De Beauvoir Town4.6 / 5FCT recommendation

The De Beauvoir Arms

A Victorian corner gastropub in De Beauvoir Town, known locally as the DB Arms. The place to eat before the walk to the Emirates, not where you watch the match.

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113 Southgate Road, London N1 3JS

ArsenalGastropubDe BeauvoirPre-match Food

Matchday dispatch

A longer read on what makes this place worth your matchday

Matchday dispatch from De Beauvoir Town

About the spot

The De Beauvoir Arms is a proper neighbourhood pub a short walk east of the Emirates. It is where you eat well before the game, not where you watch it. No TV and no music, just good Mediterranean plates off a chalkboard that changes every few weeks, well kept real ales and a sharp wine list. Walk-in only, so get there early on a matchday.

Victorian corner pub on the Hackney and Islington border. Mediterranean chalkboard that changes every few weeks. Well kept real ales and a sharp wine list. No TV and no music, so not a match-watching pub. Garden and outside seating, dog friendly. Roughly a 30 to 35 minute walk northwest to the Emirates.

Eat well before the game, then walk to the Emirates. Mediterranean chalkboard, real ales and a sharp wine list.

Long lunch before the walk to the Emirates

First glass of wine and the chalkboard menu. A few Mediterranean plates with the table. Last pint of cask before you settle up. Setting off on the walk through De Beauvoir and Highbury.

Heads up: walk-in only. The kitchen takes a break in the late afternoon, so check timings before you sit down.

This is a start your day here and walk to the Emirates spot, not a matchday boozer right by the ground. The classic Arsenal pubs sit closer to Highbury and Holloway. Come here for the food and the calm before, then head over.

What to order

On the drinks side, a cask pint from the handpumps. A glass off the wine list. A bottle to share with the table.

From the kitchen, whatever is on the Mediterranean chalkboard. A few small plates for the table. The Sunday roast for an early kick-off.

Who it suits

Arsenal fans who want food before the football. Travelling supporters who like a calm pre-match. Groups who want to sit down and eat properly. Wine drinkers and real ale fans. Anyone who would rather walk to the ground than watch the build-up on a screen.

The verdict

The DB Arms is the right call when you want to eat properly before an Arsenal home game. Book your day around the kitchen, not the kick-off, then walk to the Emirates.

Suggested matchday itinerary

A ready-made timeline for your visit

12:00Step 1
Arrive at the DB Arms
Grab a table inside or out, order a first round and pick from the chalkboard.
12:30Step 2
Long lunch
Mediterranean plates with the table, no rush, no screens.
14:00Step 3
Walk to the Emirates
Head northwest through De Beauvoir and Highbury, around 30 to 35 minutes on foot, or jump on a bus.
15:00Step 4
Kick-off
In your seat at the Emirates, fed and watered.