Urban Pubs & Bars, London’s largest independent pub and dining group, has today announced the reopening of St John’s Tavern, Archway’s much-loved local and one of North London’s most iconic Victorian pubs.
Following its acquisition from an independent leaseholder at the end of September, the classic 19th-century tavern is currently undergoing a £1 million refurbishment, set to reopen on Friday 31st October, with a launch celebration planned for Friday 7th November.
Located in the heart of Archway, Islington, St John’s Tavern has long been known for its seasonal British menu, welcoming atmosphere, and beautiful heritage interiors.
The forthcoming relaunch will retain the venue’s distinctive character while introducing a refreshed design, updated garden space, and extended lounge area, ensuring the tavern continues to feel both timeless and contemporary.
The reimagined space will accommodate around 250 guests across its bar snug, main bar area, lounge, dining room, and a charming garden.
The design stays true to the pub’s Victorian roots, preserving its original bar and dining room features, while introducing comfortable new furnishings, subtle modern details, and a fully upgraded kitchen.
At the heart of the relaunch is a renewed focus on food and drink. Guests can expect a menu of modern, seasonal British fare complemented by an exceptional drinks list of craft beers, signature cocktails, fine wines, and distinguished spirits.
The new menu highlights the best of local and seasonal produce, beginning with elegant starters such as Maldon rock oysters with apple and horseradish vinegar, scallops with leek cream and bacon, and grilled sardines with Kalamata tapenade.
Heartier dishes feature comforting classics with refined touches, including skate wing with caper and parsley butter, pork tomahawk with celeriac and apple slaw, aged Hereford beef burger with skinny fries, and a 28-day rib eye served with triple cooked chips and bearnaise.
Sharing dishes such as cock-a-leekie pie and slow-cooked lamb shoulder with braised lentils showcase the tavern’s convivial spirit, while desserts like burnt cheesecake with sherry and fig, sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream, and chocolate and Guinness cake with vanilla ice cream provide a perfectly indulgent finish.
Sundays will continue the Tavern’s long-held tradition of exceptional roasts – featuring pork, chicken, beef, and a hearty vegetarian option, served with all the trimmings. For those who love midweek indulgence, Thursday is Oyster Night with fresh Maldon oysters at £2 each, while monthly supper clubs will bring the community together around curated seasonal menus.
Chris Hill, Managing Director of Urban Pubs & Bars, said: “St John’s Tavern is one of North London’s true gems, a classic Victorian pub with an incredible history and a loyal local following. Our investment ensures it remains a neighbourhood favourite while evolving into something fresh and exciting. With beautiful new interiors, a focus on great seasonal food, and a vibrant community feel, we can’t wait to welcome guests back this autumn.”
Once reopened, St John’s Tavern will offer a warm, relaxed space for locals, residents, and visitors alike from casual midweek suppers and Sunday roasts to after-work drinks and weekend gatherings in the garden.
The pub will be open seven days a week, serving lunch, dinner, and Sunday roasts, with a launch event on Friday 7th November to celebrate the next chapter of this North London institution.
Urban Pubs & Bars was founded in 2014 by Nick Pring and Malc Heap and has grown to over sixty sites across London.
With this latest acquisition, the group continues to strengthen its position as the city’s leading independent hospitality business, creating and nurturing venues that are as individual as the local communities they serve.
