Rumoured to have been a pub since 1337, and with famous patrons like Byron and Dickens, The Gatehouse is a pub steeped in history. Now a Wetherspoons pub it’s an example of the chain at its best.

The Venue
The Gatehouse is located within the kind of building you only get in areas like Highgate. A sprawling building in white and black, it stands out like a beacon. Inside, the pub is cosy with different seating areas separated by pretty glass partitions and heavy wood as far as the eye can see, from the walls and bar to the tables and chairs. An outdoor area finishes off the offering well and is popular with diners in the summer. A highlight is an upstairs fringe theatre, opened in 1895 as a ‘place suitable for balls, Cinderellas and concerts’. Bet you never thought you’d hear a Wetherspoons pub described in such a way.

The Atmosphere
If you’re after the cheap prices of Wetherspoons without the chavvier element that sometimes comes with their pubs, The Gatehouse is what you’ve been looking for. Attracting almost entirely locals, the well to do nature of the area in which it sits rubs off on the atmosphere here, giving it an upmarket air the likes of which you won’t get in similar pubs in the chain elsewhere. And that’s no bad thing. Still down to earth in its nature, it offers a happy medium.

The Food
Not exactly culinary excellence, the menu at The Gatehouse is typical of all Wetherspoons pubs – simple comfort food at low prices. From their steak and curry nights to the ever-present burger and chips and the accompanying meal deals, which in the past have included options as low as £2.99 for a main meal. Try beating that.

The Drink
Wetherspoons perhaps unfairly has a reputation for being just a cheap chain, but they are actually respected by CAMRA for their support of the ale industry, striving to continually introduce cheap guest ales for an average of less than £2 a pint every month. Otherwise, everything from Greene King IPA to San Miguel - draught and bottles - are included on the menu and even the pickiest of beer drinkers will struggle to find fault. If you don’t like beer, steer well clear of the cocktails. Made with a selection of toxic syrups so bright it’s best you don’t look directly at them, it may look like a good collection of the classics, but they’re a poor imitation. The wine, however, is good on the whole if you avoid the house bottles.

The Last Word
Who knew Wetherspoons could offer an upmarket edge on their cheap chain of pubs. Worth seeking out if you enjoy fringe theatre.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (1) what's on