The Drill is a proper Gidea Park local — the kind of pub where the football's always on, the crowd knows each other, and nobody's putting on airs. Fresh off a Heineken Star Pubs refurbishment, it's got the big screens, the pub grub, and the community heartbeat that makes it the go-to spot on Brentwood Road for match days and casual pints alike.
Big-screen football, karaoke nights, and a dog-friendly community crowd make The Drill the beating heart of Gidea Park's pub scene.
Check their social media before heading down on match days — big games get busy and they sometimes run ticketed entry from 6pm with last entry at 9pm.
A proper Gidea Park local for match-day pints and pub grub
The Drill is the kind of pub that doesn't pretend to be anything it's not — and that's exactly why Gidea Park locals keep coming back. After a solid refurbishment by Heineken's Star Pubs & Bars, the interior's been freshened up, but the soul hasn't changed: this is a sports-first boozer where the big screens are the main attraction and the atmosphere ramps up considerably when a big match is on. You order food and drinks either at the bar or via an app, and while the menu is on the limited side, what comes out is decent, straightforward pub grub — no fuss, no surprises.
Where The Drill really shines is in its community feel. It's dog-friendly, there's a function room for hire, and the calendar is packed with karaoke nights, live DJs, and events that support local charities. The Tripadvisor rating sits around 3.9, which feels about right — it's not a gastropub and doesn't try to be. If you're after a relaxed pint with mates, a place to watch the game without the chaos of a city-centre sports bar, or a weekend spot with a bit of life to it, The Drill delivers. Just don't come expecting fine dining.