Stooping ceilings, creaking floors, solid wooden panelling, beams and small interconnecting rooms combine to make The Flask Tavern, a traditional 18th century English pub, among the most attractive London has to offer. One of the villages lost to London's urban sprawl, Highgate has still managed to retain a modicum of rustic charm, community atmosphere and this fine local hostelry - one of the village's original buildings and a treasure trove of history. The name, for instance, comes from the time when the local Hampstead springs would draw visitors to the pub where the foul tasting waters were sold by the flask. Social commentator, painter and satirist, William Hogarth was often found to be drinking in the pubs charms. And legend has it that Highwayman Dick Turpin avoided capture by secreting himself away in the pubs cellars. It might not be as wholly olde worlde as it once was - sturdy wooden tables and chairs have given way to low tables and leather sofas - but it still has a powerful traditional air about it. When the sun shines, the heated beer garden is illuminated with strings of fairy lights and filled up with the smell of a resident barbeque. Perched next to the local church and what remains of a village green, it's easy to forget you're only a few miles from central London. The food is OK - the menu has a tasty gastro stab at all the time-honoured classics - and service can be a bit slow due to the pub's increasing popularity, but the venue and atmosphere more than make up for this. Besides, slow, steady service is more in keeping with the pub's traditional, rustic approach to life. It's a bit of a walk from Highgate Tube but the views over London from this hilltop enclave are spectacular.
Best for: Wood panelling and beams, fairylights and village green, Hogarth and Turpin.
The Flask Tavern
77 Highgate West Hill, N6 6BU
Village charm, BBQs and outdoor heaters in Highgate
One of the cute villages lost to London's urban sprawl, Highgate... More
Ideal for alcoholic refreshment after a weekend tramp on Hampstead Heath, this notorious pub dates back to 1585 and is doused in history. The roguish ... More
The Boogaloo has succeeded in breaking the all pervasive contemporary pub blueprint, fashioning a popular alternative with a great atmosphere - and not an inch ... More
Bright airy chain bars with a good range of beer, wine and spirits offering reasonable gastropub style food. Comfortable, with plenty of tables, leather sofas, ...More
Located in one of the most desirable neighbourhoods, Dawson House Hotel certainly lives up to the exclusivity of its local area Hampstead. Located in ... More
Highly acclaimed Bristol-based theatre company Travelling Light have a play for all seasons in How Cold My Toes which charts the changing weather during the ...More
Wild woodland Victorian cemetery.
Perched at the top of the winding and woody Swain’s Lane, close to Highgate village with its soaring views over the city, ... More
This fascinating gallery displays exhibitions of children's art from every corner of the world, including artwork by local youngsters. Moving from their original home, a ... More
An old second-hand bookshop to delight the enthusiast. One room is turned over entirely to titles on London. History, ancient and modern, literature, travel and ... More
Strada has started something of a pizza revolution and knocked Pizza Express off its perch (as well as, more regrettably, being the final nail in ...More
One of our favourites, this beautiful park occupies a dramatic sloping site overlooking the city and was given to Londoners by Sir Sidney Waterlow as ... More
Get the FREE monthly guide to London entertainment, arts, concerts, sport, book signings, and essential event information delivered directly to your inbox.
LondonTown.com has special discounts every week. The amount of discount will vary depending on the dates you are coming and how far in advance you book. All discounts are subject to availability.
Show favourites only
Report a bug, make a suggestion or just tell us your thoughts.
Stooping ceilings, creaking floors, solid wooden panelling, beams and small interconnecting rooms combine to make The Flask Tavern, a traditional 18th century English pub, among the most attractive London has to offer. One of the villages lost to London's urban sprawl, Highgate has still managed to retain a modicum of rustic charm, community atmosphere and this fine local hostelry - one of the village's original buildings and a treasure trove of history. The name, for instance, comes from the time when the local Hampstead springs would draw visitors to the pub where the foul tasting waters were sold by the flask. Social commentator, painter and satirist, William Hogarth was often found to be drinking in the pubs charms. And legend has it that Highwayman Dick Turpin avoided capture by secreting himself away in the pubs cellars. It might not be as wholly olde worlde as it once was - sturdy wooden tables and chairs have given way to low tables and leather sofas - but it still has a powerful traditional air about it. When the sun shines, the heated beer garden is illuminated with strings of fairy lights and filled up with the smell of a resident barbeque. Perched next to the local church and what remains of a village green, it's easy to forget you're only a few miles from central London. The food is OK - the menu has a tasty gastro stab at all the time-honoured classics - and service can be a bit slow due to the pub's increasing popularity, but the venue and atmosphere more than make up for this. Besides, slow, steady service is more in keeping with the pub's traditional, rustic approach to life. It's a bit of a walk from 
