The Joiners

Charming Pub with a Lively Atmosphere!

Upon stepping into this Finchley gem, there's an immediate sensation of "home" about it—a vibrant and personable local pub that's equally capable of hosting high-energy football nights and lazy Sunday afternoons in its charming outdoor garden. With the change in management, you can sense a palpable uplift in spirits these past months, largely credited to the hands-on leadership of Gareth who seems to weave community vibes right into the wooden barstools. The pub might not boast the culinary heights of Michelin stars, but it finds its charm in other notes: fresh mixes of cider and spirits that are good value for money and staff like Ash and Diana, who leave you with the warm afterglow of genuine hospitality.

Of course, the pub is not without its quirks—an occasionally long wait for food and some unexpected ID checks transport you briefly into some dystopian flashback. Yet it's the humorous conversations, hearty laughter echoing under low wooden beams, and spirited cheers during live matches that truly define The Joiners. And although the haunt has received mixed reviews on some fronts, I reckon you'd often find reason to raise your glass here, especially given the garden's ample seating under leafy serenity or into the joyful din at the bar, shared with regulars who've felt uplifted by managerial attentions. For moments between sipping ale and catching sports highlights, where cozy corners offer that quintessential blend of solitude and sunshine, it emerges as an inviting nook within the Finchley landscape, worth both discovery and revisitation. — Audrey Al Dente