Reviews of The Compton Arms. (Pub) in London (London).

The Compton Arms

404 Reviews

204 Comments

Pub

Pub

Compton Arms, 4 Compton Ave, London N1 2XD, United Kingdom

Description

Information of The Compton Arms, Pub in London (London)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of The Compton Arms

Popular times

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Reviews of The Compton Arms

M. K.

I am absolutely astonished. They have a very tight and deliberate menu across the board. The wine choices are fantastic (biodynamic selections including an Orange), and the food (mainly sharing plates) offer some really wonderful options that are not your typical pub food. This is my new favorite pub. Hands down.

J. C.

great friendly service, food came fast to the table. amazing vegetarian food, i loved all the dishes. unique flavors and super tasty, served at just the right temperature. good house red. only complaint is the pasta could have been a bit more flavorful but the starters and pudding (Guiness Cake) more than made up for it!

C. R.

A very cute pub with a good Sunday roast. Book ahead as it is small and gets busy. The front of the pub is lovely and there are board games, but the back lacks a bit of atmosphere

J. M.

Food is delish and their “garden” is a welcome addition. However, allowing smoking in the alley by the garden is definitely NOT welcome. Food and smoking do not go.

N. P.

Absolutely cracking little pub, lovely kind staff and great food, and I’ve never had a bad Guinness in there! A cute little hideaway from the world

A. G.

The food here was really good. We went on a Sunday and had the Sunday lunch which was very good. The lemon sole was cooked to perfection, the chicken was ok (I prefer it crispy on the skin), excellent bavette tartar and all the rest were above the average gastropub. The only problem we had, was the attitude of some staff behind the bar , which were very rude - and unwelcoming. And since they include service charge (although you order by the counter and you get your own cutlery and water etc) they should pay more attention to the customer. Prices are ok. If they improve their service they will do a lot better !

D. C.

A lovely little backstreet boozer with a good range of beers, great food, and very friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable staff. A real gem!

E. L. G.

Four Legs are serving up a storm of sharing plates at the charming Compton Arms pub in Highbury and Islington. Arriving in the Compton Arms, you are immediately welcomed by the lovely bar staff. No matter what day of the week, this quaint pub is always busy. We took a table round the back of the bar after ordering a East London Negroni (£11). We had the following plates to share between the two of us: Fried New Potato Aioli £4 Burrata Black Olive £10 Meatball Berlotti Fennel £12 Cheeseburger £9.5 Olives on the side £3.50 We loved the East London Negroni here! The two things that make this different to a standard Negroni is they use East London Gin (win for the East London Girl!) and Antica Formula Vermouth instead of Dolin Rouge Vermouth. This makes the drink just as boozy, but slightly sweeter, and much smoother! The plates came out around the same time and we got stuck in trying them out. We absolutely loved the Burrata Black Olive which was super creamy just how it should be. The black olives give the Burrata a nice sour twist and all that was missing was some bread! With the cheeseburger, Four Legs have 100% gone for taste over making it ‘instagrammable’. The beef melted in your mouth and it was completed by a layer of tangy cheese and gherkins! The other absolute winner had to be the Fried New Potatoes with the Aioli dip. This were astonishingly good and very moreish. The potatoes were so fluffy on the outside and had a lovely crispy skin to them. The dip was beautiful and really complimented the texture and flavour of the potatoes. We had a very pleasant visit at the Compton Arms pub in Highbury and Islington. It would be so nice to work closer so we could pop in for drinks after work easily! It has a lovely atmosphere and serves some great drinks. We imagine that the food served by Four Legs will only make it more popular than it already is.

H. R.

3.75 stars. Having read all the positive reviews I was a bit hyped about going here. It was fine but not amazing. Staff were friendly and the food was nice (Raghu and Burger). Need to give them another chance.

R. M.

A lovely pub, just hidden from the main road. Probably one of the friendliest places I've been. An amazing welcome from staff. Had a couple of cracking pints .

E.

