Pub in London N1

Kings Head

115 Upper Street, London, N1 1QN
Closest station: Essex Road, about 9 min walk

4.4out of 5 on Google, from 1,418 ratings

Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.

Kings Head, London N1

About Kings Head

Intimate pub with coal fires, old photos and a pre-decimal till, plus an upstairs theatre.

The internationally renowned Kings Head Theatre Pub (as it was - see below) was founded in 1970 by the late great impresario Dan Crawford and was carried on by his wife, Stephanie. Run by one family for 41 years it remains a well loved local acquired by Young's in 2014. There has been a Kings Head on this site since the 1500s, but the current Grade II listed building dates from 1860.

It features Victorian decor covered with framed photos of well known actors who have graced the stage over the 41 years of the theater's presence, roaring fires in the winter, tables and chairs outside in the summer with a view of the leafy gardens of St. Mary's Church.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

July 2023 - Islington King's Head pub theatre closes after 53 years - The August 13 closure comes ahead of the previously announced move into a purpose-built theatre in Islington Square. James Seabright, Chair of Trustees said: "Next month we bid a bittersweet farewell to London’s original pub theatre at 115 Upper Street, as work continues at the new King’s Head Theatre next door at Islington Square. Thanks to -

https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/23678443.islington-kings-head-pub-theatre-closes-53-years/

Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.

Features

  • Dog Friendly
  • Outdoor Seating: Summer only
  • Live Music: See website for details
  • Sports TV: Such as 6 Nations
  • Serves Food
  • Serves Lunch: The pub does not serve main courses, only light snacks and sharing platters.
  • Serves Dinner: The pub does not serve main courses, only light snacks and sharing platters.
  • Real Ale
  • Real Heritage Pub
  • Disabled Access
  • Accessible Restroom
  • Reservable
  • Good for Groups
  • Accepts Credit Cards
  • Accepts Debit Cards
  • Accepts NFC

Opening times

Monday
12:00 – 11:00 PM
Tuesday
12:00 – 11:00 PM
Wednesday
12:00 – 11:00 PM
Thursday
12:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday
12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday
12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday
12:00 – 10:00 PM

As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.

Good to know

Operator
Young's
Price
2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)

Photos

  • Kings Head: photo 2 of 10
  • Kings Head: photo 3 of 10
  • Kings Head: photo 4 of 10
  • Kings Head: photo 5 of 10
  • Kings Head: photo 6 of 10
  • Kings Head: photo 7 of 10
  • Kings Head: photo 8 of 10
  • Kings Head: photo 9 of 10
  • Kings Head: photo 10 of 10

Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.

Google rating and reviews

4.4out of 5 on Google, from 1,418 ratings

  • 5 out of 5Craig Turneron Google, August 2024

    Reece the manager I believe offered exceptional service upon our visit. Given were not from the area it was so nice to be warm welcomed with a great service, honestly thought he owned this pub. Thanks again my friend, will definitely be paying this boozer another visit if all his staff has his attitude. Well done.

  • 5 out of 5Lauren Weedonon Google, August 2024

    Nice pub! Kaela was friendly and helpful. Particularly with me being on crutches - she helped me access the disabled toilet when needed, despite having a busy bar. Good people, great beer and friendly vibes.

  • 4 out of 5John Carr (Corinne and John)on Google, May 2024

    Good Islington pub on Upper Street about 10 minutes walk to either Highbury and Islington or Angel tube station. Only one cask beer on handpump when I visited. Some outdoor seating on the pavement at the front. Until July 2023, the pub housed a famous theatre which has now moved to the nearby Islington Square.

  • 5 out of 5Zoe Carrawayon Google, June 2024

    This pub is great!!! They do nice cocktails, staff were SUPER friendly and recommended we try their new cheese and charcuterie board, which we did and it did not disappoint! Overall a great experience. Will definitely be back.

  • 1 out of 5Andy Bretton Google, May 2024

    Having read other reviews praising the food, we planned an evening to eat here before going to the adjacent theatre. When we arrived we were told they don't do food, they only have Scotch Eggs! Fortunately we found another local pub, The Bull and had good food and drinks.

Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.

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