The Boogaloo in Haringey

I have been a local in the area and have been coming to the Boogaloo for years, so when we booked a table of 20 for a party this weekend we assumed we would be treated with respect by the staff. Unfortunately however this was not the case. The bouncers were extremely aggressive with us for no reason, particular with a single girl who arrived late by an hour and was denied entry. They were overly assertive, rude and aggressive with her for no reason, and would not allow her entry despite the fact our table was only half full and there was space all over the bar. I understand that there are capacity limits, but this behaviour was unacceptable, and the situation could have been handled entirely differently by the bouncers. As a result of this behaviour our entire party left early to find a new pub. One of our group was also over charged several times at the bar, and had to ask for a receipt to realise this was happening. I’m super disappointed that such a good establishment has gone down hill as much as the Boogaloo has over the last few years, I have always supported this pub as I felt it was my local, but the staff, particularly the bouncers, were completely out of line. I will never be going back there again.

Their burgers are epic. A very pleasant pub with good live music. We

A fun dancy pub! I ate their loaded fries and cauliflower. The cauliflower was very delicious. Fries were good, too! Recommend it for a night out.

One of my favourite North London pubs! Iconic and homely in equal measures! 👌🏽👌🏽

Just a tremendous pub. Wish it was my local.

Awesome pub with jukebox, live music (eg on Sunday afternoon), some board games and a radio in the backyard :)

The true inspiration for Shawn of the Dead. Previously called the Shepherd's - it was Simon Pegg's and Nick Frost's local when they lived near here in the 90s - not the poncy Winchester down the road.

Great pub! The staff is lovely, the food is extremely good, and they got lots of music and poetry

This place is almost mystical, like a door to a better space in time.

As residents of the neighborhood who consider Boogaloo our local spot, we’re writing to express a concern that’s been affecting our experience. On several occasions, despite arriving sober, we’ve been unjustly refused entry. The bouncer’s behavior has been unacceptable, and it’s clear that his approach is biased, which has left us frustrated and disappointed. We believe that changing the door staff could help ensure Boogaloo maintains its charm and welcoming atmosphere. With a more fair and inclusive approach at the door, we’re confident that Boogaloo will continue to be the vibrant and inviting place that the community loves. We truly want to keep enjoying Boogaloo as our neighborhood go-to and hope this issue can be addressed.

Good honest pub with a limited food menu. Selection of beers and usual stuff. Not sure if they do guest ales. Has a beer garden. Seems to have plenty of live events from comedy to music and queer events. Eclectic furniture and decoration. Give it a go. The men's loos are very narrow....could be challenging after a few beers 😀.

Quite an amazing frozen margarita!! Thank you. Love the decor too!

Such a friendly local pub with brilliant atmosphere, great decor and fabulous food. The place turns into more of a club on Friday and Saturday nights with a very funky and welcoming vibe. They also have a great garden in the back which is perfect to enjoy a drink (and take a peek at the 24/7 radio broadcasting from one of the back rooms!)

A bit of an establishment - but unfortunately rude and hostile owner who acts as the bouncer. Beware

Nice cosy pub with music, thematic days, pub food and a radio station and a gorgeous beer garden!!

A great place to hang out at, the staff are friendly and you can admire the pictures of the celebrities who have visited this place.

The Boogaloo! A rare gem, a pub with individuality and character. brilliant for all occasions! With a cute leafy beer garden and amazing live music. Foods good too. Not to be missed! 💕

I went in on a Thursday after work. Really enjoyed it. A little quiet but that's probably the time of week. Highly recommend the loaded fries.

We asked the boogaloo for space for our wedding party. We called and confirmed that there would be space 2 months ahead of our wedding, and then again the week of. The whole party turned up and was refused entry. Incredibly rude bouncers, but mostly disappointed by the betrayal of trust given previously agreed arrangment. Having been before many times (hence the desire to go for wedding) will never go again.

Nice pub, polite staff, basic menu, clean

I checked out the boogaloo pub today and it looks promising. Something on everyday according to the posters in the window. As it was midday I did not go in this time but will certainly return.

Popped in for a few drinks on Tuesday, customer service was excellent, especially from the extremely welcoming Greek girl behind the bar, Effy i think her name was? Look forward to popping in again soon! Thanks Effy!

Amazing atmosphere on a Friday night! So many people up and dancing!

