New Barnet is a dreary place with very few nice places to eat and certainly nowhere to find a decent coffee either. The only options are horrible pizza / chicken diner type places and wetherspoons nearby. The reason I go to the Builders Arms so often is because of the AMAZING food. Its like a secret delight tucked into a dreary pocket of Barnet. They have a team of real bona-fide Thai cooks who make divine, real Thai food and every dish is only 5 pounds. Delicious curries, stir fries and Pad Thai dishes and only for a fiver. Great value. Even prawns and beef for that price. Far better quality compared than any other restaurant or pub fare in the area. The staff and owners of the pub are super friendly. The only small negatives are that its not easy to find and is really hidden behind Wetherspoons, and also, the decor is very 'pubby'. Some days I just want to read my kindle and eat a lovely meal and its not too comfortable. The wetherspoons nearby have gotten this right (but nothing else) by offering soft and comfy furnishings which dont feel wooden and beer soaked. Id come in there more often if they could also make a decent coffee but I guess they are making their money from the booze But the Thai food is outstanding - and Im transported to Phuket every time

As a pub it's a great place to go to. The owners have made it really lovely and homely. The low rating is because of their £10.95 Sunday roast, it's like they were advertising it but not prepared. 3 of us ate here. The food arrived, it looked lovely, the plate was piping hot but the food luke warm to going cold, my guest wolfed theirs down cos they were starved, I asked the staff if they'd blast mine in the microwave, 10mins later my food came back, but still the veg was luke warm, like they had forgotten and left it sitting. We had to wait for cutlery for a couple of minutes. I think if they're serving food, it should be piping hot, with cutlery at the same time or before. For £10.95 each plus drinks , my guest said it was an experience but not again thanks. So as a local I was disappointed, especially that my guest didn't enjoy it. I would definitely change this review to a 5 star if I eat here again and it's a better experience. Great pub but not the £10.95 Sunday roast sorry.

Wonderful atmospheric garden. A hidden treasure behind a lovely traditional Real Ale pub. We popped in for one drink to reminisce when my late husband Chris Parry used to run the bar with Pete Murton over 40 years ago. The new owners made us feel so welcomed we stayed all evening, even enjoying a delicious homemade . We will be coming back soon and recommend anyone who enjoys a relaxing drink to try it out too.
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Tandoori Chicken Pizza, Garlic Bread
Parking space
Difficult to find parking
Parking options
Paid street parking
Parking
It's well worth driving around a bit to find a spot to park as no car park avaliable.
Wheelchair accessibility
Unfortunately there are steep steps down to the entrance

I was working in New Barnet for a few days and found this lovely little town pub tucked behind the Wetherspoons. Don't go in the Spoons! Go around the corner, the Builder's is 20 metres down the road. Excellent Greene King beers, reasonably priced for London, super front bar and a clever use of the outside space which was good for a summer afternoon, but also has gas burners and lights for evenings and somewhere called a Fun House, which all looks most fun indeed. Staff very friendly, so too the clientele. A very good find in a London 'village' not often explored. Very good. I may be back at the end of my working schedule !

The Builders was recommended to me by a friend as a place I really should visit for a pint....and I'm so glad they did. This is easily one of the nicest pubs I've been into. Spotlessly clean (including the toilets), friendly staff, great beers (I had a pint of Abbott and an then an IPA) and they both went down a treat. I could easily have stayed there all evening but sadly I had a train to catch. I'll definitely be back though and I look forward to seeing you soon! Cheers!

Spent a couple of hours in back bar,wandering out to the garden area a few times last night. Peaceful, pleasant surroudings inside and out. Lovely bar person and according to my husband and 2 friends 'well looked after Abbot'. Also here in summer for the music in garden...What a brilliant setting for the band.The landscaping is amazing. Congratulations for creating this amazing space...

The price of beer seems much higher than elsewhere - even the high St. The pub doesn't seem to know what it is. 90s nightclub music blaring, traditional bar with moet and chanson boxes and bottles and gin bars. The pub garden is quite spectacular with a beach bar feel with large screen. I would go back for live music but as a pub - it's way off the mark and overpriced.