Well-kept, cozy and small side street local, with friendly service. Lovely and lively, with an outdoor seating area. Nice top shelf at the bar and great selection of cocktails. The list had three different Negronis and an Old Fashioned - excellent choices. Wasnt able to stop for a meal, but I will - the menu had Fried Pizza - I'll have to come back for that.

E. D.

Lovely outdoor pub in cannonbury. Bit lively but fairly limited tap selection. Large outdoors diminishes the atmosphere a bit. Great spot for a family lunch.

B. M.

First visit to the Compton Arms on Friday. A great welcome as soon as we walked in and even though it was busy all the staff were smiling. Hubby asked for a bloody mary and was asked how spicy he wanted it. He was very impressed, even more so when it arrived with a chilli garnish - big thank you to Spike for that. We plan to visit again next time we are in London.

R. A.

This bar was not bad. I didn't get to try the food but the drinks seemed reasonable

G. L.

I visited today with friends by pure chance and we all thought the pub was great. We were able to play our board game Catan without the distraction of TV screens which is a real plus. A good selection of beers and ales available with friendly staff ready to help you.

M. S.

Lovely beer, lovely people, lovingly made cocktails and hands down the best broccoli I've ever had in a pub.

S. D.

The coolest place around. Good music, drinks and food and great bar staff. Also, nice people!

M. R.

Nice pub for a couple of beers before the Union Chapel. Some good beers.

K. A.

Very cozy and perfect for a local quiet night out. Cocktails were great and good wine selection as well

M. C.

Love this little pub off the beaten track. It has a bit of a history to do with George Orwell I think. There’s so many flashy overpriced bars on upper street now so I’m glad this good old pub remains.

D. S.

This place makes the best hamburger I’ve had in London, full stop.

J. M.

We had the absolute best time here last night, the ambience is just right, their drinks menu is pretty great, and you really just can't fault the service. We will definitely be back for more than a late night drink when we're around next. 5/5

F. H.

DELICIOUS - best ox tail stew in the world.

R. H.

Had a drink there 3 weeks ago while visiting my daughter Emma who lives close by. I’m from Melbourne Australia Great little pub!!! Have convinced my daughter to make it her local. She has since been in and loved it. Other local pubs a bit up market for me Thanks Ian (the Architect) for the History lesson Say Hi to Emma if you here her Aussie accent Can’t wait to get back there for a few pints Cheers to the Compton Arms

C. N. (.

Great place - relatively small interior that's frequently packed on evenings and weekends. Lovely outdoor spot when the weather is good. Excellent for watching Arsenal on a weekend and generally for the Four Legs lads - best cheeseburger in London right now.

F. F.

Best burger in town? I followed the advice of trend-setter Infatuation’s staff writer, Jake Missing, and brought my family for a real British pub experience with some great food. Take initiative, order at the bar (and also chat with who I imagine was the entertaining owner) and just wait for the mouthwatering dishes. I’m still dreaming about the burger and potatoes...

B. D.

The food here is epic! Went last night and the chef's were cooking all of their stock and giving it out before Christmas. Ate a wide selection of their dishes and they were all amazing. Decent selection of beers aswell.

t. j.

Also known to some as the old English I love this place had many a session here with work mates, lots of fond memories. First started drinking here about 35 years ago and still occasionally visit. My favourite tipple was a pint of Tiger.

S. R.

I liked it before it was took over, but I love it now. Decent selection of gin and the wines are lovely, and lots of draught beer. I don't see many of the old clientele though, and it is definitely gone hipster as opposed to a real London pub.

A. D. C.

Great little back street pub with AMAZING food (one of the best cheese burger in London)! The bar staff is very rude and unwelcoming though, which is a shame, cause it affects the whole experience, hence the 3 stars

N. P.

We ate extremely well here - cheeseburgers do all of the things you'd want of them: right sauce, chopped onions, generous pickles, smashed patties moist and crisp around the edges, melted American cheese etc.. Cheese curds and leeks with sourdough was an absolute joy. Deep fried quail bits were killer - unreasonably crispy and snowed under with truffle. Beer selection also good and the outdoor bit pleasant. Premium.

