The Railway Tavern is a proper New Barnet local — the kind of traditional Irish pub where regulars know each other by name and the sport's always on the telly. Don't come expecting gastropub refinement or craft cocktails; come for a straightforward pint, a bit of banter, and the rugby on the screen. It's beloved by its regulars (4.3 on Restaurant Guru from 340+ reviews) but has its rough edges, so check your expectations at the door.
A proper New Barnet local with Irish heart, sport on every screen, and regulars who actually know each other — come for the pint, not the polish.
Go for the big match — they show all the major rugby and football on multiple HD screens indoors and out, and the atmosphere is best when it's packed with regulars.
A proper New Barnet local with Irish heart and sport on the telly
If you're looking for a no-nonsense local in New Barnet, The Railway Tavern — or "The Tav" as it's known — is your spot. This is a proper traditional drinkers' pub with a strong Irish heart, where the regulars greet each other by name and the atmosphere leans comfortably blokey. There's seating at the back, a recently revamped outdoor patio, and multiple HD screens showing all the big matches — rugby, football, All Ireland, you name it. It's the sort of place where you can settle in with a pint, play darts, and not worry about anyone judging your shoes.
The pub scores a solid 4.3 on Restaurant Guru from over 340 reviews, and Yelp reviewers have called it "hands down the best pub in the New Barnet/East Barnet area." That said, it's not without its issues — TripAdvisor sits much lower at 2.8, with complaints about service and some accessibility concerns. It's a pub with two faces: adored by its regulars but not always hitting the mark for newcomers.
Go for the authentic local atmosphere, the sport, and a straightforward pint. Don't expect gastropub refinement or a polished cocktail experience, and you'll have a perfectly decent time. If you're a Wells house fan, it's worth popping in for a new ale — described by one visitor as "a pleasant traditional pub just across from the station."