Nice decor. Openly racist clients. I was very upset. I haven't been there for over 20 years. I had heard it was like that and I was truly shocked to hear such thoughts. I couldn't wait to leave. Stayed for 30 mins I won't go back and I won't recommend it. I felt sad for the barmaid who was welcoming.
Price per person
£1–10
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 1

The term “Hidden gem” is over used, ✋but this is a hidden gem . We had the best roast dinner ever! This is a wonderfully quirky fun, proper pub you can easily while away the hours without even realising. I have to mention the heartfelt welcome you will receive from the staff. Now we just need to try everything else on the menu

We tried this pub with a friend from out of town just after the relaunch of the menu, it was busy but still our food took over an hour, having reminded the staff twice it eventually came but was lukewarm and disappointing. I'm sure the kitchen and staff have bedded in more by now but I don't think we're brave enough for a return visit any time soon.

Refurbished and under new management as of 2018, this is a lovely cosy pub tucked away just behind Wetherspoons. This hidden gem has a great selection of well-kept ales and lagers, a fantastic menu, and extremely friendly and helpful bar staff. The beer garden is also a great place to relax with ambient music and great decor. Highly recommended.

Great welcoming pub , with a fantastic outdoor space and gigging area .
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Tandoori Chicken Pizza
Parking space
Difficult to find parking
Parking
The only down side is the lack of parking available near

My friend and I went to this pub for dinner last night on the eve of tier 3 restrictions in London. Covid safety measures were excellent. Food was fabulous and were felt welcomed looked after and safe. The garden is gorgeous so we will make it our 'go to place' in the summer. Great job guys! Hope to see you again soon x

nice pub, great staff. They could do with changing the garden roof from wood to wind up blinds to let more sun in. guarantee bring more business. In todays wether was cold in the shade but boiling in the sun. would of helped. the chips was also very nice as recommended by the worker.

Just enjoyed an exceptional roast in a top notch local pub. Clean and friendly, perfect beef and lamb roast and tasty beers. This pub deserves a higher profile than its unassuming location gives it. We will be back! (And recommending it to our friends)

Straightforward typical village pub known for just food .They cook it ,they don't just microwave it.Large premises,outside garden ,very good value
Price per person
£20–30
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

We visit this pub to enjoy the live music. The food is delicious and the staff are helpful and friendly. This is one of my favourite pubs. Plenty of space inside and out and the garden seating areas can be enjoyed any time of year.

Lovely pub with great atmosphere and food. I celebrated my birthday there just before the lockdown and it turned out to be such a wonderful evening. Thank you everyone for the unforgettable experience. I will be back.

Been at a fair few pubs but this one is really good. Live music, nice friendly staff and a really nice crowd in attendance on day of my visit. Worth a look if you are into a good down to earth good food environment

I have been using this little since mid 70's ans although it has changed quite a lot I still visit on occasion. Still a green king pub and usually not packed out which suits myself. We'll worth the visit.

Great little pub tucked away very friendly staff and a pleasure to have had the opportunity of visiting if i'am ever in the area I will definitely be back. Many thanks from all of Brian's family

Absolutely lovely venue for karaoke, run by a guy called Neil. I'll be as regular as possible, and next time I'm hoping to try out the food they serve. Did I mention the amazing karaoke?

Taken a while to turn around since it's most recent takeover but I suspect destined for greater things especially if they capitalise on the stage in the beer garden for live bands.

Very good blend of the traditional with a surprising and diverse beer garden. Good food well priced (could expand the menu a bit), super pleasant staff. Recommended. P Barnard

Lovely little pub, always pleased to see us. Had a roast beef dinner, was OK, used to be great. Pub is a lot warmer than it used to be, it was very cold before in the winter.

Great atmosphere and friendly staff. There's great decoration, heating and entertainment outdoors. Prices are quite high and the food is somewhat disappointing

Great pub, new owners are putting in a lot of money and effort to make it worth the effort to visit, so give it a try and see what a good pub this has become.

Nice early 1900's boozer, traditional interior with period fittings. Friendly, cheerful staff. Surprisingly roomy with a covered rear garden. Worth a visit!

Always amazing, they host great events there support local talent! Great outside space! It's a little hidden gem.
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

We've tried this pub a few times in the morning after it says it opens at 11am. But it's always locked and empty. Has this place permanently closed?

