The Hop Poles is a proper old-school Enfield pub in a listed Edwardian building at the north end of town, where the staff genuinely make the difference. You'll find live music, live sport, pool tables, a beer garden, and a separate kitchen (Val's) serving tasty, good-value food — plus Joka's Pizza on site. It's the kind of unpretentious community local that Southbury actually rallies around.
A listed Edwardian pub where warm staff, live music, pool tables, and Val's kitchen make it Southbury's go-to community local.
Food and drinks are paid for separately — Val's runs the kitchen independently from the bar, so expect two tabs if you're eating and drinking.
A proper Enfield local with Edwardian bones and a big heart
The Hop Poles sits on the corner of Lancaster Road and Baker Street in a listed Edwardian building that still boasts plenty of its original character — beautiful architecture, fantastic features, and the kind of bones you just can't fake in a newer pub. It was refurbished in 2020 and looks all the better for it. There are no real ales on tap, which might put off the CAMRA crowd, but the lagers are immaculately kept and the drinks selection is more than serviceable for a local of this ilk.
What really sets this place apart, though, is the staff. Reviewers consistently single out the warm welcome and attentive service as what makes The Hop Poles special — and in a world of chain pubs where you're just another order number, that counts for a lot. The food comes from Val's kitchen, which runs separately from the bar (you pay for food and drinks independently), and it's tasty, good-value pub grub. There's also Joka's Pizza on site if you fancy something more substantial. Add in live music nights, live sport on the screens, pool tables, darts, a beer garden, and a dog-friendly policy, and you've got a proper community hub.
It's not without its quirks — some neighbours have grumbled about the bass from the music, and it can get lively on event nights. But that's the trade-off for a pub that actually has a pulse. If you're after a quiet, whisper-soft gastropub experience, this isn't it. If you want a proper Enfield local where the staff know your round, the pizza's decent, and there's always something going on, The Hop Poles delivers.