The Great Northern Railway Tavern in London

🚇 Hornsey 🍺 £6.95 Siren IPA This pub stands on the bustling high street in Hornsey, North London. The nearest station is Hornsey Mainline. This stunning Grade II listed pub was built in 1897, replacing an earlier establishment from 1865 that served nearby Hornsey Station. The pub takes its name from the Great Northern Railway, the company that brought the line through Hornsey in the 1840s and opened Hornsey Station in 1850. This is a large, traditionally decorated, one-bar pub with two adjoining rooms. This Fuller’s pub has been recently refurbished, and the results are very impressive. The main bar area is located at the front and forms an “L” shape around the servery. Just off the main bar area is the magnificent former music room. The decor includes original woodwork, painted glass skylights, decorated mirrors, etched and stained glass, traditional furniture, and an ornamental fireplace. At the rear of the pub is a large, split-level beer garden complete with huts and covered seating areas. The beer line-up offers a varied choice of well-known brands, independent brews, and cask ales. I opted for a Siren IPA from Wokingham brewers @sirencraftbrew ,my pint was excellent, though the price point was a tad high. The food menu combines pub classics with Mediterranean-inspired dishes; fish and chips is priced at £19.50, and roasts are available on Sundays. We arrived at 1 pm on a warm, overcast Saturday lunchtime in August. The pub was fairly quiet, with a family enjoying lunch in the music room and a few small groups in the beer garden. The atmosphere was laid-back and relaxed, making it easy to settle in. The service was first-class: two friendly team members were on duty, both warm and welcoming. As it was a warm day, we chose one of the huts in the beer garden to enjoy our pints. Lots of positives to report from this grand Victorian tavern. The architecture is a real showstopper, the interior is splendid, especially the music room. The beer choice will please most, there’s plenty of grub on offer, and you’ll be well looked after. Follow @gnrtavern for updates. 📅 2nd August 2025 If you want to see all my pub reviews in one place, head to @londonpubmap on Instagram or Facebook. 🍻

My local - I’m barely 200m away - so I pop in often. Beer: Fantastic selection, especially on the craft taps, but the prices will make you cry. If you’re after a cheaper Guinness, McCafferty’s round the corner is the better shout. Service: Friendly enough, but the team gets distracted once it’s a bit busy. A touch more focus would go a long way. Food: Tasty, but you’re paying top-end pub prices. The Three Compasses does a similar burger for less, while The Starting Gate serves dishes that actually justify this price level. Family-friendliness: Staff seem uneasy with kids just being kids -odd in a neighbourhood full of families. Overall: Stylish spot and quality beer, but steep prices and patchy service keep it from becoming a true favourite.