F. F.

Such amazing food!! Do try the burger. It's to die for. Also, the environment is really cozy and warm. It has a very sweet garden in the back which is perfect for corona times.

C. K.

Thank God for this place. Arriving disorientated and thirsty from Devon I wandered Islington until I came here. They could learn from us about beer but at least they had some decent bitter. The atmosphere however, and the friendly talkative staff were an absolute breath of fresh air. Top spot.

R. O.

A proper pub. Tucked away behind Union Chapel, I visited on a Friday night and the place was busy but not overrun. Good beer selection and I believe they do food. Great little beer garden. Cosy and friendly, worth a visit for catching up over a pint.

E. M.

A traditional style pub serving an above average range of bitters/beer, larger and Guinness. Decor includes Arsenal [football] club historic photos and articles. A single TV shows sport on occasions, though this is a good pub for chatting with friends. The food portions are on the large side and the burgers are recommended. Chips with chilli on top is a good value meal, at about £6. The bar staff are friendly. There's a small outdoor area, though other bars are better for being outdoors.

P. L.

Love this place, a small cozy traditional pub, just of the hustle and bustle of Upper Street. A good range of ale and larger and all items in the menu are only £5 between 12pm & 2pm. I highly recommend the chili nachos or the blue cheese burger. There's also a small outside yard for the summer.

N. J.

Went here last night and had one of the best burgers I've ever had. Good beer selection and lively atmosphere. I would say it's a small place that punches above its' weight....and wins!!!

C. R.

A good pub if you want a quiet drink away from the noisy bars of Upper Street. Decent beer, never got around to trying the food yet. There's a back garden/yard, which even has a TV screen for match days. They do play music unfortunately, but it's pretty quiet.

E. M.

I'd describe this as an "old man's pub" that serves some good real ales. Whilst seemingly popular with regulars, the staff are friendly and welcoming. But the definite highlight is this serves some of the BEST BURGERS in the Upper Street area! I've been reviewing various burgers on my weekly visits for 2 years now and they are excellent here. The chips with them are tasty, though more towards chip-shop than skinny. Recommended.

M. S.

Strange one. Good beer, if a little pricey. They also played a version of Mean Mr Mustard that I had not heard before, which was nice. Lacking on the service front however. I'm sure it will get better as they find their groove - I understand it has recently come under new ownership.

S. R.

Nice & Lively Boozer. Will be back again.

D. G.

Read Orwell’s “Full Moon under the Tide” and then go here. Eat the Dexter burger. Then order the same burger again and eat that too. You have to do this to keep the universe in balance. What do I mean? Behold: I watched a table of 5 well dressed women share a single burger. They kept slicing it into ever smaller pieces and passing it to the sister in the left. There was a game going on. It made me want to cry for the poverty they must face. There are no proles left to talk to in the bar but Islington’s Soda-Sopa gentrification is a boon if it brings burgers like this (and chips - which are actually new-potatoes which the waitress passes off as chips for riff-raff like me who insist on chips).

S. G.

Cosy little pub with excellent burger pop-up from Four Legs. Best visited with Ashley Barker. He really put the cherry on the visit. I could lend him to you if needed.

J. C.

This is what the majority of pubs were like fifteen years ago. Whether that's a good thing or not depends on your personal preference, but I'm as happy with a quiet pint in an old man's boozer as I am with a glass of wine at Public House over the road. I've not eaten here, so can't comment on the food. Your might get a glance from the locals when you walk in the door, but certainly not in an intimidating way. There's a little room out the back if you fancy a bit more privacy than at the bar, but it was a bit sad in there. The pint of ale that I had was good. The drinkers and staff at the bar seemed friendly enough too. I'd come back again when passing, especially as it's got a useful proximity to the awesome Union Chapel.

R. D.

Great pub with delicious burgers 👌

R. A.

A fantastic traditional pub in Islington which isn't portentous, with a nice local feel. Nice staff, small outdoor seating area and an alright mix of drinks. Worth a visit if you're in the area and fancy a pint in a proper pub.

