5 /5 Mr Nobody: The Five Bells in Finchley is a great North London pub: unpretentious and reliably welcoming!
I visited it last week (November 2025) and the inside felt comforting rather than contrived, maybe because outside was even raining! Wood panelling, open fires and the low chitchat of locals watching the match. It’s family and dog friendly, with accessible entry and multiple sports screens, so you get a lively (really lively...!) inclusive atmosphere rather than forced loud entertainment.
Drinks are solid Greene King staples: Abbot Ale, IPA and a surprise rotating guest. Pints were well pulled and consistent.
The food is classic British: steak & ale pie arrived hot with flaky pastry and rich gravy and the fish and chips had a crisp, batter and propA mushy peas! Portions are generous, prices reasonable, and the menu includes a Sunday roasts that look promising (Ill test it soon)
Not a chain facsimile but a pub that got....bells!