The Compton Arms in London: photos, reviews, menu

About

The Compton Arms in London offers a refreshing blend of Italian cuisine and elevated seasonal British pub fare in a fashionably casual and cozy setting. It's the ideal spot for meeting up with friends or enjoying a solo meal. With a notable 4.4-star rating on Google, this contemporary village pub welcomes patrons with the option of reservations and outdoor seating. Whether you're watching big-screen sports in the covered courtyard or sipping on their impressive beer selection and cocktails, there's something for everyone. Known for inspiring George Orwell's essay on the perfect pub, The Moon Under Water, The Compton Arms continues to provide a memorable dining and social experience.

Price

$$$$

Cuisines

Italian

Services

Reservations available, Outdoor seating, Dine-in

Offering

Serving alcohol, Serving cocktails, Serving beer, Serving wine, Serving food, Serving food at bar

Payment

Payment by credit card, Payment by debit card, NFC payment

Atmosphere

Fashionably, Casual, Cozy

4.4

based on 746 reviews

Google

4.4/5 746 reviews

Kelsey Wilson

Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Everything was delicious. Couldn’t recommend more highly. Not overly expensive. Gorgeous pub.

London Pub Map

Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

🚇 Highbury & Islington 🍺 £6.60 Mahou The Compton Arms is tucked away in Canonbury, Islington, North London. The nearest Tube is Highbury & Islington. This pub was originally built around 1880 but was rebuilt following bombing damage in 1944. The Compton is famously known as one of George Orwell’s three regular Canonbury pubs and is believed to have inspired his 1946 essay on the perfect pub, The Moon Under Water. The pub’s coat of arms features a moon beneath water in tribute to Orwell, as well as a nod to Denis Compton, who played football for Arsenal and cricket for Middlesex. This compact backstreet local has a contemporary village pub feel. The servery is located to the left, with stools positioned around it for punters. The main bar area is split-level, with low beamed ceilings that add to the pub’s intimate character. To the left of the servery is a snug dining area—small, but perfectly formed. Just off the main bar is a passageway with a drinking ledge and several stools, leading to a bright and airy courtyard beer garden. The beer selection is impressive, offering a mix of premium and local independent brews, along with three cask ales. I opted for a Mahou—my pint was top drawer, price point was slightly above average. The pub is renowned for its food and currently hosts @rakelondon as a kitchen residency. The menu features elevated seasonal British pub fare, with a strong selection of seafood dishes. I arrived at 4 p.m. on a sunny Saturday afternoon in April. The pub was busy both inside and out. The clientele was a mix of locals and a wedding party enjoying a few post-nuptial drinks. The atmosphere was upbeat and convivial, with a welcoming local pub feel. The service was on point—I received a warm welcome, and the team member was courteous. It’s hard to believe that the tranquil setting of this pub is just a 60-second walk from the hustle and bustle of Upper Street. Despite its gastro credentials, The @comptonarmsn1 still offers plenty of space for those looking to enjoy a pint. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and would definitely recommend a visit. 📅 5th April 2025 If you want to see all my pub reviews in one place, head to @londonpubmap on Instagram. 🍻

Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Food review: Rake London. Wow - the food was amazing. The stand out had to be the Ray Wing (worth the visit for this alone), the simple salad (shout out to whatever was in that dressing) and the Ox Tongue (not pictured)... Or and the mushy peas under the pork! Loved the intimate setting however as the restaurant area was at the back of the pub and it's a really small space - once it was filled it was near impossible to hear the person opposite you.

What is the address of The Compton Arms?
The Compton Arms is located at Compton Arms, 4 Compton Ave, N1 2XD, London, United Kingdom.
How to get here by public transport?
The nearest public transport options provide quick and easy access:
- Train station Drayton Park (1.02 km walk)
- Train station Essex Road (520 m walk)
- Bus stop Islington Town Hall (165 m walk)
- Bus stop Westbourne Road / Arundel Square (Stop W) (624 m walk)
- Bus stop St Paul's Road /Highbury Grove (Stop CT) (360 m walk)
How is The Compton Arms rated by visitors?
The Compton Arms has an average rating of 4.4 based on 746 reviews across platforms such as Google.
What types of drinks are offered?
The bar serves a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.
Does the venue have outdoor seating?
Yes, outdoor seating is available, making it ideal during warm weather.

the compton arms
compton arms

The Compton Arms in London