B. A. P. P.

New management and better for it. Yes it might have lost some of the 'old school london boozer' charm - but what it has gained is style, cleanliness and a non- drain stink toilet. Outside area swept and refurbed too. Great choice of ales. Now exuding a more country village pub vibe. A brilliant addition to the London pub scene without adding to the gastro horror that is infecting the capital.

M. K.

Great boozer just reopened with a new menu, super friendly landlord, and some great draft beer (Gypsy Hill Hepcat). Perfect for a pre-match or pre-gig pint. They still do driving lager although it's renamed Compromise. Nod to the locals. Great outdoor seating with a TV.

H. H.

Beautiful backstreet pub. The Compton is just off the beaten track of Upper St, and benefits immensely from this. Unless you're looking for it, you won't find it. A great match day option for this reason (although even the Compton suffers from the pre 3pm rolling maul). There's also a heated garden area out the back and a very nice beer selection.

J. F.

It's the nature of Islington to change. But not the Compton Arms. This little, traditional pub is like a parallel universe... a wonderful step back in time. Older crowd at the bar, younger people on the patio, usually. But everyone very friendly, once you get to know them. I always visit when I'm in London from the US, and I've always been made to feel right at home.

M. B.

Beer, pub grub in a country pub environment with friendly staff. Some of the local black polo neck Islington brigade don't like it. They're well catered for on upper street. This is the only pub for half a mile to serve traditional Ale. If you want your pint in a mug with a handle, and don't need cutting edge design, this is your best bet for the area.

D. B.

Excellent local pub under threat in side street. George Orwell loved this place and I can see why. Good beer and food. Small, cosy and really nice people behind the bar.

T. B.

Very decent Burger!! Lovely drinks too, good mix of craft beers, organic wine and cocktails.

E. R.

A lovely little pub with friendly and welcoming staff as well as a cute little beer garden. Selection of beers and food is remarkably good but don't expect anything too fancy.

P. M.

Good back Street pub off upper Street... Reasonable selection of ales...they do food too. Came here for pre match... Good for away fans provided you don't show your colours I guess as away from Highbury Islington station where other pubs restrict to home fans only.

S. C.

Great pub, decent food and friendly atmosphere. Always get a wonderful smell of fresh baking from local residents whenever I visit. A quaint little gem.

A.

Busy, cosy (friday night) and subtle cool. Queues at bar are less than 5 mins. Back garden has infra red heaters. Worth a visit.

P. O.

One of the best pubs in North London

L. F.

Left and right sound bounced on walls ordered the beef

F. L.

I dreamt about Fourlegs beef tartare

M. B.

Great little pub and serving the best burgers bar none in London

A. F.

I really like this little boozer. Great beers, pretty decent food. Nice atmosphere, even when they have games on, which is unusual (footie usually makes for too much tension in teh air).

D. P.

Great little pub.

T. W.

whilst the decoration isn't completely to my taste, the renovation is good, the staff friendly and knowledgeable and the selection of beers diverse & changing. landlord knows what he's doing.

J. T.

The antithesis of the Upper Street bars insofar as it is almost like a country pub but I'd agree that it can feel unfriendly, a couple of times it's felt like the landlord just runs the place for his mates at lunchtime. If they addressed this issue it'd be a real gem

a. j.

Nice pub. Had a pre match pint. Far enough sway to enjoy the drink but near enough. Nice yard area.

p. f.

Great burger and cocktails

J. P.

Proper local pub. The owner is really friendly. There is a very small beer garden that has a tv with sports on in the back. Food is cheap and good.

J. T.

Great staff, responsible distancing and the food (by four legs) is probably the best I've ever had in a pub.

m. s.

This is a great little local hidden away from bustling Upper Street. We've been going there for years and the staff is friendly, good selection of drinks, a nice old school vibe and a good little covered space in the back.

R. M.

On a rainy miserable Sunday night a soaked traveller (me) who got off the tube at the wrong station stumbled upon The Compton Pub, he was made welcome by Katie the barmaid and a couple of the locals, refreshed with a pint and some local knowledge he was sent on his way. Thank you Katie and locals after my visit to The Compton my night got a lot better. Next time I am in London I may pop in for a pint and a chat.

