About This Pub
Ah, The Hemingford Arms – it's one of those tucked-away London pubs that just draws you in with its colourful exterior and that cosy, community feel. From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, the staff are absolute stars, always on hand with a smile and quick service that really makes the place shine, especially when you're settling in for some live sports or a bite of their brilliant Thai food. The menu's a real highlight, with flavoursome dishes like pad Thai and gluten-free options that cater to all sorts, and it's lovely to see it paired with a good pint of Guinness in such a vibrant setting. But let's be honest, it's not without its quirks – you might find a few drinks off the taps aren't always in stock, and the music can sometimes feel a bit hit-or-miss if you're not keen on the radio tunes. Plus, the portions might leave you wanting a bit more bang for your buck, and those serving times can be restrictive on quieter days. All in all, though, it's a solid choice for anyone in Islington looking for a proper pub experience; just pop in with an open mind, and you're bound to have a great time.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The staff are super friendly and efficient, making you feel right at home as soon as you walk in.
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They've got a cracking Thai menu with delicious options like pad Thai and satay chicken – and it's great to see gluten-free choices too.
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The atmosphere is spot on, with live music, a quirky interior, and that community vibe that makes it perfect for a casual get-together.
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It's brilliant for watching live sports, especially football, with screens and a welcoming setup for fans.
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Dog-friendly and family-friendly, plus they've got a function room with its own bar for events – ideal for hiring out.
Cons
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Some drinks, like certain lagers, aren't always available, which can be a bit disappointing if you're after something specific.
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The music selection might not hit the mark for everyone; it's often radio-based, and some folks prefer a more varied or continuous playlist.
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Portion sizes for the food can feel a tad small for the price, making it seem a bit pricey overall.
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Serving hours are limited on certain days, like being closed for food on Mondays, so you'll need to plan around that.
Contact Information
158 Hemingford Rd, London N1 1DF
+442076073303
Pub
Open Now
Opening Hours
| Monday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday (Today) | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 22:30 |
Recent Reviews
After spending 3 hours and walking 6.5 miles on a warm May day, to find a pub in Islington that would accept away fans it was a delight to find this place. Staffed by super efficient and friendly staff, I can confirm that my first pint was like nectar of the gods. The fact that we went on to win only increased the legendary status of this pub. Will be back next season!
Quirky pub full of interesting things. Really liked it... staff was ever so friendly and helpful (thank you). The only reason 4/5 was due to a couple of Lagers were not available and I'd prefer a different option on the music front rather than HEART FM.. continuous music would be better in my opinion and played a little higher. Will go again and so should you.
Bustling pub that plays football and has live music. The food was good, highlight being the salt and pepper tofu (big portion). A little expensive concerning the portion sizes but still a lovely spot.
Great thai food, we had the satay chicken, egg fried rice, and chicken pad thai. Lovely food to go with a drink in the sun!! Good gluten free options too, they were able to take soy sauce out of the rice so it had no gluten in it.
Nice pub tucked away off Highbury and Islington. It has a charming interior, with plenty of decorative touches and overall just presents an old fashioned vibe. The service is nice enough, nothing to get too excited or familiar with, however, they have a good selection of beer on tap and do a good Guinness. Food wise, it’s operated by a different company within the pub, making it a slightly awkward arrangement, where the service staff from the restaurant being wholly unengaged. Although the food is good and the drinks are readily available, and I’d be happy to come back, I’m in no hurry to visit again.
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