The Old White Lion
N2 0NW
££ · Pub
Contact
- Phone 020 8883 6459
- Website Visit site ↗
- Address 121 Great North Road, London N2 0NW
Good to know
- Serves food
- Outdoor seating
- Dog-friendly
- Watch sports
- Live music
- Wi-Fi
- Step-free access
- Great beer selection
Upcoming at The Old White Lion
About The Old White Lion
The Old White Lion is a traditional British pub at 121 Great North Road in East Finchley, just seconds from East Finchley Underground station. The building dates back to around the late 17th century and was originally a coaching inn near the old tollgate on Finchley Common, a stretch of road once associated with highwaymen. That long history gives the pub the feel of an old roadside inn, and it has grown into a friendly, community-minded local.
Inside, the pub spreads across several distinct areas, including a main central bar, a cosier snug with comfy seats, a sizeable dining section and a conservatory. The bar is known for its range of cask and real ales alongside craft beers, wines and spirits, and the kitchen turns out home-cooked pub classics such as sharing platters, burgers and Sunday roasts. A generous beer garden makes it a popular spot for a pint in warmer weather.
The Old White Lion leans into its role as a neighbourhood hub with a regular programme of entertainment. It hosts a free standup comedy night, along with quiz nights, live music and open mic sessions, so there is usually something on during the week. Major sport is shown on Sky Sports, drawing crowds for fixtures like the Six Nations.
With its garden, dog-friendly welcome, step-free access and easy transport links, the pub suits a wide mix of visitors, from locals popping in for a quick drink to groups settling in for food and a night of comedy or quizzing. The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, and the staff are frequently praised for being warm and welcoming.
Getting there
The Old White LionN2 0NW
Nearby venues
- Phoenix Cinema N2 9PJ
- The Bald Faced Stag N2 8AB
- Tuesday Quiz N2 0NW
- Gertie Brownes N2 8AG
- Five Bells N2 0LZ
- East Finchley Library N2 9BB
- The United Reformed Church N10 3NU
- Turning Earth Highgate N6 5UH
Explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is The Old White Lion and how do I get there?
The pub is at 121 Great North Road, East Finchley, London N2 0NW. It sits just seconds from East Finchley Underground station on the Northern line, so it is very easy to reach by tube. Several bus routes also stop nearby, including the 102, 143, 234 and 263.
Does The Old White Lion host a comedy night?
Yes, the pub is known for hosting a free standup comedy night, which is part of its regular events calendar. Alongside comedy, it runs quiz nights, live music and open mic sessions. This makes it a lively spot on several evenings during the week.
Is The Old White Lion dog-friendly and does it have a garden?
Yes, dogs are welcome at the pub, so you can bring your four-legged companion along. There is also a sizeable beer garden, which is a popular place for a drink in good weather. Together they make it a comfortable choice for a relaxed visit.
Does the pub serve food and show live sport?
Yes, the kitchen serves home-cooked pub classics such as burgers, sharing platters and Sunday roasts. Major sporting events are shown on Sky Sports, including fixtures like the Six Nations. It works well both as a place to eat and to catch a game.
What kind of drinks does The Old White Lion offer?
The pub has a strong focus on beer, with a range of cask and real ales alongside craft beers. You will also find a selection of wines and spirits at the bar. CAMRA members can get a small discount on cask ale.