J. W.

Green King pub, which limits the range of real ales available. Currently up for sale, hopefully it will remain a pub. If you live in the area please join the campaign to list it as an asset of community value (ACV).

R. D. S.

Tiny, lovely boozer

S. G.

Super pub lovely beer.

L. O.

A nice selection of ale plus a paulaner pilsner for good measure. I ate the burger which was amazing, all the other food seemed excellent.

b. r.

Great selection of craft and cask beers, super friendly staff and football. A great place to watch the match with delicious beers.

j. s.

Amazing food, not expected from such a quiet little place tucked away. Lovely staff. Well worth a visit!!!

G. B.

A quaint pub near Highbury Corner. The food was lovely but the portions were very small.

L. D. S.

A more intimate, old school pub than those more commonly found on Upper Street. Worth a visit if you want to have a quieter drink and talk.

d. w.

Lovely little pub small beer garden. Very happy staff. Small basic menu

C. H.

Lovely pub, crowded on a Saturday night, delicious burgers and friendly staff.

P. H.

Old style pub. Great atmosphere after and Arsenal game. Nice secret garden round the back. Bigger than it looks.

J. M.

Lovely unreconstructed pub slightly off the beaten track so you'll get a table, well kept and interesting beer.

M. S.

Nice little boozer with a good selection of great ales, knowledgeable bar staff happy to offer beer selection advice. A bit of a hidden treasure

R. T.

Lovely pub

E. B.

Really good food for a pub (we are french and hard to content people, believe me), nice staff, nice people, nice place.

P. C.

Great little pub in Islington. Hands down the best burger in London.

D. G.

One of the few locals´ pubs in Islington, nice looking pub with a beer garden, although the ales are not well looked after.

N. N.

Wish Four Legs would stay on forever. Cheeseburger and new potatoes with garlicky aioli to die for.

T. P.

Great, no muckin' about traditional pub. Small covered outside seating area at the back. 1-2 small tables out front.

J. A.

Best burger I've ever had in London

D. S.

Not as good as it use to be, but good selection on tap. Outdoor TV great for football.

R. C.

Small compact pub with decent layout for watching sports on TV. Cosy in winter. Good bar staff!!

M. A. F.

The food was amazing!! It's a bit hidden but definitely worth a visit. More than one!

G. R.

Great little pub foods good servise is good friendly bar staff, all round a nice place

S. J.

Terrific people n terrific food. The team is great especially whacky Aussie Callum

P. L.

Excellent off-path old-Islington boozer - sensitively updated with a few choice mezcal and craft beer alongside several cask

N. M.

A breath of fresh air compared to many of the trendy pubs on Upper St. The perfect place for a pint

N. B.

Tidy little number with good selection of beers. Decent kitchen and heated garden

O. L. M.

Cool new look, friendly atmosphere and good food. Very noisy though.

R. C.

Traditional pub, loud bar music, expensive special £10 for lettuce, anchovies and capers, 2 cask beers, out side areas

B. P. (.

Steady rolling man on tap :)

J. C.

Nice pub. Good atmosphere, good beer, helpful staff

J. B.

Staple of Islington - really nice since refurb. Highly recommended! (And a hell of a lot better than the spoons by the station...)

C. B.

Lovely pub. Friendly staff and crowd. Quality Guinness.

P. S.

Traditional English pub. It's hard to believe that you're just round the corner from the hustle and bustle of Upper Street.

R. W.

A quiet place for some refreshment tucked down a backstreet in north Islington. The bonus is it is dog friendly.

G. E.

Nice local pub. Friendly atmosphere and shows the football on a big screen

M. M.

A tiny old fashioned pub off uber fashionable Upper Street. You may feel intimidated by the very loud locals though.

L. P.

Good atmosphere, outdoor area is a great spot to watch the champions league

D. S.

Cosy little pub with a warm welcome and a nice selection of beers.

C. O.

Love this boozer, always a great atmosphere and brilliant selection of beers

d. g.

