The Red Lion And Sun Highgate

Let’s talk about a pub that feels like a secret handshake. I’m talking about The Red Lion and Sun in Highgate. It’s not just a place to grab a pint; it’s a vibe. Trust me, you need this in your life.

Where History Gets a Little Rowdy

This place has been around since the 16th century. Imagine the stories these walls could tell. It survived plagues, wars, and probably some very questionable haircuts. It’s got that ancient, creaky charm that makes you feel like a time traveler.

Here’s a quirky fact: it’s named after the Sun, not the actual sun. The "Red Lion" was a classic pub name, they just added a celestial bonus. It’s a pub with a celestial license. History buffs love it, but so do people who just want a good burger.

The Beer Garden of Your Dreams

The garden is the real star. It’s not a concrete slab with a sad umbrella. This is a lush, sprawling secret garden with fairy lights. In summer, it’s a total zoo—in the best way. You might fight for a bench, but the fight is worth it.

They have a wood-fired pizza oven out back. Pizza in a pub garden? It’s basically a life hack. You can sip a cold craft beer while a stranger’s dog sniffs your shoe. Pure chaos. Pure joy.

Food That Makes You Forget the Name

The menu is “gastro pub” but without the snobbery. Think of it as comfort food that went to finishing school. Their Sunday roast is legendary. People book tables weeks in advance just for that plate of gravy-soaked happiness.

Fun detail: they serve a “Lion Burger.” It’s not made of lion. Please, it’s just a very good beef burger. But the name makes you feel a little dangerous. Order it, and you’re part of the pack.

The Ghosts (If You’re into That)

Every old pub in London needs a ghost story. The Red Lion and Sun doesn’t disappoint. Rumour has it a former landlord still roams the cellar. He’s probably just looking for a lost pint. Spooky or silly? You decide. But keep an eye on your drink.

Locals swear they’ve heard footsteps on the stairs. I say it’s just the creaky floorboards. But what if it isn’t? Adds a little spice to your after-work drink.

Why It’s the Best Pub You’ve Never Heard Of

Highgate is posh, but this pub keeps it real. You’ll see a film director next to a teacher next to a skateboarder. It’s a social leveller. No one cares who you are—they just care if you’re blocking the bar.

Another funny quirk: the pub sign is hilariously small. You might walk past it twice. It’s like a secret club for observant people. Once you find it, you feel like you’ve unlocked a level.

The Toilets Are an Adventure

Seriously, the toilets are in an old part of the building. They’re tiny, slanted, and feel like a hobbit house. You’ll wash your hands in a sink that’s older than your grandmother. It’s weirdly charming. Just don’t hit your head on the low beams.

This isn’t a complaint. It’s a feature. Where else can you relieve yourself in a piece of history? You can’t.

The Secret Sauce: The Regulars

The regulars are a breed of their own. They’ll quiz you on your beer choice. They’ll tell you stories about the 1980s at this pub. They are the human equivalent of a warm fire. If you’re nice, they’ll share their table if the garden is full.

One regular once told me the ivy on the walls is 200 years old. Is that true? No idea. But it sounds cool, so I believe it.

Why You Should Go Right Now

Stop overthinking. Grab a coat and go. It’s the perfect spot for a first date, a catch-up, or a solo book-read. The vibe is “instant relaxation.” You walk in, and your shoulders drop.

Order a half-pint of the local ale. Get a slice of pizza. Sit under the fairy lights. You will forget about your emails. That’s the magic of this place.

Also, they have trivia night on Tuesdays. I don’t know the details. But you should find out. Your mission, should you choose to accept it.

The Bottom Line

The Red Lion and Sun is not trendy. It’s not a hype train. It’s a steady, wonderful anchor in a changing city. It’s a pub that knows exactly what it is: a warm hug in a glass.

So go. Be curious. Get lost in the garden. Find the tiny sign. And when someone asks where you’ve been, just smile and say, “Oh, just at the sun with a lion.” They’ll be jealous. And they should be.