The Haverstock Tavern — Restaurant in London

Absolutely dreadful experience. Booked a table well in advance for 8pm on my girlfriends birthday, to have food and hopefully take advantage of the govt offer. It started off fine, we were seated, offered drinks and a menu etc but no one ever came to take our order, the last we heard was about 8.05 that they would 'give us a minute to decide'. 25+ fruitless minutes later we knew something was up when we overheard the server telling someone else who had arrived way after us that many things were now not available but then didn't bother to tell us. After going up to the bar to try and order something, anything, we were told that orders were on hold for 30 minutes. We had already committed by then and had travelled to the area specifically so decided to visit, where we were eventually told by a different staff member that absolutely everything was sold out (at 20.40 in an empty looking pub) and they could maybe scramble together some chips for us. Funnily enough that wasn't that appealing so we decided to leave, the only plus is that the server agreed to comp our drinks (our suggestion) but I was overwhelmingly disappointed with this place and...

Nestled on Haverstock Hill, this independent pub feels like a well-kept secret—equal parts cozy refuge and community anchor. The Haverstock Tavern isn’t trying to be trendy; it’s trying to be timeless. And it succeeds.

The interiors are classic without being stale: warm wood, soft lighting, and a layout that invites conversation. Whether you're here for a quiet pint, a Sunday roast, or a birthday gathering, the space adapts. The beer garden—modest but thoughtfully replanted—is a highlight, especially on sunny afternoons.

Food-wise, the menu is compact but confident. Think sticky pork belly, nut roast, and scotch eggs that actually taste homemade. Everything is cooked on-site, and it shows. The roasts are generous, the vegetarian options well-considered, and the portions satisfying without being showy. Prices are fair, and the drinks list includes local brews and well-chosen wines.

Service is where The Haverstock Tavern shines. Staff are genuinely friendly, not performatively so. You’re greeted with warmth, not a script. There’s a sense that the team cares—about the food, the atmosphere, and the people who walk...

Avoid the Haverstock Tavern for sporting fixtures. Management think playing the audio to the Wimbledon final is inappropriate despite over 80% of people in the pub at the time being there to watch the tennis and multiple different groups asking staff for the commentary to be played. This is also despite many groups having booked a table specifically to watch the Wimbledon final and the pub advertising that they would be broadcasting it. It’s a real shame as the Haverstock Tavern was our favourite local pub until now due to its previously friendly staff. The Sir Richard Steele and the Washington will now be seeing...