An old-fashioned pub serving independent real ale and cider along with traditional pub grub.

The Venue
The Southampton Arms is one of the best real ale pubs in London, selling ale and cider from independent breweries only. Situated high up on Highgate Road, it is easy to get to as it’s about a fifteen minute walk from Kentish Town tube, or a ten minute stroll from Gospel Oak overground. Bus links are excellent, too.

The inside of the pub keeps things traditional. As you enter, wooden benches are to the right of the bar, and the bar itself is in the middle of the room, adjacent to a real fireplace and stripped down tables, benches and chairs. Vintage portraits and old school photos decorate the walls in a disorganised manner. Towards the back of the room is a piano, which leads to the pub's beer garden. The garden is cosy but small, with wooden benches lining the walls and garden tables and chairs in the middle of a tight space illuminated by fairy lights. The gent’s toilets are out here, whilst the ladies are inside by the piano.

The Atmosphere
The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, and the clientele are of the more mature variety. This is the sort of pub you can visit on your own and not feel uncomfortable, making firm friends with the locals and bar staff, as well as the pub dog. The long pews are perfect for groups and striking up conversations with your neighbour. There's a quiz night on Mondays which is no doubt keenly contested and live music is provided via the piano (Wednesdays) and through a vintage record player the rest of the time.

The Food
Food is simple and traditional, but it makes for a refreshing change to identikit pub menus. A blackboard lists bites, which consists of pork pies, (half a large one is £3) sausage rolls (£2.50), roast pork baps, large Scotch eggs, a cheese selection, salami, pate and packets of pork scratchings. All the food is pre-made and on display to the right of the bar. The pork pies are extremely tasty and are served with a sweet mango dip. The cheese selection also proves popular with the clientele.

The Drink
There are at least seven rotating ales on tap, from the likes of Dark Star, Brewdog and a number of London-based outfits like Brodie’s and Camden Town. And there are eight real ciders from producers such as Burrow Hill, Millwhites and the Orchard Pig. You can also try before you buy to ensure you make the right choice, and at around £3 a pint it is good value. There are two Meantime lagers on draught, Helles (£3.20 a pint) and Kolner (£3.40), and a few select branded spirits and a vast wine collection if beer isn't your tipple.

The Last Word
If you are a real ale and cider drinker, this pub is the perfect place for you. And if you are tired of chain gastro pubs, you will almost certainly appreciate the simple, splendid nature of this traditional establishment. It is also worth noting that this is a cash-only bar, so make sure you go to the cash point first.

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