Pub in London N22
Starting Gate
Station Road, London, N22 7SSClosest station: Alexandra Palace, about 1 min walk4.3out of 5 on Google, from 1,327 ratings
Details last checked October 2024. Things may have changed since.
About Starting Gate
Popular, old-fashioned hangout with creative decor, classic pub grub and craft beers on tap.
We were informed that the pub would be closed for refurbishment for a few weeks from August 12th but have now been told that it will remain open; the planned refurbishment has been postponed until next year.
An impressive corner pub retaining many late-Victorian fittings, notably a series of framed waterclour paitings of local scenes, several full-height timber and etched glass partitions, an old circular bar counter with a surviving section of snob screens and a number of baffles.
A visitor reports - "A visit on Friday evening (03/02/23) revealed: Salopian - Shropshire Gold, Fullers - London Pride, Vocation - Heart & Soul, Willy - Crafty Fox. However, all the pumps were adorned with 'Coming Soon' tags. If they can't get a cask beer up and running at this time of the week, are these pumps permanently tagged thus?" On a subsequnt visit in March 2024 - "Of the various pumps on show only one was available, Fuller's London Pride. Doom Bar & Adnams Southwold were badged but not available."
Built in 1875, the year Alexandra Palace opened. It became the Starting Gate in 1858 when a racecourse was started in Alexandra Park. Much of the interior dates from an 1899 refit, including partitions radiating from the island bar, the different bits served by six external doors. Modern side room with pizza oven. Now M&B, ex-Allied, Spirit, Orchid.
Description from WhatPub, CAMRA’s pub guide, with a summary from Google Maps.
Features
- Dog Friendly
- Sports TV
- Family Friendly
- Serves Food
- Serves Lunch
- Serves Dinner
- Vegetarian Options
- Real Ale
- Real Heritage Pub
- Disabled Access
- Accessible Restroom
- WiFi
- Reservable
- Good for Groups
- Smoking
- Menu for Children
- Serves Coffee
- 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 – 10:30 PM
As listed in October 2024. Hours change, and bank holidays differ: check with the pub.
Good to know
- Operator
- Mitchells & Butlers
- Price
- 2 out of 4 (Google’s price level)
- Phone
- 020 8889 9436
Photos
Photos from Google Maps contributors, stored when the pub was last checked.
Google rating and reviews
4.3out of 5 on Google, from 1,327 ratings
4 out of 5Michael Pozzion Google, May 2024
I popped in on my way home from Alexandra Palace. It had been a long time since my last visit, so I was shocked by the £11:00 price for a large glass of wine. Although it was a touch above the usual pub plonk. I didn't eat here, but clearly the venue is now more gastro than pint n pizza. If you like the feel of wood in your pub, then this is the place. The centrally positioned bar is also a good feature.
2 out of 5West Ham Jaseon Google, June 2024
I came for a quiet meal and found the staff to be friendly, which was a positive start. However, the food did not meet expectations. The lamb rump was very small, and the potatoes and vegetables were cold. It's a shame, as I was really looking forward to enjoying my meal.
4 out of 5Louise McCuddenon Google, August 2024
The food was decent. I had the hake, nicely cooked. My spouse had the seafood pasta and said it was excellent, with plenty of prawns. Calamari was v good quality too, not too greasy. We had to chase up our drinks order and were advised that actually it is best to order drinks directly, not through the app with our food. Worth knowing because the app does invite you to order drinks. The cocktails looked amazing, sadly we weren't drinking booze today. Lovely atmosphere inside, a proper London pub feel.
5 out of 5Hassan Ibrahimon Google, October 2024
We had our wedding reception at the Starting gate and we couldn't have been more pleased with the staff, food and atmosphere. Everyone was so accommodating and made an effort to help our celebration feel special. We'd 100% recommend for anyone looking for a place to host a private event. ❤️❤️❤️
5 out of 5Sue Shepherdon Google, February 2024
Visited here for a meal and drinks. The food was excellent and very tasty. Beer choices were good too. Really good value for money and not at all pricey.
Rating and reviews are from Google Maps, as they stood in October 2024. See the latest on Google Maps.