Oak and Pastor

🚇 Archway 🍺 £6.80 Guinness This pub is located near Dartmouth Park in Archway, North London. The nearest Tube is Archway. Built in 1874 as The Junction Arms, the pub survived minor WWII bombing damage, was renamed The Drum and Monkey in 1964 after a landlord’s favourite ornament. It became The Oak & Pastor around 2011, reflecting its church-inspired reclaimed interior. This is a mid-sized, single-bar pub. The servery is located on the right with the bar area wrapping around it. Upstairs is a function room called The Vestry, and at the rear of the pub there is a charming beer garden. At the front, there is a terrace with parasols. The decor here is traditional. The floor is boarded, while the seating is a mix of high and low levels, including some sturdy pews. The walls combine exposed brick with stunning reclaimed panelling. The star of the show is the repurposed beautifully carved wooden confessional box, which makes for an intimate place to enjoy a drink. The beer lineup is full of familiar favourites: two stouts, Guinness and Murphy’s, and one cask ale. I actually had two pints while I was here—a Cruzcampo, then I was encouraged to try the Guinness. Both were excellent; the Guinness was up there with the best of them. Food-wise, it’s burgers, pizza, and comfort food, with roasts available on Sundays. I arrived at 2pm on a pleasant Saturday afternoon in April. The pub was fairly quiet inside but busy outside on the front terrace. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed, set to a nice soundtrack playing in the background. The service was first class; I had a lovely chat and even got a tour of the pub from the Guv’nor, who was friendly, personable, and the consummate host. The bar team were also welcoming and clearly enjoyed what they do. This was a superb pub visit that ticked all the boxes. I loved the décor, especially the reclaimed furniture; my Guinness hit the spot, and the hospitality was of the highest order. So come, all ye faithful, and visit the blessing that is The Oak & Pastor. 📅 18th April 2026

4 months ago · via Google

I've only visited this pub twice, but both times it's been comfortably busy, meaning we could have conversations without having to shout over each other, but almost all tables were occupied. The staff were friendly and welcoming on both visits, and the service was quick. There wasn't a long wait for food, and we enjoyed our meals on both occasions.

4 months ago · via Google

Coming here over recent years has always been a treat in the Archway area, but now the service level and managerial direction has really given this brilliant pub a culinary direction and identity. The booze is of course great, the seating, ambience and general vibe is warm, friendly and very cosy, but similarly bustling (without feeling too busy), and the food is on par with modern day pub restaurants and at an excellent price point that doesn't sell itself short or feel like overcharging. The steak and ale pie meal is not at all fsr off the likes of The Mitre in Edinburgh, who have won awards for this type of fayre. Its that tasty. Keep it up and keep it going, Ryan. We look forward to coming back and enjoying another few hours of a weekend evening just whining away the hours in great company, music and all round vibes. No pub in Archway comes close right now.

7 months ago · via Google

Amazing experience and a friendly staff and great food with generous portions. Nice work

a month ago · via Google