Southampton Arms

Bars

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London

Southampton Arms © Ed Marshall

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Time Out says

Fri Jul 29 2011

‘Ale, cider, meat’ reads the sign on the outside wall, resembling a film set for a wartime drama; inside, it could be 1943 at this quite wonderful independent taproom for all you know. It’s usually every two or three days that the bar welcomes a new obscure ale from a small British brewery, but a busy Saturday might see casks from small independent breweries such as Marble, Thornbridge and Dark Star run out in ‘a couple of hours’, according to the barman.

Three barrels of cider also await (Borough Hill making regular appearances), alongside a huge hunk of pork. As the venue’s seemingly reluctant website says, ‘Seven real ales, eight real ciders, hot meat in baps, that’s it’; a roast pork bap is £3.90, ‘real money only’. Throw in a stinky coal fire, period portraiture and a small square of brick-floor back garden, and the experience is complete.

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Venue details

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Address:
Southampton Arms 139 Highgate Road
London
NW5 1LE

Venue phone:
07958 780073
Venue website:
www.thesouthamptonarms.co.uk
Opening hours:
Open/snacks served noon-midnight daily
Transport:
Tube: Gospel Oak rail
Map
1. Southampton Arms
  - 139 Highgate Road
    London
    NW5 1LE
  - 07958 780073
  - www.thesouthamptonarms.co.uk
  - 51.555919,-0.146198

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Comments & ratings

(9 ratings)

An absolutely cracking little pub, possibly my joint favourite (with The Harp at Charing Cross) in London. A fantastic range of real ales, ciders and new-wave keg beers, all at very reasonable prices (this must be one of the last bastions of the sub-£3 pint), top-notch snacks (pork pies, roast pork rolls) and great decor and atmosphere. The only down sides are that since it's fairly small it can get very, very bust, and it's a 45 minute train-ride from my house.

Finton Stack Fri Jan 25
Rated as: 5/5
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Love this place. If you live in London and you love beer (or cider), you should drink here at least once.

Stuart Mon Aug 20 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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One of London's best. Has to be. Only downside is how busy it can get but it deserves its business so what can you do? Just get in and have a pint!

Carlos Thu Jul 19 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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Found on here when visiting from the states and in search of a good beer. While not to many pubs in London, this was by far the best. Amazing selection, great atmosphere and friendly staff. No nonsense and no frills. Just a great boozer and great beers. If I lived in London I'd be back weekly! Wish I had found sooner in my visit.

Clint Sat May 12 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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Was very, very crowded the (week)night I went in, so you might struggle for space here. The beers are good though - although I was a little disappointed that given there are now good craft lagers coming in to London maybe these chaps could expand their "real ales/ciders only" to include a couple of quality lagers?

Ashwin Mon Apr 23 2012
Rated as: 4/5
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Myself and the missus stumbled across this gem on Christmas Eve and fell in love with it instantly. No frills, no bullshit just good beer and good cider with some meat thrown in for good measure. My new favourite London pub. Well done.

James R Sun Dec 25 2011
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This has to be the best pub in London for real ale and cider drinkers. Met a couple of friends there on Saturday. Had some amazing beers, served in proper glasses and a mix of pork pie, pickled eggs and fresh roast pork baps for the Table. The best part is the wine list on the chalk board, they had three types. Red, White or Rose haha!

James Mon Oct 17 2011
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Just unreal, a proper, proper boozer. love it.

NA Mon Jul 25 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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Great pub, really good pork baps. As good as visiting a beer fest.

kk Fri Jul 15 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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Best pub in north London

owen reed Thu Jun 23 2011
Rated as: 5/5
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Southampton Arms

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