The Hemingford Arms — Restaurant in London

🚇 Caledonian Road 🍺 £5.70 Amstel

One Of Islington’s Finest.

The Hemingford Arms is located in the quiet backstreets of Barnsbury close to The Hammerton Brewery. The nearest Tube is Caledonian Road, it’s a ten minute walk to get here.

The Hemmy, as it’s affectionately known was built in 1855 and later rebuilt in the early 20th century. This pub is instantly recognisable due to the mass of ivy and foliage that cover the exterior of the building.

This pub originally had four rooms which have now been merged into one large bar. The decor here is traditional with an oldschool pub feel. At the core of this pub is a stunning servery that has one of the most beautifully ornate back bars of any London pub. Around the walls are old theatre and movie posters, enamel advertising plates and all manner of bric a brac. The ceiling is festooned with musical instruments, old lamps and even a stuffed badger. The seating is plentiful and comfy, there are stools around the bar plus little intimate nooks and crannies to settle in to. The pub also has an old Joanna in the corner and not forgetting the proper red patterned pub carpet running throughout. Upstairs is another bar which is used for overspill and functions. For the warmer months, there are a dozen or so benches at the front.

The beer lineup is decent and offers a good selection of premium lager, London craft and cask ales. I decided on an Amstel, my pint was excellent, price point was a tad under average. The food menu is Thai, there is selection of phad thai, spicy curries and house specialties to choose from, check socials for kitchen opening times.

We arrived just after 2pm on a mild Saturday afternoon in December. The pub was calm and chilled with a number of punters dotted around the pub. Not long after we arrived a fella walked in with his child strapped to his front, ordered and downed a Guinness then left, that’s what you call a swift one. We had a little chat with the Guv’nor who was welcoming and friendly. I was also lucky enough to get a tour of the pub by a lovely member of staff.

The pub hosts Live Music and DJ nights, shows live Premier League and also has a Pub Quiz on Wednesday evenings.

Sometimes when you walk in a pub you immediately know it’s a blinder, well The @hemingfordarms is that pub. This is an outstanding pub full of character and tradition. The staff are friendly, the locals welcoming and the beer and food are top notch. I must admit we could have spent the whole afternoon in here. If you’re figuring out which London pub you should visit next, then definitely make this boozer your next port of call.

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What a great night ,with great friends havnt laughed like that for a long time..FIRST TIME IN ANY PUB PROPERLY FOR AROUND A YEAR..FIRST IMPRESIONS,"" WOW "" I CAN WALK UP TO THE BAR,,,THEN DONT HAVE TO HAVE A MASK ON..& NO SILLY PLASTIC SCREENS..SOME HOW WE HAD GONE BACK TO THE TIME WHEN YOU DIDNT HAVE TO BOOK A PLACE IN A PUB ,FOR A PINT..DIDNT HAVE TO ORDER FOOD ,TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A PINT..DIDNT HAVE TO WAIT FOR A PERSON TO COME TO THE TABLE AND TAKE YOUR ORDER..COULD GO TO THE BAR AND SPEAK TO THE "" BAR PRESON "" INTERACTING WITH A HUMAN BEING.."" REMEMBER THAT.. ..COULD SIT WHERE YOU WANTED TO ,,,,,,,,,, IF SPACE....ANYWAY, ENOUGH ABOUT RESTRICTIONS.. BACK IN THE "" HEMIE"" THATS WHAT LOCALS CALL IT..LOVELY NIGHT ,.A GREST PUB...NICE FRIENDLY PUB..MIXTURE OF LOCAL ""PEOPLE WHO HAVE LIVED IN ISLINGTON FOR A VERY LONG TIME & NEW COMERS TO ISLINGTON.. GREAT LOOKING PUB FROM INSIDE..ALL SORT OF THINS HANGING FROM THE CEILING & ON THE WALLS " GIVES PUB GREAT CARICKTOR.. OUTSIDE ITS LOVELY, PLENTY OF BENCHES TO SEAT ON...FLOWERS AND HANGING BASKETS & IVY ALL OVER THE PLACE, ,LOOKS GREAT & BEING KEPT WEL.. .GREAT BAR STAFF...POLITE & HELPFUL..GREAT SELECTION OF BEERS / LAGERS..ALL THE DRINKS ,YOU COULD EVER WANT.. HAD A LIVE BAND PLAY..NOT TO LOAD ,,,,YOU COULD, HAA GOOD, CATCH UP CHAT WITH YOUR FRIENDS.,, GREAT TO SEE OTHEIR PEOPLE, I USED TO SEE IN THE HEMIE ,,,A GOOD WHILE AGO .NICE TO CATCH UP WITH NICE PEOPLE..HAVNT SEEN FOR A LONG TIME.. MY FRIENDS HAD SOME FOOD..LOVELY THAI FOOD,,,LOOKED BEAUTIFUL AS USAL ..FOODS GREAT IN THIS PUB..HIGHLY RECOMMENDED....... ..I LOVE THE LOOK ,,, TASTE ,QUALITY,..I WAS SO TEMPTED TO ORDER SOME,, ,,,,,,,,BUT STAYED ON THE ....."" LAGER ONLY DIET"""

,""IT WAS LOVELY TO SEE THE LANDLADY "" PERSON WHO RUNS THE PUB""..KNOWN HER FOR 15 ISH YEARS AT LEAST...SHES A LOVELY, FRIENDLY,, FUNNY,.GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR PERSON . SHES SO WELCOMING ,,,HAVNT SEEN HER FOR NEARLY A YEAR..GREAT TO CATCH UP..ANYWAY HAD SUCH A LAUGH, WITH BRILLIANT FRINDS,KNOWN SOME OF THE ,NEARLY ALL MY LIFE ,,,""IM 52 YEARS YOUNG "" HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THIS LOVELY, FRIENDLY, LOCAL PUB..GREAT TO HAVE A QUITE DRINK..AND CATCH UP WITH BRILLIANT FRIENS..TAKE CARE ..HOPE YOU ENJOY YOURSELF,...

The Hemingford Arms — A Floral Gem with Soulful Vibes Tucked away in Barnsbury, The Hemingford Arms is more than just a pub — it’s a living room for locals, a celebration space for friends, and a hidden treasure for anyone craving character. With its iconic hanging baskets and antique-filled interior, it’s a feast for the eyes before you even order a drink.

Inside, the atmosphere is warm and eclectic — vintage posters, quirky ornaments, and a layout that invites both quiet chats and lively gatherings. The staff are genuinely welcoming, and the service is consistently attentive without being overbearing.

The Thai kitchen is a delightful surprise: fragrant green curry, crispy basil chicken, and generous portions that pair beautifully with a pint of Guinness or a chilled cider. Whether you’re here for a casual dinner or a private celebration upstairs (yes, there’s a rentable room with its own bar!), the experience feels personal and well thought out.

Live music, quiz nights, and a loyal crowd give this place its heartbeat. It’s not just a pub — it’s a community hub with flair.

Verdict: A true Islington gem. Come for the flowers, stay for the food, and return for...