The Finsbury

£10 / Pizza, Vegetarian options

336 Green Lanes, London

Opening hours

4PM-12AM

Sunday 2PM-12AM
Monday 4PM-12AM
Tuesday 4PM-12AM
Wednesday 4PM-12AM
Thursday 4PM-12AM
Friday 2PM-2AM
Saturday 2PM-2AM

Unplug with Awesome Music and Vibes

Nestled near Manor House station, this pub could easily be mistaken for a fragment of wood-panelled bygone days cloaked in the mellow aroma of steadily acing bitters and matured scotch. Though alas, the bitters were reportedly elusive, enough to cause a furrowed brow or two amongst regulars more than once. But fret not, they heartily make up for it with a vibrant spread of pizzas, burgers, and a house Diavolo so fiery you'd think Satan himself lent a hand stretching the dough. Highly recommended, indeed. The effervescent vibe is topped off with an outdoor space—yes, both front and back gardens where patrons can pleasantly lap up the sun—best experienced while a few melodic souls strum away on guitars at the back. This venue steadfastly won over numerous reviewers as the live music mecca of Finsbury, offering a thoroughly jolly soirée whenever you're inclined.

Bring in families only on certain slow Sundays though; it's mainly a grown-up haven heavy on atmosphere—you would ponder why someone would expect slides or kiddie menus when infectious tunes and spirited chatter summon you from every corner. Perennials won't be waiting long for service, wielding smiles mixed with know-how that reassure you superb attention awaits. Despite being a smidge pricier than one's comfort zone used to yesteryear's pub prices, it's arguably worth indulging (it’s ‘Gentrified London’ after all) because they offer quirky liveliness bathed in declarations of endless love for attentive barmen and bartenders lurking behind an array of taps ready for your daring liquid inquiries. Best pub around, several argue gleefully, noses nudged over ambiguously foaming pints, knowing they're part of some heartening local enigma that never ceases to be thoroughly enthralling. — Penelope Savory