This was a lovely little pub, well located just a minute or so away from Highgate tube station. I was meeting an acquaintance for a drink. When I arrived the pub was almost empty but it still had a nice feel to it. It filled up and the atmosphere was great as time went by. I think it does a Tuesday night quiz. The aspall cider on tap was lovely. It was clearly both dog and baby friendly. A good experience. Would absolutely visit again. The wings sounded good...

Lovely atmosphere and affordable pub food

If you ever want to experience fabulously home made burgers with wonderful staff…… then this is the place for you!!!! R

Great staff, great music, great vibe Didn't have food, so can't comment or score

Visited for live music and food. Food ok, nothing special. Live band (Dave and the fixtures) was great.

Terrible experience. was homesick wishing for my favourite brew Harp on my birthday when one friend and I were refused entry. A bizarre episode with chip-scoffing, rude security that I could recount but that'd just waste my energy further. This hole does not deserve your service - Avoid avoid avoid, this place has zero inclusivity

Outstanding pub. Excellent music (and radio station), great drinks, wonder food. Can't recommend it enough!

Great pub. Timothy Tailor Landlord tasted a bit off on my last visit, but that might just be me.

Excellent, welcoming, pub with cool history in the indie and punk music scene giving it a great bohemian atmosphere. Live music last time we went, and quiz last night very well curated.

Lovely local Pub. Friendly community atmosphere. Great old school music.

love my local , great service great beer

Really excellent little venue, and the food was lovely.

Fantastic burgers and great 60-70s music

Some bloke showing the barmaid a video on his phone full volume for a good 10 mins spoiled it for me. Lovely pub otherwise

Lovely, warm and inviting pub. Dog friendly, and with decent 0 alcohol beer. Suits me.

Great little pub with plenty you could want. Really eclectic choice for music and different evenings they run... everything from classic rock music to electronic beats to a gay night once a month! Staff are really friendly, they openly welcome dogs and there's plenty of board games to play on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I would definitely recommend it. I love coming here with the family.

Awesome Vibes: The Boogaloo Pub just feels right. Super chill vibes make it a perfect spot to kick back and enjoy yourself. Cool Crew: The staff here are legends - friendly, on the ball, and just good people. They make the whole experience top-notch. Live Tunes: Love that they're all about the live entertainment. Caught a sweet gig – added a fantastic vibe to the night. Drinks Galore: They've got the drinks game strong. Whatever you're into, they've got it on the menu. Craft beers, classic cocktails – take your pick.

I'm typing this from inside of this establishment, This is my second visit (both day time) Literally, I walked in straightforward to the bar, and I was served by a young polite gentleman. After I ordered my pint, he asked me if I would like to have anything else? I answered by YES I feel peckish and would like to order a burger as well, and then he was politely responded IM SORRY OUR KITCHEN IS CLOSED UNTIL 4OCLOCK! Then I responded to him " That's fine, not a problem at all," But ...a young woman she was having her lunch and drink at the same time? Time: 15:15 Date :16/12/3023 By the end of this comment, I will attach some photos so you can see her whilst having a lunch as a proof of my comment, Please please 🙏 I'm not trying to degrade this business. It's a wonderful place for a drink + meal ,During my first time, I had a lovely American burger and listened to wonderful live music. If you visit summer time than you can enjoy it with a drink in the garden as well. Location is very easy; Highgate station Northern line is just a stone throw away. By bus 43-234-134-263 By underground train, Northern line : just a stone throw away Come and treat yourself !

In these past 6 years living in the UK I haven’t been to any pub or club across the country that increases the price of drinks after the DJ goes to the stage and do not inform customers in any honest way of the increase nor the reasons behind that increase. We arrived at like 9:30pm, ordered a pint of Camden hell which cost £5.7. At about 11pm the DJ showed up and started playing really good and fun music, (I myself was not drinking) so everyone was in a nice atmosphere and good vibes with the music. Of course at that time not everyone has time or mind to check what they are charged when lights are off and you’re under the influence of alcohol. My friend went to ask for a second Camden Hell and he told me he believed he was charged incorrectly; I didn’t leave it there, I checked his Monzo and compared prices, then I told him the price was not consistent with the first drink, so he should go to the bar and ask for a solution: he was completely ignored and he was told that was nonsense. He came back to our table saying that, and because he was already drunk told me he did not want to argue and he just wanted to have a good time. I wonder if the staff is aware of this and that’s why they are scamming the way the scam. I definitely went back to the bar, and literally asked with calculator in hand why they had two prices for the same drink, they already knew what I was talking about and didn’t even let me finish as they said literally: “We make increase of 10% in all drinks because we need to cover the DJ, the security staff and things like that….” They definitely knew what they were talking about but decided to tell my friend that was nonsense because he looked tipsy. They saw I was sober and serious, so they accepted the trick. Needless to say: I have no problem with an increase of price in products, if that ensures the employees get fully paid for their work. That’s completely legal, right and ethical. I don’t see, however, any ethics and honesty with customers when the staff wait for them to get drunk to increase prices and wait for them to not notice it, so that they avoid people like me. There was no warning, communication or sign anywhere in the pub informing about the price increase once the dj takes the stage. That’s just not OK. The bouncing as well is really particular here: I was told I couldn’t enter because there was a party, until they saw my white friend walking behind me, then they said if it’s only drinks we were welcomed in: ?! I looked around and only one person of colour, myself.

