The Hemingford Arms is a rare London find, a traditional yet eccentric old-school boozer with an eclectic clientele to match. Old men mingle with office workers, rowdy regulars, musicians and, occasionally, Kate Moss.

The Venue
Tucked away in a leafy residential area of Islington, if it’s a proper pub you’re after, The Hemingford Arms is well worth the walk from Upper Street’s throng of chain pubs and bars.

Lovely on the outside, the building is swathed in ivy, with hanging baskets and creepers forming an impressive floral display. Inside, it’s dimly lit and an extraordinary array of musical instruments, religious and sporting memorabilia, rusty bikes, and shop dummies hanging from the ceiling and all over the walls. The back wall is lined with bookcases, forming a small library for drinkers to peruse.

Regulars clog up the bar, which runs the length of the pub, but there are numerous booths and nooks where you can settle in. Outdoor benches are great for summer drinking and useful for smokers.

The Atmosphere
The chaotic, cluttered look of The Hemingford Arms is reflected in the atmosphere – it’s relaxed, but a little unpredictable. People come here to drink and the regulars are not averse to downing a few. Spontaneous song is as likely to break out as the odd drunken scuffle.

There is usually something going on; the pub hosts regular quiz nights as well as live music most evenings. The bluegrass night is becoming renowned, and traditional Irish bands and Sunday’s soul man are pretty good, too.

The staff are friendly with the regulars, but it’s easy to feel excluded – you get the impression that last orders is at very different times for regulars and the rest.

The Food
Lunch at The Hemingford Arms consists of a short menu of British pub food. It generally costs a fiver and consists of the staples: sausage and mash, beef and Guinness pie, and filled baked potatoes. The food is hearty and homemade. The lunch on Sundays is a proper pub roast, plates groaning with a mountain of meat, gravy and all the trimmings. In the evenings, Thai food is served – standard curry and noodle dishes for around £7. It’s solid and reliable, if not amazing.

The Drink
A huge number of lagers and ales are available on tap at The Hemingford Arms. Well-kept beers include IPA, Adnams and Broadside, plus a rotating guest ale. Amstel and Fosters are among the draught lagers. The usual selection of spirits and soft drinks are served, as is a wide choice of whiskies.

The Last Word
This is a proper boozer with decent food and great live music, the kind of venue where you go “for one” and accidentally remain until closing.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (1) image gallery (4)