Listed in many of the Regency era guidebooks alongside other tea gardens, Highbury Barn Tea Gardens was a farm for many decades until a small cake and ale house opened in the barn in 1740. Offering cakes with cream, custards, and freshly brewed ale to Londoners seeking the fresh country air, the Islington establishment would slowly develop a reputation as a tea garden.
By the 1810s, a large brewery would be built alongside the barn to cater to the throngs of visitors, as well as a substantial exterior remodel to the original tavern. It was christened as the Highbury Assembly House. By the late Regency era, more attractions would be added to the grounds to set it up as a “mini-Vauxhall”. Tightrope walkers, fireworks, and balloon ascensions would be added attractions for visitors.
It would lose its license for entertainments in the 1870s, but the pub and ale house remain to this day. To learn more about the past and present at Highbury Barn, visit their website: http://highburywildlifegarden.org.uk/
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