Great little bar. Great DJ. Friendly staff. Everyone up dancing. Made our night after a terrible experience in a karaoke bar near by.

Sometimes an Asahi beer is charged at 6.20, others at 6.50, the last pint I had, was 7 pounds. Robbery.

Rudest management I've ever encountered, pub will be empty but it takes 20 min to get a drink, and the staff seems put out when you try to order anything. I've never felt less welcome in a pub. My favorite line from the owner was, "You don't have to come here."

Great food and friendly service. Check out The Gospel Brunch events on Sundays for Great live music !

Terrific afternoon, great music

Great pub with friendly staff and extensive alcohol selection.

A friend and I met for a drink here before an event at Alexandra Palace - right near Highgate tube. Cool little place, super friendly bar staff and there were posters advertising DJ nights/latest Fridays and Saturdays and comedy. I'd go back...

Door staff are really rude and mean (either the owner or man on door- not sure, but according to other reviews this isn’t a new issue). The food was a little dry (burger) but inside was decently nice.

Very nice friendly pub with regular live music. Close to Highgate Tube Station too.

Avoid if you do not enjoy being publicly humiliated and made to feel like the scum of the earth. I have lived in this area for almost 20 years and have been to this pub for a good dance a few times. However there is a specific bouncer who is particularly unpleasant and rude and on the last two occasion we tried to visit my friends and I were denied entry to this place for no apparent reason. Once we were told it was a "private party" when it quite obviously wasn't. Even the other bouncer admitted it was down to his colleague, only when he was out of earshot. The only reason I can see for this man's unpleasantness is our age. I am a woman in my 50s and love to dance - should I be apologetic about my age? The door entry staff clearly discriminate on grounds of age. We were told it was a private event or it was closed when random (younger) people still went in. It is a real shame because the crowd, DJ and atmosphere in this pub are excellent on a Saturday night but door staff and management are not welcoming or inclusive. There isn't really anywhere else to dance in Highgate so perhaps this gives these people a sense of power. We are solvent and spend a lot on a night out so they have lost some good local custom here.

Unique music at this pub It’s on the capital club ring walk

Not your ever day pub. Quite a surprise to find out in Highgate. Big rocker vibe for those of us who remember our youth. Also Sunday afternoons are THE BEST!

Love the Boogaloo. I'm not a local but always try to pop in when I'm visiting my daughter in Highgate.

Nice staff nice place has its own radio statoin and old duke box with the best oldies from 60s jamming

Very openly Racist old men on the door! Disgusting Behaviour

Fantastic atmosphere. Very unpretentious and fun.

Brilliant place to spend a Saturday afternoon. Amazing music.

Nice pub with a outdoor area. Didn't eat here so I couldn't say anything about that, but a cozy place for a pint.. just a cross the street from the Highgate tubestation.

It was cool and relaxing. I didn't have food there but was able to order from outside which I found awesome. The drinks were as they should be, so cool by me ! Will return there since in around the corner 😉

Great local pub. Decent priced pints and lovely staff.

A great little pub. Nice and simple with cool decor and a good feel. I've been to the comedy night here and that was great fun. A great pub to stop off in for a quick drink or spend the whole day there.

Security on the door are openly racist. It’s appalling that this place hasn’t had a criminal investigation launched against it. I used to come here a lot in the past but wouldn’t dream of stepping foot inside now. Avoid at all costs. Clearly the venue is utterly unconcerned by constant and repeated allegations of hate crimes.

Truly disgusting treatment from the bouncer over the weekend. A racist and bigot who’s supposed reasoning for not letting us in was proved illegitimate almost immediately when he proceeded to let a group of 6+ in. As a highgate local it’s a disgrace and i question, is the Boogaloo North London’s most racist venue?

