When Arsenal fixtures roll around, there’s more on the menu than just 90 minutes of football — especially if you’re heading to the Emirates.
Whether you’re here for the Arsenal vs PSG glamour tie, a colossal showdown with Chelsea in the WSL or even a North London grudge match like Arsenal vs Tottenham,
This guide gives you the ultimate Arsenal matchday drinking spots — packed with personality, history, atmosphere, and of course, pints. Whether you’re debating the latest Arsenal transfer news or predicting the score for the Arsenal game tomorrow, these are the places to be.
1. The Tollington Arms
📍 115 Hornsey Road, N7 6DN
⏱️ 7-min walk to Emirates Stadium
If Arsenal had an official pub, it’d be The Tollington. This place lives and breathes Arsenal — think live bands, eight plasma screens, and a crowd that roars louder than the North Bank. It’s a pre-game pilgrimage for many, especially before a fiery Arsenal vs Real Madrid night or a domestic clash with title implications.
What to expect:
Legendary Thai food (yes, really): Think of Jay Bothroyd, the former Arsenal youth product had a brief tenure in the Thai Premier League.
Huge outdoor area with heaters Electric matchday buzz Often requires a match ticket to get in
Vibe check: Unbeatable. Possibly the only place where you’ll overhear a debate about Gyökeres to Arsenal between bites of green curry.
2. The Bank of Friendship
📍 226 Blackstock Road, N5 1EA
⏱️ 7-min walk to Emirates
A true Highbury stalwart. This pub feels like Arsenal heritage — not just a stop before kickoff.
Arsenal were able to lift the UWCL trophy last season by not just being a fabulous team – but grafting away as a team, leading to a Bank of Friendship some would say between players like Katie McCabe, Leah Williamson and Beth Mead.
Regulars mix with match-goers in a vibrant beer garden with craft brews, mezcal negronis, and Yard Sale Pizza delivered to your table.
What to expect:
Great beers, rotating cask ales Glorious pub garden, heated in winter Mezcal cocktails and natural wines Over 21s only
Vibe check: Chill but passionate. A local’s joint that becomes a terrace without a roof on matchdays.
3. The Gunners Pub
📍 204 Blackstock Road, N5 1EN
⏱️ 13-min walk to Emirates
Clue’s in the name. The Gunners Pub is plastered with Arsenal memorabilia and drenched in club culture. If you’re looking for nostalgia, this is your spot. Great food, cold beer, and a backyard with screens make this a perfect place to dissect the Arsenal Gyökeres rumours with your mates.
What to expect:
Arsenal shirts and signatures on the wall Pub grub done right Covered beer garden with match screenings Live music before and after games
Vibe check: Old school Gooner temple with a modern kick. Think of it as the hybrid of Highbury tradition and Emirates swagger.
4. The Victoria Tavern
📍 203 Holloway Road, N7 8DL
⏱️ 5-min walk to Emirates
This one might fly under the radar, but it’s a gem. Much like Kim Little, you don’t always notice the stellar work but when you do, you really stand in awe.
Roman-style Flatboys Pizza, retro arcade games, darts, pool tables, and a mix of fans that ranges from students to long-time locals.
Vibe check: Fun, easy-going, and a great choice if you’re heading to the Arsenal vs Tottenham derby and want to eat like a king without blowing your budget.
5. Highbury Library
📍 Drayton Park Road
⏱️ Literally opposite the stadium
Somebody thought they’d have a lot of fun when naming this one. The library jibe has been thrown toward Arsenal in the men’s game for many years, that the Emirates doesn’t have half the atmosphere that Highbury did… and can at times be quieter than other grounds.
Not your average football boozer — and that’s why we love it. No screens. No screaming. Just natural wines, cocktails, vinyl records, and a chilled crowd who enjoy discussing Arsenal fixtures with the same passion they reserve for Burgundy wine.
What to expect:
Thoughtfully curated craft beers and natural wines No TVs, but plenty of chat Games, a record player, and a wine QR code system Pet-friendly and vibe-heavy
Vibe check: Sophisticated Arsenal fan energy. It’s where you go when you want football chat without a shouting match.
6. The Prince Edward, Holloway
📍 38 Parkhurst Road, N7 0SF
⏱️ 12-15 min walk to Emirates
A true locals’ pub. Think Guinness on tap, quiz nights, open mic Wednesdays, and retro pub decor. If you’re looking to avoid the matchday crush and have a proper sit-down pint, this is your place.
What to expect:
Great value drinks British classics like Sunday roasts A mix of students, locals, and hidden Gooners Pool table, quiz nights, and open mic sessions
Vibe check: Warm, welcoming, and authentically North London. Perfect for post-match debriefs — win, lose, or VAR shambles.
7. The Drayton Park
📍 66 Drayton Park, N5 1ND
⏱️ You can literally see the Emirates from here
One of the closest pubs to the stadium — so close it might as well be inside. It fills up fast and has a strict Arsenal-only vibe on matchdays, so don’t turn up in rival colours.
What to expect:
Home fans only Extremely close proximity to the stadium Buzzing matchday energy
Vibe check: Loud, proud, and probably already full. Get there early or not at all.
Bonus Tip: Drinking Inside the Emirates Stadium
Pints in the stadium will set you back around £7, with options like Camden Pale, Camden Hells, and Magners. Food includes pies, burgers, and chips — solid, but expect queues and stadium prices.
Final Whistle
Whether you’re previewing the Arsenal vs Real Madrid showdown or debating whether Gyökeres to Arsenal makes tactical sense over a pint, North London has no shortage of places to warm up or wind down.
Just remember — matchdays get packed, some pubs require an Arsenal ticket or membership, and early arrival is key.
So next time the Arsenal game tomorrow is marked in your calendar, sort the pre-match pint first. It might just be the best part of your day… depending on how the game goes!
doragon sports 