Pub in London N1
Prince Arthur
49 Brunswick Place, London, N1 6EBClosest station: Old Street, about 4 min walk4.4out of 5 on Google, from 496 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Prince Arthur
Traditional, cosy pub in the backstreets with original frontage and a rotating choice of real ales.
29/07/23 - "I visited The Prince Arthur in N1 on 29 July and was served cask - a pint of Whitstable Bay Pale Ale." Hopefully this is a permanent step.
On an intended CAMRA Branch visit in March 2023, the advanced party reported back "don't bother as there were no real ales on" ... it seems this is lkely to be permanant with the current tenants - as Sheps replied thus, "The Prince Arthur is a tenanted pub and, while we can encourage the sale of cask ale, it is up to the individual licensee as to what they stock."
A side street, and a little away from the main drag, this is an old-fashioned boozer, mixing traditional local customers with some of the younger generation with a degree of panache. It's small, with one bar counter that once boasting four hand pumps - all Shepherd Neame in late May 2019 but in March 2023 as above - and while the tables and chairs are a mixture of stripped and distressed, the overall effect, with a curious mix of suspended lights, globe lampshades, and faux wall mounted candles and shades, somehow works as welcoming and comfortable. The only soft furnishings were the two worn and frayed cushions on the two higher bar stools.
There's pub (board) games (e.g. Monopoly, Cluedo, chess, backgammon, Scrabble) available in a promoted 'Games Corner'. There's a full range of prints, art, pictures, signs and more on the walls, and at the rear lower level (access to toilets, which are not easy to get to for the disabled or wheelchairs, from here) a restored fireplace and (in season!) a real fire may be found.
The main building is said to date to the early 18th century, with the ground floor extended at the front to support a balcony in the 1820s or 1830s. The main bar area was further extended out under a previous licensee, Dixie Dean, a former boxer. Outside there's a fold down bench immediately to the right of the front doors, and across the pedestrianised way tables and seating for smokers (ask for an ashtray at the bar) and those wishing to enjoy the finer weather.
The featured picture is its current appearance. The other pics are how it once looked (inside and out).
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly
- Outdoor Seating
- Real Fire
- Live Music
- Games
- Serves Food
- Real Ale
- Function Room
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Smoking
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accepts Debit Cards
- Accepts NFC
Opening times
- Monday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Independent
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 7336 6429
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.4out of 5 on Google, from 496 ratings
5 out of 5Lars Bjørnbakkon Google, September 2024
Lovely pub, slightly tucked away from Old Street Station. Probably one of my favourite places for a pint in the Old Street/Shoreditch area. The staff are always friendly and welcoming, and it has a very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The outside area at ground level and upstairs is great for a warm evening! Finally, the decorations and artworks upstairs are constantly changing, making it as enjoyable as a cultural outing as it does a social one.
5 out of 5Alex Conkletonon Google, January 2024
This pub has a vibe. A hidden gem almost too far to wander gives it a favoured local, secret to keep place feeling. Vintage semi-corner with heritage bubble glass windows, reclaimed wood cladding applied well for a rustic, loved in style. Games & street art set in an interesting companion to stripped plaster walls & heritage pieces from lighting to the bar corner pillar. Flea market, eclectic balanced decorations around a great fireplace enhance the strong character & relaxed personality. These influence the chilled, grounded, comfortable atmosphere. This pub is a vibe.
5 out of 5Richie Hason Google, May 2024
We just popped in for a beer after the European rugby matches, watch a lovely place. Really good beer and a friendly crowd in. Great bar team. Well done and thank you. "The old men in the corner"! 👍🍻
5 out of 5Ashleigh Muiron Google, June 2017
Such a great old boozer. Staff are really friendly and chatty, laid back atmosphere and they've just started doing amazing food with a pop-up out the front. The halloumi fries are delicious and the kababs are amaaaazing
3 out of 5Annique Simpsonon Google, August 2024
Standard, busy central London bar. Bar understaffed - barman served someone who jumped the queue in front of me. Overpriced drinks. Fine for pre-drinks/meeting point/bar crawl. Wouldn’t recommend for anything else.
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.