Gatehouse, London

21/06/25 - "Just popped into the gatehouse with a group of 10, no cask ale on, and they say they rarely sell it" Where the handpumps used to be, it's all keg fonts, while the handpumps now occupy a previously empty corner of the bar. Hardly surprising it does not sell.

With a theatre upstairs, this Tudor style building, formerly a Watney's pub was refurbished in 1993, being the oldest of Highgate inns dating from about 1380. It was run by Wetherspoons from 1993 until its sale to Urban Pubs & Bars. Decor little changed, a lot of the internal space is for diners but there is still plenty of room for drinkers.

It is a large rambling pub at the top of Highgate Hill, two separate outside areas - the larger, secluded one at the back is exclusively for diners, that at the front of the pub is a drinking area where you get excellent views of the impressive Highgate School buildings opposite.

The theatre - Upstairs at The Gatehouse, details can be found at www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com, separate phone 020 8340 3488.