The Griffin

The Griffin is the kind of pub that locals actually love, not just tolerate. Situated on High Road in Whetstone, it's got that proper old-school pub feel with a modern edge—think traditional décor, a roaring fireplace for winter evenings, and a massive garden that transforms into a summer party hub. The real draw is the atmosphere: friendly staff, a decent mix of locals and visitors, and events that actually bring people together. The weekly quiz on Sunday nights is a proper institution, and if you're into sports, you're sorted with ten screens showing everything from Premier League to boxing.

The drinks selection is solid—good range of real ales on tap and a cocktail menu that's actually creative rather than gimmicky. Food gets decent marks too, nothing fancy but properly pubby stuff done right. Sure, prices have crept up over the years (one reviewer noted they were nearly a pound a pint more than a pub just a mile away), but you're paying for the location and the vibe. The outdoor spaces are genuinely impressive—the Lost Garden Bar with its own bar and TVs, plus the Stretch Tent for bigger events. It's not perfect (the ale quality has drawn some complaints over the years), but it's consistently one of the better pubs in the area.

What really sets it apart is that it feels like a real community hub. You'll see the same regulars week after week, but it's welcoming enough for newcomers. The staff seem to actually care about the place, and there's always something happening—drag bingo, craft afternoons, live music. For a neighbourhood pub that isn't trying too hard to be something it's not, The Griffin delivers.