The Plimsoll, Finsbury Park

“These seats are very uncomfortable,” I messaged Sumit, shifting on a low stool— awkwardly shifting on the tiny stool—seat number two of the evening at The Plimsoll. The first was a tall bar stool that felt as if it might buckle against the rickety floor… or under my weight.

Tucked away in the middle of a residential pocket of Finsbury Park, The Plimsoll has earned a cult following for its legendary cheeseburger, seasonal small plates built around British ingredients, and arguably the best Guinness in north‑east London.

The pub is run by the Four Legs team, who launched their first residency at The Compton Arms in Islington before spreading their love of food to two north‑London spots—both of which I visited on the same day. (I’ll write about Tollington in the next post.)

But you’re here for one thing, so let’s get to it.

Dexter Cheeseburger
Glossy brioche bun, grilled beef patty, melted cheese, pickles, and sauce—simply delicious. Imagine a McDonald’s cheeseburger that’s been levelled up in every possible way. It was so good we ordered a second to share.

Baked Scallop with Golden Peppers
Perfectly cooked in a buttery, citrusy sauce, with sweet peppers for contrast. A basket of crusty bread would have been ideal for mopping up that sauce, but we were encouraged to slurp it straight from the shell—fine by me, though I did end up with a mouthful of salt from the bed of salt the shell rested on.

Grilled Octopus with Chilli & Broad Beans
Tender, slightly smoky octopus with just a kick of chilli. Like the scallop dish, it begged for bread. The broad beans divided opinion—they didn’t add much, but given that we’re young yet middle‑aged with bowel issues, a touch of green was welcome.

Or any kind of fibre is a win!

Strawberry Meringue Mess
Light, creamy, and not overly sweet—a perfect sharing dessert to round off the first half of our food adventure. The meringues were airy and crisp with a slight chew, while the strawberry sauce was sweet yet tart. I only wished for fresh strawberry pieces for an extra pop of texture and freshness.

Yes, the space is tiny. Yes, you may feel overwhelmed, and yes, it can feel a little rushed. But you feel the love and care behind every plate. Our waiter was friendly, informed, and passionate about the food. And despite the cramped quarters and balancing-act seating, I left smiling—and somewhat full & satisfied.

(Because as I reminded some of you, we had another stop to go to...)

Would I go back? Best believe I will —especially for that Dexter Cheeseburger.

Address:  52 St Thomas's Rd, Finsbury Park, London N4 2QQ