Key Points
- Historical Significance: The Gunners Pub, located on Blackstock Road, is a 150-year-old establishment deeply tied to the history and matchday rituals of Arsenal Football Club.
- Proximity to Stadiums: The venue is situated a short walk from Arsenal’s former home ground, Highbury, and remains within a 10-minute walk of the Emirates Stadium 20 years after the club’s relocation.
- Matchday Atmosphere: On matchdays, the pub can host up to 450 passionate fans, filling every corner with football memorabilia, classic shirts, and an electric community spirit.
- Club Collaborations: Beyond regular matchday crowds for both men’s and women’s fixtures, Arsenal Football Club occasionally partners with the pub for official club campaigns and events, such as debuting the Oakley Meta partnership.
- Management & Offerings: Managed by Eddie Altun and independently owned by his childhood friend, the pub features its own bespoke ‘Gunners Lager’ and aims to keep prices low for the local community.
North London (North London News) October 31, 2026 — As reported by Ayokunle Oluwalana, Senior Multimedia Journalist of MyLondon, located down the road from one of London’s most iconic stadiums lies a pub whose history is inextricably tied to one of the biggest football clubs in the country. Situated a short walk away from the former Highbury stadium, The Gunners Pub on Blackstock Road stands proudly as a historic landmark for supporters. During the glory years of Arsenal, when the team called Highbury home, this 150-year-old pub formed an essential part of the traditional matchday ritual for fans stopping by before kick-off.
How Has The Gunners Pub Maintained Its Connection to Arsenal Over the Decades?
Even 20 years after the club moved to the Emirates Stadium—located just a 10-minute walk away—The Gunners Pub remains deeply entrenched with Arsenal and its supporters. Whether hosting over 400 passionate fans or partnering directly with the football club to host special events, the establishment continues to play a major role in the club’s community fabric.
As reported by Ayokunle Oluwalana of MyLondon, pub manager Eddie Altun expressed pride in running the iconic venue, which is independently owned by his childhood friend. Eddie Altun stated that:
“The community always comes together at this pub. This is the place for Arsenal fans to come. When we won the league it was crazy. They were chanting and playing football.”
Eddie Altun further noted:
“There are so many pubs in the area, but the location here, with Highbury just there, the fact we are called The Gunners, there’s no other pub called that.”
What Makes the Interior and Atmosphere Unique for Visitors?
The pub is difficult to miss on Blackstock Road due to its striking black exterior, but its interior is where the atmosphere truly shines. Arsenal memorabilia lines the walls, posters and pictures of iconic players grace the beer garden, and classic shirts from various eras offer supporters a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
While other popular local alternatives exist—such as The Tollington or The Faltering Fullback—The Gunners Pub consistently holds its own. The venue stocks a wide range of lagers, including its own bespoke ‘Gunners Lager’, underlining its dedication to serving the Arsenal community. On Google, one reviewer described the venue, writing that:
“If you’re looking for a proper football pub with an electric atmosphere for major matches, The Gunners Pub is definitely the place to be.”
Why Do Arsenal and Brand Partners Choose The Gunners Pub for Official Events?
The venue’s deep authenticity has not gone unnoticed by the football club itself. Arsenal occasionally uses the pub for official campaigns and launches. A recent example highlighted by MyLondon included the pub being chosen to debut the club’s new partnership with Oakley Meta, an event that saw runners descend upon the location and follow the parade route traditionally lined by millions of fans.
As reported by Ayokunle Oluwalana of MyLondon, Eddie Altun stated that:
“We get big crowds here all the time. If it’s for the ladies’ game or the men’s. [Seeing Arsenal choose us] for events like this, it makes us so proud to know they’ve chosen us. There are so many options, but there’s no place like ours. We believe the club knows that as well.”
Eddie Altun added: “We try to keep our prices low where we can. We love how the community comes here. I feel like we are one of the most famous ones in the area.”
Background of the Particular Development
The enduring legacy of The Gunners Pub reflects the unique cultural symbiosis between historic English football clubs and their surrounding local communities. For over a century, pubs situated adjacent to historic grounds like Highbury served as vital social hubs where matchday rituals were forged across generations. When Arsenal transitioned to the larger Emirates Stadium in 2006, many traditional businesses feared a loss of trade due to the shift in fan footfall. However, independent venues like The Gunners Pub successfully adapted by leaning heavily into their heritage, preserving historical memorabilia, and maintaining active collaborations with both the men’s and women’s teams to cement their status as modern community institutions.
Prediction
This sustained partnership and cultural alignment between historic local venues like The Gunners Pub and professional football clubs can significantly benefit independent hospitality businesses in North London. As clubs increasingly seek authentic, grassroots locations to engage directly with supporters through activations and digital content partnerships, venues embedded in club lore will likely experience heightened patronage during both men’s and women’s matchdays. For Arsenal supporters and local patrons, this enduring relationship ensures that traditional matchday culture will remain protected against modern commercial homogenisation, preserving community-focused pricing and electric communal spaces for years to come.
