become renowned as a filming location for several television shows and movies. Over the years, the pub has served as a backdrop for various scenes due to its distinctive Victorian-era decor
6 The Blackstock
Distance from Emirates Stadium:
Approximately 0.4 miles (8 minutes walk)
Offering a traditional English pub experience, The Blackstock is a welcoming establishment located within walking distance of the Emirates Stadium. With its warm and convivial ambiance, it provides the perfect setting for fans to gather and enjoy pre and post-match drinks. The pub's proximity to the stadium and dedication to serving quality beverages make it a popular choice among Arsenal supporters.
7 The Emirates Tavern
Distance from Emirates Stadium: Approximately 0.1 miles (2 minutes walk)
Just steps away from the Emirates Stadium, The Emirates Tavern offers a modern and stylish setting for fans to enjoy drinks and camaraderie before and after the match. With its spacious beer garden and selection of craft beers and cocktails, it provides a comfortable and convivial atmosphere for Arsenal supporters to gather and celebrate their team's victories.
8 The Faltering Fullback
Distance from Emirates Stadium: Approximately 1.5 miles (30 minutes walk)
The Faltering Fullback is a renowned pub nestled in the heart of Finsbury Park, London, drawing patrons with its distinct multi-level layout and inviting atmosphere. Located a little further out than the other pubs listed here, but we decided we couldn't miss it off because it is truly one of the best. Plus, having visited here many times on matchday, we can safely they say this is a Arsenal fan favourite.
Situated at 19 Perth Road, it's conveniently accessible near Finsbury Park Station, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Upon stepping inside, guests are greeted by a cosy interior adorned with an eclectic array of vintage memorabilia, old photographs, and charming knick-knacks, lending the pub its unique character.
However, what truly sets The Faltering Fullback apart is its expansive beer garden, a hidden gem tucked away behind the pub. Boasting lush greenery, enchanting fairy lights, and tiered seating areas, the garden provides a serene oasis perfect for unwinding with a refreshing drink, especially during the warmer months. Speaking of drinks, the pub offers a diverse selection of beverages, from a variety of beers and ales to wines, spirits, and cocktails, catering to every taste. Additionally, patrons can indulge in a delectable menu of pub classics and comfort food, including burgers, fish and chips, pies, and vegetarian options.
The Faltering Fullback would be my number one choice for a pre-match pint, but it's too far away to make the top of the list. If the distance doesn't bother you, make sure to head here!
Good to know: Occasionally, The Faltering Fullback hosts live music performances, quiz nights, and other events, adding to its vibrant atmosphere and ensuring there's always something exciting happening.
One intriguing fact about The Faltering Fullback is its name's origin, rooted in Irish history and culture. The term "Faltering Fullback" is a reference to a position in Gaelic football, an Irish sport similar to soccer. In Gaelic football, the fullback is a key defensive player tasked with protecting the goal. The "faltering" aspect of the name likely refers to a player who is struggling or stumbling in their defensive duties. This unique name choice reflects the pub's Irish heritage and its connection to sports.
9 Alwyne Castle
Distance from Emirates Stadium: Approximately 0.5 miles (10 minutes walk)
Not an official Arsenal supporters club pub, but Alwyne Castle is undoubtedly one of Islington's best pubs. Nestled right in the heart of Islington, The Alwyne Castle is a stylish and modern pub offering a relaxed atmosphere and quality drinks. It has a lively beer garden at the front, which is a great place to enjoy the pre-match build up on a sunny day. Its proximity to the stadium and spacious beer garden make it a popular choice for fans seeking a laid-back spot to enjoy pre and post-match drinks with friends.
Did you know: Like many pubs, Alwyne castle is named after the road it is situated on, Alwyne Road in Islington. The name "Alwyne" itself has historical significance, as it likely originates from the Old English word "ælfwine," meaning "elf friend" or "noble friend."
10 The Bank of Friendship
Distance from Emirates Stadium:
Approximately 0.6 miles (12 minutes walk)
With its historic charm and welcoming ambiance, The Bank of Friendship provides a familiar setting for Arsenal fans to gather and enjoy drinks before and after the match. Located a short distance from the Emirates Stadium, it offers a cozy atmosphere and spacious beer garden, perfect for soaking up the pre-match excitement and celebrating victories with fellow supporters. While not an official Arsenal supporters pub, it has earned a reputation as a beloved neighborhood haunt.
Did you know: Established in the mid-1800s, the pub derived its name from the principles of cooperation and mutual support espoused by the movement. It served as a gathering place for members of cooperative societies, who would meet to discuss business matters, social issues, and community initiatives. The pub's commitment to fostering friendship and solidarity among its patrons reflected the ethos of cooperation that was gaining momentum during that period
Final shoutout The Coronet
Distance from Emirates Stadium:
Approximately 0.2 miles (4 minutes walk)
You know how everyone has that one friend. Bit of a loud mouth, kind of annoying and gets you in to trouble. But you're still friends and you actually like them but you're not sure why. That's kind of like The Coronet. It's not the best pub in the area, a little filthy, but it's been there a long time now and we'll miss it when it's gone. Head here for a post-match drink after 3 points and you're bound to have a laugh. Probably steer clear otherwise.
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