Guide / The Woodbine

The Woodbine is instantly familiar and homely, with warm candlelight and wood-panelling from head to toe. The eclectic, retro paintings would feel quaint if not for the moody fairy lighting and fresh toucan mural over the crossbeams.

Duck in on a cold winter’s evening for the perfect cosy refuge. You’ll find it nestled on a lovely strip of Blackstock Road, across from Book Bar (the new mecca for East London’s literati) and Beam (the airy neighbourhood brunch spot). But be warned—when Arsenal’s playing it can get busy!

Quizzers will enjoy the high-energy event on a Tuesday, but do book in advance! If you're lucky, you'll land at a characterful, two-tiered table—perfect for keeping your pen away from your pint.

Okay, football, pub quiz… you probably think you have this Highbury staple figured out. But what other Irish pub could conjure up such an expert Pad Kra Pao or Duck Tamarind? Go for the Guinness, stay for one of the most legitimate Thai menus in London.

Okay, explain the food.

The Woodbine hosts a rotating cast of cuisines that take over on different days of the week. Irish pub grub on a Saturday (yes, you can arrive as early as midday for black and white pudding and soda bread!), Sunday Roasts courtesy of the family-run Godfrey’s Master Butchers in Highbury, and every other night of the week: Thai. You can’t have too many starters, but the juicy Thai Dumplings and Crispy Fried Tofu are a must. Mains are packed full of flavour; the Tom Kha hits every complex note and the pineapple fried rice is generous and bursting with juicy raisins and tomatoes. If you do find yourself there on a Sunday and fancy popping an artery, steel yourself for the Ultimate Mixed Roast, with no less than four types of meat topped off with a puffy Yorkshire pud.

The wine list is short (though the quality surpasses your average pub selection) and the whiskey list is long. Decent gluten and alcohol-free beers on offer as well. It’s a perfect neighbourhood spot to warm up with old friends and experience the buzz of Arsenal in a friendly joint.

NOTE: The Woodbine is open daily at 3PM for drinks and dinner, and 12PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Find out more, HERE.

The Woodbine| 215 Blackstock Rd, London N5 2LL, UK