Lovely local pub with good people and shows the football

M. B.

A well run establishment with ales & beers etc., all wel kept & served in clean glasses.

S. L.

Just such great food in a good traditional pl in setting

A. I.

Perfect little English pub. Great food and welcoming staff.

G. P.

Fantastic as always. Compton lager always a hit!

G. D.

Tucked away from busy Upper street. Proper pub. Great staff

R. L.

Utterly delicious food, wanted to try everything on the menu

C. F.

authentic pub, good food, friendly service

J. H.

Burger is unreal, spuds were pretty special as well.

M. J.

Great boozer close to the Union Chapel for pre-gig drinks.

C.

Very cute quaint little pub off the Main Street!

J. H.

Lovely traditional local pub near Upper Street

G. U.

Banging burgers - good beer and great atmosphere.

J. C.

Fantastic roast, they are on the expensive side (£19) but well worth it.

M. M.

Beautiful friendly pub with great beer

P. D.

Lovely little pub, tucked away, off the beaten track

T. H.

Very pleasant experience. Decent ale

C. A.

Great beer. Busy on a Friday night.

B. H.

Small, friendly. The Dexter Cheeseburger is the very best

J. W.

A great place to watch live football with a wonderful atmosphere.

E. B.

simply a brilliant pub - just go.

G. T.

Best pub in Islington. No wankers allowed.

H. F.

Great little boozer. Best in Islington after the Hemingford Arms.

M. P.

Very good place to drink very traditional.

C. C.

Four legs - the best food ever!!!

S. A.

Sunday drink with friends nice cosy and friendly

N. H.

Has a village inn feel to it - very small though

A. P.

Great matchday food selection.

C. M.

Nice pint of ale in a Highbury institution

k.

Very good pub good food

E. C.

A great traditional drinkers pub.

m. h.

The landlord is a bit of a legend and has fantastic hair

C. C. B.

Excellent burger, nice place, helpful clerk

P. C.

Favourite place for a post match pint

N. W.

Food, vibes and staff literally couldn't get any better than this place 💪😤👌

B. H.

Nice place but tried to overcharge for the wine

J. B.

Good beer, good food, good atmsphere

J. P.

I can see why Orwell frequented this boozer.

D. W.

Perfectly decent pub.

M. E.

Nice and small. Feels like a local

J. A.

A real pub...which in this area is something of a rarity.

M. B.

Compton arms is currently closed.Is due to re-open early August.

L. B.

Lovley little pub on a quiet street

S. M.

Burger shack service a bit slow when busy

C. M.

Nice beers and amazing cheeseburger

p. q.

Good food

S. H.

The beer was really on point the night that I went.

J. R.

Good, busy. Serves food.

D. H.

The four legs residency is incredible

n. b.

Old style boozer. Small but friendly

P. N.

Friendly boozer, ok outside space.

B. S.

Lovely local pub

D. H.

Good beer

s.

Lovely pre match boozer

L. K.

very very good boozer

D. M.

Nice pub

W. S.

nice little cozy pub

M. B.

Lovely cosy little boozer

E. R.

Great pub

J.

Nice country feel

R. T.

Had a drink with Dr dre

D. M.

A hidden gem of a pub!

P. H.

Strangely busy these days

B. M.

Amazing burger!

b. e. c. k. k. o. t. w.

Nice staff very helpful

D. P.

The pub is amazing

*.

Excellent food

T. V.

Deserves the hype.

A. D.

lovely little boozer

J. F.

Local atmosphere

H. F.

Great boozer.

S. A.

Cosy and comfortable

E. S.

Very comfy

M. B.

Burger

T. C.

Cracking little pub.

n. b.

Great local

E. S.

Peaceful place

P. S.

Overpriced!

G. C.

ENJOYABLE NIGHT

S. B.

(Translated) Children (Original) Dece

M. D.

(Translated) Approx! (Original) Ok!

N.

(Translated) Great (Original) Super

D. P.

J. S.

C. A.

G. D.

B. K.

C. M.

C. G.

J. E.

G. C.

R. P.

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