The bouncer was racist to one of our friends, its such a shame that you would hire a bouncer that would discriminate against others in this day and age. Shame on you!

One my friends was treated in a racist way. This is terrible and unacceptable.

Google should add aa feature to give no stars at all because this place has a disgusting, disrespectful, very racist selector. When i was entering with my girlfriend last night, he asked for my ID and when he found out im Israeli he decided to not let me go in and starting yelling anti semantic things and calling me names and telling me to go back to my country.

I am deeply disappointed by the racial discrimination my friend experienced at The Boogaloo. He was denied entry based on his skin color, with the bouncer stating they "don't need brown people here". We hope the management takes immediate action to address this and ensures their staff are trained in inclusivity and respect for all

The Bouncer told my friend that they don’t want brown people here. I use to go there all the time and three months ago the same thing happened with me and my friend.

Ageist! We’ve been coming here for years and got rejected because we had a person of over 40. Other people got in. Disgusting!

The music here was 10/10! It's hard to find somewhere with a DJ that plays bangers only, they played an array of 60s/70s/80s club classics including Chaka Khan, ABBA, Luther Vandross etc. Haven't been somewhere with such good music in a while, I will be going back

What a great atmosphere! Went to a comedy night and really enjoyed the intimate space out the back next to the beer garden. The whole place felt friendly and lived in, you could feel people have been having fun there for decades.

Ambiente fantastico, musica dal vivo ed una vasta scelta di birre. Entri e ti senti a tuo agio. Ho bevuto una Guiness: ottima e ben spillata

Dog friendly pub, quite busy as there was a birthday party, great playlist.

Great place for live music! Just be careful with your drinks as the staff picks them up half-full from the tables while you're not watching. Had to chase my wife's drink from the basket full of others ;)

A little pub north of central London in Hampstead.

Lovely Sunday afternoon listening to live music.

Went to watch a band on a Sunday afternoon. Excellent band and excellent pub vibe

Aggressive, unreasonable and unfriendly door staff. The doorman took a dislike to my friend at the door for reasons known only to him. When his name was requested, he replied only 'Kevin' and refused to tell us his full name. I would like to complain about his treatment, as he and his colleague threatened us with violence. As locals, we did not expect this aggressive, unfriendly treatment, and the management should ensure proper training of their staff.

Great live music, the best quality. Good food too. Only request- think there needs to be some fans in there or some open windows. When it's a full house in the summer, hard to breathe!

If I were reviewing any other experience I've had at the Boogaloo, it would be 5 stars across the board. My housemates and I love coming down for quiz night, and it's been my favourite pub to take visiting friends or a casual date since I moved to the area 10 months ago. I've been looking forward to going to the Bonanza queer nights and attending a Sunday blues brunch. However, after an incredibly unpleasant experience on the door last Saturday, I will never be setting foot in the place again. I arrived around 11.15pm with a group of 8 people, celebrating my birthday and out for a good boogie to end the night. Two people in our party put their cups on a windowsill before approaching the door, understandably the manager was irritated by this and I told my friends to remove them and find a bin instead. Despite apologising for this and resolving the situation, the manager then refused us entry, coming up with every excuse under the sun: we were too late to enter, there was a guest list, there was a private event, we had 'bad juju', I was aggressive. None of these things were true. A friend of mine who was alread inside with a different party told me that the place had actually cleared out, it was a quiet night, and this manager was heard bragging about turning away '35 or 40' people that night already for no reason. After we went on to a different pub, she text me that she had spoken to the manager and he would let us in if we got there before 12am. So back we went, only to realise that our new price of entry was to metaphorically get on my hands and knees and lick the manager's boots in apology for my 'aggressive behaviour'. I cannot make it more clear that this whole time I had not been aggressive, I was asking pointedly why we were being refused entry. If there are cameras on the front door, you are more than welcome to review the footage and see for yourself. However, under no circumstances would I prostrate myself and beg forgiveness for something I hadn't done so that this manager could play king of the castle on his little power trip. The bouncer also got involved in this charade and was of no help whatsoever. Perhaps the manager would do well to take a sexism awareness training course if he thinks a young woman asking him questions makes her 'aggressive'. His manner and behaviour was confrontive and disgusting, and I will not be returning. [Cross-posted review]

