The Plimsoll Menu Guide London’s Pub Dishes, Reviews & Hours
If you have ever read guides like Starbucks Menu Guide to Drinks, Food, and UK Locations, you already know how useful it is to explore a restaurant in full. Today, we will take a detailed look at the plimsoll menu, one of London’s most talked-about pub menus. This guide covers everything—restaurant history, owners, locations, reviews, dishes, and timings.
About The Plimsoll Pub in London
The Plimsoll is a vibrant pub-restaurant in Finsbury Park, North London, located at 52 St Thomas’s Road, N4 2QW. It opened in 2021 when chefs Ed McIlroy and Jamie Allan—known from their pop-up kitchen Four Legs—took over the old Auld Triangle pub. Their vision was simple: combine the charm of a London pub with creative restaurant-quality dishes.
This small corner pub soon became a foodie favorite. It is now recognized among the Top 50 Gastropubs in the UK, praised for its playful, ever-changing menu and community feel. Locals describe it as a pub that feels like home but tastes like a Michelin table.
The interior retains classic pub character: wood panels, dim lights, chalkboard menus, and buzzing energy. The crowd is young, casual, and diverse—artists, locals, and food lovers from all across London.
Ownership and Culinary Philosophy
Owners Ed McIlroy and Jamie Allan built The Plimsoll around creativity. Both chefs learned their craft in fine dining before opening Four Legs, a hit residency at The Compton Arms. When they launched The Plimsoll, their goal was to make food fun again—high-end cooking without pretense.
Their approach to the plimsoll menu is bold. It changes frequently, depending on local produce, fisherman supplies, and even the chefs’ moods. Nothing feels static, and that unpredictability is what makes it special.
They are known for transforming humble ingredients into rich, surprising dishes. The focus is always on freshness, flavor, and imagination, not formality.
Location and Atmosphere
The Plimsoll sits just five minutes from Finsbury Park Underground Station, making it easy to reach from anywhere in London.
Inside, it feels like a classic pub—warm, loud, and unpretentious. You can enjoy pints at the bar or full meals at the back tables. The crowd is friendly, the music is lively, and the staff know their menu well.
Because of its popularity, the restaurant often fills up quickly. Many guests recommend booking a table in advance or arriving early to get a spot.
Reviews and Public Reception
The Plimsoll consistently earns top ratings online. On OpenTable, it holds a 4.8-star rating for food, service, and ambiance. Google reviewers often call it “the best burger in London.”
Food critics have praised the venue widely.
- The Guardian’s Grace Dent described it as “nostalgia, simplicity, and brazen oddness in perfect balance.”
- Evening Standard’s Jimi Famurewa called dining there “total joy.”
Customers love its Dexter cheeseburger, calling it “a work of art between two buns.” Others rave about its scallop escabeche, liver with colcannon, and fried potatoes with aioli.
Here’s a sample of average ratings:
| Source | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Google Reviews | 4.7 / 5 | Best burger, friendly staff, vibrant vibe |
| OpenTable | 4.8 / 5 | Excellent food and pub atmosphere |
| TripAdvisor | 4.5 / 5 | Cozy but busy; food is worth the wait |
| The Guardian | Positive Review | Creative, unpredictable, and nostalgic |
| Evening Standard | 5 / 5 | “Total joy from start to finish” |
These reviews show one clear truth: the plimsoll menu has achieved cult status in London’s dining scene.
The Plimsoll Menu: What to Expect
Unlike most pubs, the plimsoll menu does not stay fixed. It rotates weekly or even daily, showcasing what’s fresh from local suppliers. Still, certain dishes have become signature favorites.
The menu usually divides into sections—small plates, mains, sides, and desserts. Every dish balances British comfort with chef-driven creativity.
Small and Sharing Plates
Small plates are meant to be shared, giving guests a taste of everything.
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Charred Chipolatas | Smoky pork sausages with house ketchup |
| Scallop Escabeche | Lightly cured scallops with tangy dressing |
| Deep-Fried Oysters on Baguette | Crispy oysters with tartare sauce |
| Pork Rillettes | Slow-cooked pork spread served with toast |
| Comté Fritters | Melted cheese bites with spicy aioli |
These dishes show the chefs’ creativity—comforting yet full of personality.
