Arsenal Tavern Backpackers

Changed quite a lot from when I once used to go there. I use to go here after every Arsenal game and there are a lot of funny stories to tell. It use to have a good vibe but I think people have moved on a bit and go elsewhere (like myself).
Popped in for a quick pint after one game but wasn’t as packed and don’t care much for the layout or the beers on offer.

do not stay here, false advertising, smells horrible, looks horrible, all their pictures on their website and hostel world need to be updated cause this place is garbage!!! if i can rate this place –5 stars i’d rather burn this place to the ground it’s so bad oh and it’s cash only so they can take your money and screw you over fuck this place go sleep outside it’s way cleaner

You will be walking several blocks to get from arsenal station or finsbury park station to this hostel, so be prepared. The staff was nice enough but my female dorm smelled and the ensuite bathroom was out of order. Then in the women’s showers across the hall one shower was out of order too, leaving only two showers available for all of the women on that floor. Beds were tiny and mattresses very thin. Downstairs bar was ok, but they don’t sell food, only crisps and drinks. There is no kitchen available either for cooking, but they do allow you to bring in food from outside. There are a lot of fish and chip takeaway spots in the area, as well as a sainsbury’s close by. Internet works well and there are many common areas for people to meet, greet, and hangout. It’s good for a one or two night’s stay but no more. Incidentally, there is also no lift. Prepare to be dragging your bags up several flights of stairs. It’s very cheap but remember you get what you pay for. Breakfast costs two pounds and fairly decent, white bread toast, processed cheese and ham, marmite, jam, OJ, and coffee, yogurt and cereal also available.

Hi,
Yes I used to go to that pub but, as a proper Arsenal fan, I would say it is definitely not what it used to be …
It is now more like a family pub suitable for middle class people enjoying soft drinks on a sunny Sunday afternoon!
I think there are better places these days as the stadium as moved.

Like Arsenal teams of yesteryear, the Tavern might not be pretty but it gets the job done. Obviously on matchdays the red+white crowd spills out on to the street, but the rest of the time it’s a typical local: cheap drinks, projector and tv screens, pool table, and a cast of regulars propping up the end of the bar.
The tiny little thai kitchen within the pub provides a decent meal for £5 or £6. Not the calibre of a proper restaurant, but it’s a long way from being the worst pub thai I’ve had in London.