If I were reviewing any other experience I've had at the Boogaloo, it would be 5 stars across the board. My housemates and I love coming down for quiz night, and it's been my favourite pub to take visiting friends or a casual date since I moved to the area 10 months ago. I've been looking forward to going to the Bonanza queer nights and attending a Sunday blues brunch. However, after an incredibly unpleasant experience on the door last Saturday, I will never be setting foot in the place again. I arrived around 11.15pm with a group of 8 people, celebrating my birthday and out for a good boogie to end the night. Two people in our party put their cups on a windowsill before approaching the door, understandably the manager was irritated by this and I told my friends to remove them and find a bin instead. Despite apologising for this and resolving the situation, the manager then refused us entry, coming up with every excuse under the sun: we were too late to enter, there was a guest list, there was a private event, we had 'bad juju', I was aggressive. None of these things were true. A friend of mine who was alread inside with a different party told me that the place had actually cleared out, it was a quiet night, and this manager was heard bragging about turning away '35 or 40' people that night already for no reason. After we went on to a different pub, she text me that she had spoken to the manager and he would let us in if we got there before 12am. So back we went, only to realise that our new price of entry was to metaphorically get on my hands and knees and lick the manager's boots in apology for my 'aggressive behaviour'. I cannot make it more clear that this whole time I had not been aggressive, I was asking pointedly why we were being refused entry. If there are cameras on the front door, you are more than welcome to review the footage and see for yourself. However, under no circumstances would I prostrate myself and beg forgiveness for something I hadn't done so that this manager could play king of the castle on his little power trip. The bouncer also got involved in this charade and was of no help whatsoever. Perhaps the manager would do well to take a sexism awareness training course if he thinks a young woman asking him questions makes her 'aggressive'. His manner and behaviour was confrontive and disgusting, and I will not be returning.

Have been to the Boogaloo a few times and the pub and the bar staff are all really nice. However, the manager is really rude and I can see from numerous other reviews this is a widely shared opinion. On a Friday or Saturday night he will refuse entry to people with no explanation and will often sit by the door with a scowl. The way he speaks to other members of staff doesn't seem particularly pleasant either.

Informal place full of fun. Catering any age ot people music lovers from all over the world.

Nice vibes. They have live music

cool place the food its good, i like the music

Great atmosphere,great music and the beer and foods good too!!

Great vibe, and misic nice outside too.

Love the place great staff , fantastic vibe

Nice place, had a few drinks here and nice lil outside courtyard too

Arrived with my arm in a sling, no table booking and the place was already full, the bar staff within minutes of our arrival magicked us a table near the band and ensured we had back supporting seats. Excellent! Liam Grundy band performing, superb. A wonderful experience at a wonderful venue.

Fantastic burgers, staff are really friendly and a GREAT quiz! Can’t wait to come back for some comedy

Cool music pub with good memorabilia around with pictures and words from the Almighty Joe Strummer.

Thrown out by the owner for no reason other than sitting there having a pint quietly. No explanation given. Incredibly rude and arrogant.

Great friendly pub and music venue. Spent a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon here. Wish I still lived in the area!

The Boogaloo, 8.7/10 We had to walk up Highgate hill to get here. When you drink as many beers as us, that's no easy feat. Google maps said it would take 15 mins. Took us an hour. Not including stops. If you're coming this way, get the bus. Its just around the corner from Highgate tube station. Has a no South Londoners allowed sign on the door. Soon as we entered we were bought a round by a northlondonpints fan. We knew we’d come to the right place. Great vibes in a packed out beer garden. Dogs roaming around the place. Rock n Roll aesthetic. Windows forged out of the heart of a dying star by Stevie Windows himself. This place has it all. We did have an encounter with a very famous person in here. Name rhymes with Shlonny Shlepp. Any guesses? Was also dressed in full pirate gear. And people called him Captain Jack. Don’t believe us? Check his insta. You’re about to feel really silly. He charged over to us and began to throttle Stevie Windows while screaming his name at the top of his lungs. Everyone looked at us to step in. But we were really enjoying our beers in the sun and wanted to see how it played out. Luckily for Stevie, he was saved by an unlikely hero. It was the Pigeon crackhead from Kentish Town. Known to his friends simply as Pigeonman. He set his Pigeons upon Depp and they flew him back to Davey Jones Locker. Pigeonman scootered off down Highgate hill as mysteriously as he entered. What a man. Should stay off the crack though. Reviewed 25/06/21 on @northlondonpints Instagram.

Fun vibes at big nose comedy the pub had a lot of cowboys I just finished playing rdr2 I felt at home

Great place. Friendly staff. Awesome music

Was really looking forward to this place, but the doormen were appallingly rude. So sad. I'd heard so many great things about the place.