Barnet gains two new pubs on Londonist’s 2026 best-of list
The Golden Tooth in Stoke Newington and Mary Wollstonecraft in Newington Green make the annual round-up
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Two pubs in the London Borough of Barnet have been named among the capital’s best new openings of 2026. Londonist published the list on 15 August 2026, selecting ten venues across Greater London for their atmosphere, drink selection and community impact.
The Golden Tooth in Stoke Newington and Mary Wollstonecraft in Newington Green are the only Barnet entries. Neither is part of a national chain. Both serve cask ales from small, independent breweries and have outdoor spaces.
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The Golden Tooth: restaurant roots, pub welcome
The Golden Tooth opened at 79 Green Lanes, N16 9BU, in early 2026. It is the second project from chef Matthew Scott, who previously ran Papi in London Fields. Londonist described the front drinking area as welcoming, with around a dozen tables and a chalkboard listing a dozen keg beers.
The review noted that the pub does not serve cask ale. Music played during the visit included Dexys Midnight Runners and Electric Light Orchestra. The venue is open seven days a week, with no booking required for the bar.
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Mary Wollstonecraft: feminist name, local history
Mary Wollstonecraft is located at 181 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0UL. It opened in late 2025 and is named after the 18th-century feminist writer who ran a boarding school in nearby Newington Green. The pub’s exterior includes a sculpture of Wollstonecraft.
Londonist reported that the pub serves eight cask ales, mostly from small breweries, and has a rear garden. The layout resembles the nearby Auld Shillelagh. The garden was hosting a wedding during the reviewer’s visit, so no photographs were taken.
What the list means for Barnet residents
Londonist’s annual round-up is widely read by London drinkers. Inclusion signals that a pub offers something distinctive: local ownership, rare beers, or a strong community role. Neither The Golden Tooth nor Mary Wollstonecraft required planning permission beyond standard licensing, so no council decisions are pending.
Barnet Council has not commented on the Londonist list. The council’s licensing committee last met on 20 July 2026 and has no further meetings scheduled before October. Residents can visit both pubs immediately.
What happens next
No formal steps are required from Barnet Council or the pubs themselves. Londonist plans to update the list every six months. The next edition is expected in February 2027. Residents can suggest venues for future inclusion by emailing the magazine.
Questions this report answers
+Which Barnet pubs made the Londonist 2026 list?
The Golden Tooth in Stoke Newington and Mary Wollstonecraft in Newington Green were named among the best new London pubs in August 2026. Both serve cask ales and are independently owned.
+Do I need to book to visit these pubs?
No booking is required for the bar areas at either The Golden Tooth or Mary Wollstonecraft. The Golden Tooth has around a dozen tables; Mary Wollstonecraft has a rear garden.
+Will Barnet Council take any action after the Londonist list?
Barnet Council has not announced any action. The licensing committee’s next meeting is in October 2026. No planning or licensing decisions are pending for these pubs.
+When will Londonist update its pub list again?
Londonist plans to renew the list every six months. The next edition is expected in February 2027. Residents can suggest venues by emailing the magazine.
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