Feb 17, 2025

The Old Queen's Head London

A Historic Pub with Buzz

"The Old Queen’s Head boasts a stunning interior, lively events, and sunny front benches — perfect for soaking up the buzz of Essex Road."

Claiming to be North London’s finest boozer, The Old Queen’s Head is a pub that certainly lives up to its reputation. Dated back to the early 1800s, it has not only a very long history attached to it but also plenty of character. What sets this pub apart for me is not just its great vibe and the cool crowds it attracts (which, at the end of the day, you can find in many other pubs). It is its stunning interior that truly impressed me. Step inside, and you will most definitely be wowed by its emerald and golden-yellow walls, quirky statues, and intricate ceiling ornaments.

On sunny days, the benches lined up in the front offer a perfect spot for catching the afternoon sun and soaking up the buzz of Essex Road, while the intimate beer garden at the back provides a laid-back retreat from the crowds. I have not tried the food yet, but the burgers look tempting, especially with their 2-for-1 deal on Mondays.

Hosting an eclectic lineup of events, from pub classics, such as football screenings and quiz nights, to daytime parties on Saturdays, live gigs and DJ nights and more extravagant alternatives, including a Neon naked life drawing session, there is always something on. Whether you are after a good night out with friends or a chilled Sunday meal, The Old Queen’s Head won’t disappoint.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

About this spot

44 Essex Road

Glass of Wine:

£

7

Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our London guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in London

Craft Metropolis, Brixton

Small alley, big vibes

Blink and you’ll miss it. This private little Loughborough Junction spot is well hidden, down a single-file alley off the otherwise unremarkable Hinton Rd.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

Stormbird

The place to be

Stormbird is the perfect pub for the people who have arrived in recent years to call it home. A beer-focused tap room often with some 15 beers on offer...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

The Hermits Cave

The pub lover's pub

The Hermit’s Cave is the kind of place the pub lovers ‘pop down for a quick one’ before dinner, a gentle spot for a gentle relationship with alcohol...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

The Bear

Old new kid on the block

With minimalist decor, The Bear’s clean walls and carefully curated artwork create a smooth blend between traditional pub and forward-facing...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

The Tiger

Good times after dark

The Tiger plays by its own rules though, staying open until three on the weekends meaning you can call it a night when you actually want to.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

BookMongers

Book lover's paradise

Bookmongers truly is one of the gems of Brixton. Just be warned, if you head down with a busy schedule, be prepared to miss your next appointment. 

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

The Clarendon Arms

Cherish, don't change

Inside are people that know each other, who have helped keep their boozer free from the relentless march of gentrification while so many others failed.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

Theo's, Camberwell

Your neighbourhood Italian

In essence, when it comes to stylish neighbourhood pizza joints, Theo’s has all the bases covered starting with banging pizza, fair prices and good drinks.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

The French House

Old school journo den

The French House has a long-standing reputation as a central pillar in London's historic district of dastardliness and debauchery...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Harry

Thompson

Mar 19, 2025

Swingers London

Boozy indoor crazy golf

"Swingers London" London is a crazy indoors golf course with a bar and lots of street food-style eateries. Tip: get a few cocktails at the bar beforehand.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Ellie

Swain

Mar 19, 2025

Peckham Levels

A hub of creativity

"Peckham Levels" is in one of London's most formerly notorious neighborhoods. Now it's one of the coolest neighborhoods -- come and spend a whole day here!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Ellie

Swain

Mar 19, 2025

Toklas

Quick bite in Aldwych

I have tried to resist repeatedly getting their pain au chocolat and try something else from their wide selection of savoury treats as well...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Mar 18, 2025

Heading to London?

222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to London this weekend?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

222 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves London

Get to know our other Spotters from London

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
cached_response not present
19
Filters