The Flask

Specialties

The Flask is a local pub with a city-​wide reputation. Beautifully appointed at the top of Highgate Hill, it forms a central thread in the long history of Highgate Village. Dating back to 1663, The Flask has retained plenty of original features and a comfortable pub atmosphere throughout the maze of snug rooms. Rumour has it Dick Turpin hid out in the wine store and a Spanish barmaid haunts the old cellar tunnel. During the summer months The Flask’s large front garden comes in to its own, with drinkers and diners soaking up the sunshine; whilst in the winter, two real fires and warming mulled wine make the cosy rooms even more inviting. A modern British menu, changing daily with an emphasis on local and seasonal produce, combined with a thoughtful wine list and wide range of bottled and draught beers has kept The Flask established as a firm favourite in North London and beyond.

History

Established in 1663.

The oldest part of the existing building dates back to 1663 but the pub could well have been in business long before then. It is named after the flasks that used to be sold from the pub for travellers to fill at the nearby springs.

Byron, Shelley & Keats are among the famous Romantic writers reputed to have used the pub as a watering hole when visiting opium-​addled Coleridge, who spent his last 18 years in the house opposite.

Satirist William Hogarth was a Flask patron and is said to have sketched a fight between two customers as they smashed each other with tankards.

The Flask was also a favourite of many ’60’s rock stars and still today attracts many musicians, writers and actors. It’s even appeared on a few album cover photo shoots, most famously fpr The KInks ‘Muswell Hillbillies’.