Was pleasantly surprised at this pub. Friendly staff and patrons. Excellent outside area. Have yet to sample the food but will be back to do soon.

Lovely staff and great atmosphere. A little pub with class next to the Wetherspoon next door - much better place. Massive “secret” garden too!

This is a gem of a pub. I called in for the first time and the staff were amazing. Even the regulars were friendly. Definitely will return

Had an enjoyable evening with friends in this pub. The staff there are friendly and helpful. The pub is full of character and characters.

Really cosy, welcoming place. And for too many, a still undiscovered gem. Cool outside space too. Great place for a relaxed, quiet drink.

Great pub which has improved immensely since I last been here when I lived in Barnet. My only criticism is the price of drinks, be wary.

We went there for a 60th birthday do. Watched a good band and had a fun night. It wasn't too busy so no problems getting served.

This place is a hidden gem. The decor and ambiance is amazing. Food is good and one can even have parties in the back garden.

Good food. Easy going pub. Developing live music as a feature recently. Good beer garden with plenty of heaters.

Nice friendly staff not a lot of choice in beers, Camden beer was nice, not a lot of food to choose from though.

Local of choice. Secluded, grown up pub which can be a little intimidating. Lovely when you get the hang of it.

Fantastic roast dinner! Very cute little pub and lovely staff. A must try and I will definitely be coming back

A nice pub looks good seems a wide variety of drinks & next time will try the food too.Yes I liked it …

New management, lovely friendly staff. Very welcoming and a great place to have a drink or something to eat.

If you don't like the old-man style bar at the front, there is a separate more stylish room at the back ...

Loved the atmosphere, food and great music, plus thought the friendly service was excellent, well done.

Recent changes have returned this pub to a good place for a pint. Shame about the TV in the front bar

Great bar since it's renovation, back garden is great. Advise to go when there is live band playing

Tucked off the main road, what we saw was a clean bar , reasonable prices good choice, will return.

We watched champions league final, very good atmosphere, amazing food and service!!! Recommended.

Love the place. Great indoor and outdoor seating. Great food. Very friendly owners and staff.

My favourite local pub, been coming for years, beats all the other E Barnet pubs hand down!!

This is an excellent pub. Well kept real ale and good food. Definitely worth several visits.

Nice pub - they have done a great job of extending out the rear area so lots of seating

Top quality boozer and the guest ales are second to none. Thai kitchen is pucker too!

Cosy and friendly old fashioned pub with good beer and food. A hidden gem!

Ery impressed with what they've done to the old place, great atmosphere.

A proper old school boozer, didn't try any food but the menu looked good

No Greene King beers available!
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

I really like this place. Cozy and nice people
Atmosphere: 5

Great pub, nice to have a local place with live music... …

Excellent pub good service and safety standards in this weird time

Good food and friendly staff and they've made the garden lovely!

Lovely little pub....wasn't the best pint of Guinness though

Outstanding local pub
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

It's an enjoyable place for a nice lunchtime pint, for sure!

Great pub. Good service and atmosphere. Showing live music.

Delicious food and excellent service. Strongly recommended!

Cosy and authentic intimate space, inside and outside.

best afternoon pub in new barnet .good beer nice staff

Used to be great now unfriendly staff and poor service

Friendly staff, lovely food and a beautiful garden.

A really lovely cosy pub with a great outdoor area!

A very nice pub with garden and friendly bar staff

Great little pub! Nice atmosphere,friendly staff.

Nice pub, if I leave high Barnet it be for this

Not forthcoming with paying their bills....!!!!

Thanks for food and good service all the best.

Great secret garden. The hidden gem of Barnet!

Good drinks and an excellent open mic night.

Nice beer, nice bar, nice garden, nice pub

Lovely staff great food nice place to eat

Great pub. Good atmosphere. Good staff.

What a quirky little pub, lovely place

Very small menu. Bit dark and dingy.

Excellent night a real gem of a pub

A lovely place to spend an evening.

Nice outside space with heaters.

Beer is good. Old fashioned pub

Very quaint and delightful bar!

Hidden gem with friendly staff

Really nice place and people

Great pub and I don't drink

Such a nice pub with garden

Good pub food and service

Good Beer friendly place

Great burgers for 4.50!

Nice cosy place …

Good pub grate beers.

Old world pub. Great.