If you’re ever wandering through Tottenham in North London, you might spot something a bit unusual. Nestled next to the historic 17th-century Tottenham High Cross monument on the High Road is a tiny pub with a petite garden.
From afar, it seems like a little beer haven amidst a barren landscape of concrete and cement. But as you approach, you’ll notice something even more peculiar – two signs flanking the building, one reading ‘Ladies’ and the other ‘Gentlemen’.
That’s because this structure, built a century ago, was originally a public loo. In fact, it served as a public convenience until just a few years back, offering respite for thousands of footie fans who’d gather weekly around the nearby Seven Sisters Tube station en route to or from the Tottenham Hotspur FC stadium further up the road.
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But in recent times, the public loo was shut down and boarded up, turning into a derelict eyesore at the junction of the A10 road and Monument Way.
However, this building was rejuvenated when it was revamped and transformed into a ‘micropub’ in 2018, aptly christened The High Cross.
While it still bears the exterior look of a public toilet, the interior has undergone a total transformation. The toilets and urinals were ripped out and the walls were refreshed with a new coat of glossy white paint.
The quirky pub that’s been transformed from an old lavatory block into a cosy drinking spot has become the talk of the town. The once separate men’s and women’s facilities have been united by knocking through the dividing wall, and stylish wooden floorboards now underpin a snug bar area.
Patrons still have the choice of two entrances, harking back to its former days as gendered conveniences. Yet today, visitors can enter or exit through either door.
Incredibly, despite its compact size, the establishment boasts 10 beer taps, offering a selection of craft beers, with several sourced from local London breweries.
Not just about the drinks, the pub also serves up a hearty menu from its tiny kitchen. Customers can tuck into everything from burgers and pies to succulent steaks and a traditional Sunday roast.
One patron raved about the Sunday roast, calling it the ‘tastiest and most generous’ they’ve encountered in ages, and praised it for being ‘great value for money’. Another left a glowing review about their visit, saying: “It was the best experience I have had in an old toilet! ” a nod to the venue’s past life.
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With a stellar rating on Google, it seems many agree with these sentiments.
Catering to all, the pub also presents vegan and vegetarian dishes, alongside non-alcoholic beer options. Due to the limited seating, customers are encouraged to book ahead.
And in a respectful tribute to its history, the pub has thoughtfully included space for a customer toilet.
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