North London pubs with odd names and where they came from

The area is home to a number of watering holes with unique and unusual names. 

We have rounded up five pubs across north London with intriguing names that you could visit. 

The Wrestlers, Highgate

The Wrestlers in North Road has stood in place since 1547, with the current owners having run the pub since 1997. 

Its original fireplace, wooden furniture and stained glass windows have survived the test of time, making it a truly interesting spot. 

In keeping with it's historic ties, the pub displays some horns and a plaque of a farcical oath on its walls, as a reminder of the Swearing on the Horns. 

The Wrestlers, North Road (Image: Google Maps) According to the pub's website, the oath was traditionally given to visitors at various pubs in the Highgate during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. 

The oath entails a series of statements read by a clerk meant to determine a person's dedication to merriment and debauchery, with those taking the oath either kissing or saluting a pair of horns. 

Customers can contact the pub to find out when the next oath will be undertaken. 

The name is believed to have come from a trend of people meeting at the pub to settle their petty differences with a fight. 

Bald Faced Stag, East Finchley

This pub in High Road began operating as a public house in 1700s, when it was previously known as The Jolly Blacksmiths. 

It took its current name of the Bald Faced Stag in 1781 and is believed to have once been a meeting point for public deer hunts. 

Bald Faced Stag, High Road (Image: Google Maps) It is rumoured that the name could possibly have come from a white faced stag that was said to be known in the area on Finchley Common, according to Publocation. 

The pub underwent a refurbishment in 2021 and operates as a gastropub. 

The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead

The Spaniards Inn in Spaniards Road dates back to 1585, when it was built as a tollgate. 

According to the website, the pub was named after the Spanish Ambassador to James I of England.

The Spaniards Inn, Spaniards Road (Image: Google Maps) A rumour also circles the public house that notorious highwayman Dick Turpin was born there and that his father acted as landlord of the venue in the early 1700s. 

It is now a Grade II listed building with preserved features.

The Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park

The Faltering Fullback is an Irish pub located in Perth Road and self proclaimed "rugby hot spot".

It was formerly known as the Sir Walter Scott when it was established in the 19th century. 

The Faltering Fullback, Perth Road (Image: Google Maps) The ivy covered pub took its current name in 1994 and was taken over by The Fitzsimons family from West Limerick in 2001. 

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The name is believed to have been inspired by its tie to rugby, as a full back is a defensive position in the sport. 

Island Queen, Islington

This pub in Noel Road claims to be "the only pub in Britain to bear the name 'Island Queen'". 

Island Queen, Noel Road (Image: Google Maps) According to its website, the pub was named after the American side-wheeler steamboat that cruised along rivers in Mississippi and Ohio in the 1800s. 

The pub has a traditional wood-panelled interior and features tropical foliage.