Pub in Holloway
Owl & Hitchhiker
471 Holloway Road, Holloway, N7 6LEClosest station: Upper Holloway, about 9 min walk4.4out of 5 on Google, from 716 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Owl & Hitchhiker
Hip, quirky hangout offering American-style BBQ with vegan options, plus outdoor seating.
Following its acquisition by Laine's (and then their acquisition) the pub closed briefly and has re-opened as Owl & Hitchhiker. The second part of the latest name comes from the fact that author Douglas Adams lived nearby. The first is in recognition of Edward Lear, see below. A mixture of science (!) and nonsense. There is also a very large tree internal to the pub! The pub has very impressive interior. Internal decoration might best be summarised as eclectic.
It was formerly the Half Moon. Then it re-opened 2001 as 'The Quays'. It was bought by the group behind Prince Albert NW1, Three Compasses N8 and Adam & Eve NW7 and the name changed to Edward Lear who was an English artist, illustrator, musician, author and poet, born just around the corner in 1812. In Dec 2017, owner the Distinct Group was acquired by Laine's.
Pre-covid there were 4 handpumps providing three real ales and a cider but now Landlord is the regular one to go for. However this feedback arose from a visit on 15/12/23, " Loads of craft keg - at least 6 pales/IPAs, no cask . Landlord was not put on in the 2.5 hours I was there." Their website says they are open daily from noon until late. A subsequent visitor found it available so let us say there is a level of uncertainty on cask availability.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly
- Outdoor Seating: Front terrace
- Live Music
- Sports TV
- Games: Board Games
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Real Ale
- Real Heritage Pub
- Function Room
- Disabled Access
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Newspapers
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 4:00 – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 4:00 – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 4:00 – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Friday
- 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Saturday
- 12:00 PM – 2:00 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
- Laine Pub Company
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 3588 7650
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.4out of 5 on Google, from 716 ratings
3 out of 5Imran Pardhanon Google, October 2024
The birria tacos and nachos were alright, the beers on tap were alright too. This could be a really cool place with arcade games, GameCube and multiple floors. The really bad server attitude is mainly what messes this place up. The lady at the bar is super abrupt - no smiles, no please, no thank you. Genuinely, if you remove this server from the bar it’s a 5 star
5 out of 5Tom Buchanon Google, August 2024
We would like to share our heartfelt thanks to the whole team at the Owl last night. You hosted our wedding reception with aplomb. The food was amazing and all the staff were incredible, really adding to the joy of the evening. You have all been super accommodating leading up to and after the reception, making what was a time of stressful planning that bit easier. I would highly recommend booking the upstairs space for any functions you have coming up...make sure you order the food too! Once again thank you x
5 out of 5Adam Burnetton Google, May 2024
Came here for the pub quiz on Tuesday. Good bar staff and pretty quick food service. Pints are reasonably priced for London and the food has good sized portions. The Jerky "Poutine" with shredded jerk chicken was solidly delicious and a good portion (maybe a little salty on the jerk gravy). Would recommend the quiz. Good quiz master and a fun time. Decor inside the pub is all sorts of fun.
5 out of 5Tim Ilandon Google, September 2024
First time I had been here, booked in for a group of 12 - works really well for group bookings! Lots of different options for areas to sit, and great selection of food and drinks. I also want to shout out Jade and the other girl on the bar who I didn’t catch the name of, really friendly and hospitable and did a really great job serving us. They were holding down a busy open mic night and very full pub just the two of them so credit where credit is due. Excellent work and I will definitely be back! Thanks a lot 😎👍
5 out of 5Dai Treeon Google, March 2023
And the prize for the silliest pub of the day goes to: wait for it (drum roll)...... The Owl and Hitchhiker on Holloway Road...furious round of applause! What a brilliant pub. One bit looks like it has been recreated from my teenage bedroom with too many loudspeakers, tape decks, amps and everything else. Then go to the pub courtesy of Clive Sinclair, yes that is where I would have put the piano too. A great mezzanine, love it. Pinball, what is going on? Have I landed up in a parallel universe? I love the owl at the back, flying (swooping) down onto the tables. The place is mad, thank you so…
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.