Main Dishes
This section features The Plimsoll’s most famous plates, often including the legendary Dexter Cheeseburger.
| Main | Description |
|---|---|
| Dexter Cheeseburger | Double beef patty with melted cheese and house sauce |
| Liver with Colcannon | Creamy mashed potato with caramelized liver |
| Pigeon Bhuna | Spicy pigeon curry with flatbread |
| Slip Sole with Rhubarb | Light fish dish with sweet-sour sauce |
| Chicken Parmigiana | Crispy chicken topped with tomato and cheese |
The Dexter Cheeseburger is often the reason first-time visitors come—and the reason they return.
Sides and Vegetables
The side dishes at The Plimsoll deserve attention. They pair well with both burgers and mains.
| Side | Description |
|---|---|
| Fried Potatoes with Garlic Aioli | Crispy potatoes with creamy dip |
| Green Salad | Fresh greens with sharp vinaigrette |
| Roasted Carrots with Honey Butter | Sweet and earthy |
| Seasonal Veg Plate | Changing selection of farm vegetables |
Sides may seem simple, but they highlight the chefs’ skill in balancing flavor and texture.
Desserts and Cheese
Desserts at The Plimsoll are rich yet refined. Most nights, you’ll find one or two choices, changing with the season.
| Dessert | Description |
|---|---|
| Basque Burnt Cheesecake | Creamy, lightly caramelized cheesecake |
| Raspberry and Almond Tart | Buttery crust with sweet filling |
| Chocolate Mousse | Dark, airy, and smooth |
| Cheese Plate | Aged cheeses served with crackers and chutney |
Ending your meal with a dessert or cheese board is a must—it completes the experience beautifully.
Opening, Closing, and Delivery Times
The Plimsoll follows a typical pub schedule, though hours can change slightly during Arsenal home games.
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time | Kitchen Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 3:00 PM | 11:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 3:00 PM | 11:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 3:00 PM | 11:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 3:00 PM | 11:00 PM | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 3:00 PM | 11:00 PM | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 12:00 PM | 11:00 PM | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM | 10:00 PM | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
Takeaway service is available occasionally—especially during football matches when the kitchen simplifies to burgers and chips. The restaurant does not list official delivery on platforms like Deliveroo or Uber Eats, as the menu changes too often.
The Dining Experience
Dining at The Plimsoll is more than just eating—it’s about sharing and discovery. Tables are close together, music hums in the background, and every dish sparks conversation.
People often order a few small plates to start, followed by a burger or main course. The pacing feels natural, not rushed. Staff check in regularly but keep the vibe relaxed.
The chefs cook behind an open counter, filling the room with aromas of grilled meat, fried fish, and butter sauces. It feels authentic, alive, and full of personality.
Visiting Tips
If you’re planning to visit The Plimsoll soon, keep these tips in mind.
- Book ahead. Weekends fill up quickly.
- Follow their Instagram. They post daily menu updates and special dishes.
- Arrive early. Tables are limited, and walk-ins wait long.
- Avoid Arsenal match nights unless you just want the burger.
- Share dishes. The menu is designed for tasting together.
These small choices make your visit smoother and more enjoyable.
Why the Plimsoll Menu Stands Out
What makes the plimsoll menu exceptional is its personality. Each dish feels personal, not mass-produced. You taste creativity and care in every bite.
Most pubs repeat the same formulas—fish and chips, burgers, and pies. The Plimsoll, however, reinvents classics every night. It brings fine-dining techniques into a neighborhood setting.
The changing menu keeps guests curious. You might eat pigeon bhuna one week and fried plaice the next. Every visit feels fresh and unexpected.
Midway through your culinary journey, you might even think of it like exploring McDonald’s Halloween Menu Guide to Dishes, Reviews & Times—only here, it’s real artistry rather than fast food.
Final Thoughts
The Plimsoll has redefined what a London pub can be. With its inventive menu, energetic atmosphere, and dedicated team, it continues to attract both locals and critics.
Whether you come for the Dexter cheeseburger, the scallop escabeche, or simply a pint and chat, you’ll leave impressed. The plimsoll menu is not just a list of dishes—it’s a creative journey served in a pint glass setting.
So next time you’re near Finsbury Park, stop by The Plimsoll. Taste the flavours, share the plates, and enjoy London’s most exciting pub experience.
