One of the Thorley Tavern managed houses this pub and bar sits close to the harbor so the summer nights dazzle and flicker across the water flection and night sky, very atmospheric.

The Old Queen’s Head has stood proud in its spot on the Essex Road for centuries. In its current incarnation the pub plays host to world class bands and DJs, however in its long history it’s rumoured to have been owned by none other than Sir Walter Raleigh.

Some sources say that he may well have lived at the pub. It is also rumoured that Queen Elizabeth the 1st granted Sir Walter the licence to the pub and it is said by the gossips of this world that it was also the venue for the two highest society figures to do some secret canoodling… A long history of a grand building would not right without a ghost story and naturall.

The Old Queen’s Head has a few.

The most notable being one of a woman and a small girl.

Various people have reported the pitter – patter of feet in an ‘empty’ pub, seen her running ahead of people up the stairs, slamming doors and she has even been heard crying. One of the most notable features of The Old Queen’s Head is the beautiful downstairs fireplace. It dates back to the 17th century and is the oldest of its kind in North London.

With a spectacular and master crafted stone engraving the open log fire has warmed the chilly hoards of people for centuries and still does its job very well for us in the winter months!