# Best New Pubs in Camden and Islington: March 2025
North London's pub scene has been absolutely buzzing lately, with some cracking new openings and seriously impressive refurbishments breathing fresh life into old favourites. If you're tired of the same old haunts and want to discover what's new in Camden and Islington, you're in for a treat. Here's our round-up of the best new(ish) spots worth checking out.
The Farrier (Camden Market)
Address: Camden Market, Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AF Opened: October 2024
After what felt like an eternity of scaffolding and anticipation, The Farrier finally threw open its doors late last year, and boy was it worth the wait. Set in a beautifully restored Victorian stable building right in the heart of Camden Market, this place absolutely nails the balance between heritage character and contemporary polish.
The interior is stunning—think exposed brickwork, original wooden beams, and industrial lighting that gives the whole space a warm, amber glow. The bar is stocked with an impressive selection of craft beers from London breweries, plus a decent wine list for those so inclined. The food menu leans into modern British gastropub territory with some excellent small plates perfect for sharing.
Pint prices: £6.50-£7.50 for craft beers, £5.80-£6.50 for standard lagers
The Engineer (Kentish Town)
Address: 65 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 8JD Reopened: December 2024 (major refurbishment)
This Primrose Hill institution has been given a new lease of life after closing for a six-month glow-up. The Engineer has always been a solid neighbourhood pub, but the recent refurb has elevated it to something genuinely special. The garden has been completely transformed with covered seating, heating, and festoon lighting—making it usable year-round, which is essential in this city.
Inside, they've kept the cosy, lived-in feel but updated everything that needed updating. The kitchen is now turning out some of the best pub food in North London, with a focus on seasonal British ingredients. Sunday roast here is already becoming legendary.
Pint prices: £6.20-£7.00
The Thornbury Castle (Islington)
Address: 144a Thornbury Road, N1 1RX Reopened: November 2024 (new ownership, extensive renovation)
Formerly a rather tired old boozer that time forgot, The Thornbury Castle emerged from its chrysosis in late 2024 as a genuinely lovely neighbourhood spot. The new owners have clearly put their heart into this place—it's got that rare quality of feeling established and welcoming even though it's technically brand new.
The beer selection is thoughtfully curated with a mix of cask ales and craft kegs, plus they make a surprisingly good negroni if cocktails are your thing. The food is proper pub grub done well—nothing fussy, just well-executed classics. The back garden is small but charming, with plenty of greenery making it feel like a proper escape.
Pint prices: £5.80-£6.80
The Duke of Cambridge (King's Cross)
Address: 30 St Pancras Way, NW1 0AN Opened: January 2025
Technically just on the edge of Camden, this new opening from the team behind several successful East London pubs has brought some much-needed energy to the King's Cross fringes. The Duke of Cambridge occupies a grand Victorian corner building that's been sensitively restored, keeping original features like the ornate plaster ceilings and mosaic floors while adding contemporary touches.
The vibe is relaxed but just polished enough—you could bring a date here or catch up with mates without it feeling wrong either way. The beer selection changes regularly with plenty of London breweries represented, and they've got a solid natural wine list that doesn't require a degree to understand.
Pint prices: £6.50-£7.80
The George & Vulture (Islington)
Address: 38 Penton Street, N1 9PN Reopened: September 2024
After being closed for nearly two years, this historic Islington pub has been rescued and restored by a local couple who clearly understand what makes a great neighbourhood local. The George & Vulture dates back to the 18th century, and the refurbishment has been careful to preserve its character while making it comfortable and functional for modern drinkers.
The pub has a fantastic community feel already—quiz nights, live acoustic music on Sundays, and a genuine welcome for everyone from young families to old regulars. The food menu changes seasonally and there's a proper focus on proper cooking rather than microwaved nonsense.
Pint prices: £5.90-£6.70
The Pembroke Castle (Camden)
Address: 150 Gloucester Avenue, NW1 8JA Reopened: February 2025
Hot off the presses, this Camden stalwart reopened just weeks ago after an extensive refurbishment that's seen it completely transformed. The Pembroke Castle was always a solid option, but it felt a bit tired—now it's absolutely gleaming. The new owners have invested serious money in the kitchen, and it shows.
The standout feature is the roof terrace, which has been completely redone and offers surprisingly good views across Camden and Primrose Hill. Inside, there's a good mix of seating options from cosy corners to larger tables for groups. The beer selection covers all bases from cask ale to craft lager, and the staff actually know what they're talking about.
Pint prices: £6.00-£7.20
---
There you have it—six brilliant reasons to venture north of the river this month. Whether you're after somewhere for a quick pint after work or a long lazy Sunday session, these new and newly-refurbished spots are well worth adding to your rotation. As always, prices listed are estimates based on our visits and may vary—if you've spotted a particularly good (or shockingly bad) deal at any of these pubs, help your fellow Londoners out by submitting it to pints.lol!
Know of a new opening we missed? Drop us a line and we'll check it out.